Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Engine Ignition (Description and Operation)

The ignition coil (12029), which is mounted on the upper intake manifold, can be described as a coil pack containing three separate coil units. Each coil unit is individually controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) through separate wire leads. Each coil unit activates two spark plugs wired in a series by the spark plug wires (12286).

  • One spark plug activates on the compression stroke and uses the majority of the ignition coil's stored energy.
  • The other spark plug activates on the exhaust stroke and uses very little of the ignition coil's stored energy.
  • Because the pairs of spark plugs are connected in a series, one spark will travel from ground to the electrode while the other spark will travel from the electrode to ground.

The spark plug (12405):

  • changes the high voltage pulse into a spark which ignites the fuel and air mixture.
  • originally equipped on the vehicle has a platinum-enhanced active electrode for long life.

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (6C315):

NOTE: Initial engine ignition timing is set at 10 degrees +- 2 degrees before top dead center (BTDC) and is not adjustable.

  • is a variable reluctance sensor triggered by a 36-minus-1 tooth trigger pulse wheel located on the crankshaft (6303) inside the engine front cover (6019).

The sine wave type signal generated from the crankshaft position sensor provides two types of information:

  • position of the crankshaft in 10 degree increments
  • the crankshaft speed (rpm)

The powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) uses this information to determine ignition coil turn ON and turn OFF times and misfire detection.

Engine Ignition (DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)

Refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.

    Engine Ignition - 3.8L
    General Specifications Torque Specifications ...

    Ignition Coil
    Material Item Specification Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound D7AZ-19A331-A or equivalent ESE-M1C171- A Removal and Installation 1. Disconnect the battery ...

    Other materials:

    Fuel Pressure Sensor
    Material Item Specification Super Premium SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil XO-5W20-DSP or equivalent WSS-M2C914- A Removal WARNING: Do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel related compo ...

    Camshaft
    Special Tool(s) Holding Tool, Camshaft 303-446 (T93P-6256-AHR) Material Item Specification Super Premium SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil XO-5W20-QSP or equivalent WSS-M2C153- H ...

    Wipers and Washers
    General Specifications Torque Specifications Wipers and Washers The wiper and washer system consists of the following components: windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft pivot arms windshield wiper blades windshield washer reservoir ...