95 ford thunderbird chugging

I gotta '94 'Boid LX V8, 61k mi.

Plug wires on these motors can be a certified headache. Just don't last long enough (by my personal yardstick).

You changed the plugs? What'd the old electrodes look like? Dark(rich)? Near-white(lean)?? Been using fuel-injector- cleaner additive? Injectors clogged?

Your "computer" should be more accurate than mine. Hope it gives you accurate readings.

Cheers, Pudd>I recently had my check engine light come on and it called out the MAF, I

Somehow those 2 lines don't go well together ;-)

I have a 95 T-Bird LX with a 4.6 v8

The computer system is sensitive to electrical and magnetic noise. I tried using aftermarket plug wires once and it caused more problems then it was worth.

Typically the spark plug boots arc through to the heads causing all kinds of weird problems. Pull the wires for the misfire and carefully wrap the boots with black electrical tape. See if that fixes the problem. If it does fix the problem order a complete set of new factory sourced plug wires. There are some internet factory parts sites that charge less than your local dealer for parts.

Other electrical issues with this car include:

Poor wire / cable routing around the engine result in wire insulation wear thru and shorting to ground or significant wear of plastic parts like valve covers (passenger side rear, cables to starter, etc).

Black box for traction control , mounted under package tray in trunk is not shielded. Two way radios installed in the car cause it to act erratically and affects cruise control.

Switch mounted on side of tranny for gear selection can fail.

Check egr for leaking, check DPFE sensor,

So are mine. I'm told it's normal. Always worth considering, 'tho.

Lotta work. Costs a bundle at the shop.

Many recommend fi-cleaner gas additive as preventative. Dunno if it'd help if they're already clogged. Doubt it'd hurt.

I dunno why plug wires are such a headache with these motors, but they are. Diagnostic quagmire.

I had to replace 'em with dealer-bought wires at 40K mi. Still OK at 61k. Tried after-mkt wires first: they didn't even fit properly, had to take 'em back.

They cost too much and they can be a pain to install, but I'd put a 100% dependable set of plug wires on it before doing any further diagnoses. Twist the old boot at the plug vigorously before trying to pull it off.

Good Luck, Puddin'

I got Ford/Motorcraft wires from a dealer back around 2000. Seems like they were about $90. Labor to install might be something like $120 (oughta be $30 for my little dollar).

If there are truly good 3rd party wires on the market, I don't know about them. Someone else might have better info. Such things change from time to time and I only take a peek when I have a personal need.

I'd go with the Ford/Motorcraft wires just to avoid any further headaches.

Best, Pudd>Thanks for the advice, I'm going to change the wires, Do you have a specific

Hey guys,

I put Bosch (best from AutoZone) on my CV with the 4.6 about 50k ago. They fit like originals and have been flawless so far. I know the "B" word is a bad one near a Ford, at least for plugs, but the wires looked and felt like top notch and have performed that way so far... Don't forget the Silicon Dielectric Grease...

PoD