Need Engine Diagnostic Help - Focus

[Black Horse]

Having a hard time with a Focus - has the Ztec DOHC 4-cyl.
Engine miss (hard) under starting from a stop or under load (up a big hill)
Check engine light is on with "Plug 1 missfire" code set

Problem orignally started with a "Plug 3 missfire" code and a bad miss - found the accelerator cable had worn a groove in the #3 plug wire at the coil pack. Changed plugs and wires and seemed ok for a day or two, then problem came back.

I'm starting to think it might be a coil pack issue. Anyone have any experience or ideas before I start throwing parts at this?

I did check the plugs to make sure they were firing (electrical tester light) - all are getting juice through them although 1 and 3 seem to have more of an erratic pulse (it might be the cheap tester too).

Thanks for your help!!!

[Black Horse]

Ehhh...nevermind....

I swapped out the coil pack and its fixed! First time I have even seen anything like it.

[Katmandu]

Thanks for your help!!!Anytime brother! :cool1: :D

[mustangmike]

I was going to say coil problem, but you found it.
my wifes focus had the same problem.
see ya
mike