My check engine light recently came on and the code indicates a bad knock sensor right bank as well as a misfire plug 1 right bank. It has been suggested to me to change out the plugs and wires before trying to change out the knock sensor. Does that make sense? This vehicle really struggles to go up an incline and misses bad, but not all of the time. About two years ago it had the lower block replaced by ford due to the stuck injector issue, just as info. Also, are the coils on each plug? and will they also need to be replaced? Thanks for any info.

 

You don't have plug wires, you have a coil on each plug.

To test for a bad coil on #1, swap the coil with #2. If the miss moves, replace the bad coil. If it doesn't move, change the plugs.

 

Is there any issues with changing the plugs in this engine? I have read that they tend to break.

 

Yes they do, but that shouldn't be a major issue by this time. If you like to read, spend a few days reading up on it and you will lose your fear. Either have the dealer do it or educate yourself and learn something in the process. Those that go into it like a plug change 20 years ago are probably gonna have a problem, as they probably do with most things in life. Good luck! More information out there now with a search than you'll ever need.

 

Just wanted to update the thread. I decided to not try the spark plug replacement based on the problems that I could run into. I swapped the COP from plug 1 to plug 5. Then test drove the car after resetting the codes. The error code changed from P301 and Knock sensor bank 1 to P305 (plug 5) Knock sensor bank 2. Replaced the coil on plug 5 and all is well. Thanks for the info.