2006-2010 Ford Explorer P0308 Cylinder 8 Misfire: Check This Out First Before Going to Your Mechanic

In this video we show you a real common cause of a P0308 cylinder 8 misfire on the Ford Explorer 4.6L 3v engines.
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[@FordTechMakuloco]

Permatex Ultra Black is Best to use: amzn.to/3AzFgrJ Forscan is a free Ford Specific Diagnostic Software: Download Here- forscan.org/home.html ELM 327 Adapter I Recommend- amzn.to/2GC6dBj As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@LittleZeke78]

I bought them from your channel last fall/ winter …

[@iancameron198]

I have a 2006 ford f150 and the Trans is starting to buck when getting up to speed any ideas or vids I can watch

[@jbr496]

@@iancameron198 Are you sure it's not a misfire? My 2004 5.4 3V does that. It happens mainly in 4th gear with the converter locked up. Any gas causes it to buck. It's due for new plugs and probably a few coils.

[@iancameron198]

@@jbr496 it seems to be alright after replacing the plugs.its not bucking anymore.replacing the plugs seemed to fix.thank god.

[@jeremyletlow9989]

😊😊

[@cfzippo]

#8 is being waterboarded! 😂

[@avguidotti]

My 08 Grand Marquis had the same code and was running rough. I pulled the coil boot and sure enough there was water. I cleaned everything up and it took care of the problem. Now I'm gonna plug the source of the leak. Thank you for saving me so much time and aggravation figuring it out.

[@chrisbell1687]

use that ultra black for EVERYTHING. Great product.

[@Ray956Texas]

All I can say is ...I learn something new every day ....thank you my man!!!

[@johnhwang339]

This is also a well known problem with the Triton V10s from 1999-2004 where the cowling meet at the center and having that gap. Can't understand why the engineers at Ford miss these problems considering that it's a common problem with a lot of their models.

[@larryb51]

I wouldn't complain about the engineers on this one. True, it could have been designed better, but I've dealt with far worse water issues. (I could never solve a water leak through the cowl of a 99 LeSabre. That was horrible!) For a real engineering flaw, take a look at where the water heater line for the rear heater core goes. It passes within less than an inch of the exhaust manifold. That thing is a time bomb! (FTM, I've love to see your ideas on how to protect this hose better. Ford's method of using a reflective cover over the hose burns through eventually. A Ford tech in LA left it touching the manifold and it burned through within a year. As we live in Canada, they would not help us out, even work with a local Ford dealership here in Canada.

[@edgrigsby8610]

Oh wow!! Our Explorer does this. I figured it had something to do with the rain, but figured it was splashing up from underneath. Thank you so much for this solution video!! BTW, we liked our 08 Limited so much, we're currently shopping for another one. Trying to find the lowest miles and newest one we can.( between 2008 - 2010)

[@classicwefi]

I didn't know these could be equipped with the optional water cooled ignition coil 👍

[@petesmitt]

like the old British Mini's.. water cooled distributor.

[@stevel6337]

Thanks for the awesome video! Would really like to see more tech tips on this generation Explorer. We have a 2006 with 140k miles and we still love driving it!

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Being in California we don't normally get downpour rain however, one year we got way over our normal amount and sure enough, one of the 2004 F150's with the 4.6 got the top of the intake and all 8 plugs/coils bathed in water. Barely ran, MIL light on, shaking like crazy. Used my long tube air gun to clean out all the "wells" after removing all the coils. Removed and checked the plugs, they were worn, made sure no moisture got in the combustion chambers using the long tube blow gun, installed new plugs, coils, air filter (it was dirty) cleaned the MAF sensor, changed the engine oil and filter (miles and time) and fired it up. Ran great. Reset the computer memory, road test and I knew the MIL would come back on and yes it did. All the misfiring dumped raw fuel into old cats (truck had over 150,000 odometer miles). So, new cats, new front and rear 02 sensors, another road test, truck ran like a dream for many, many more miles.

[@markk3652]

Some silicone grease applied to the #8 boot before reinstall helps seal any moisture from getting in and arcing the ignition path out of the intended one too. Great video fix.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yup that is what I do too.

[@juana6632]

Thanks both of you! 2002 crown Vic Modesto to Bay Area California..weekly basis…. 8 cylinder misfiring after car wash and rain…. Really water boarded the.. 8th cylinder…. so much drama over here….

[@380.motorsports]

As a former Ford employee its sad to see how some very simple engineering issues are somehow allowed to happen. There should never be openings from the cowl to the engine compartment like that. The cowl should be sealed. That’s why you have a big rubber hood seal to prevent engine fumes from being sucked into the cowl area where fresh air is pulled into the passenger compartment. If water can drip out of the cowl then bad air can be sucked into it. Very poor engineering there. Thanks for pointing this out.

[@migslupercus9388]

Dude, i bought my 4.6L 2008 Explore brand new and sure enough after 5 years or so I started having this misfire issue on cylinder 4 and 8. You don't know how long I been looking for a video regarding this exact issue 🙌. Should this not be a Ford recall? I always thought after it rained the water leak was coming from the windshield spray nozzles, they are located also right above cylinders 4 & 8. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to make this video exposing this Ford problem.

[@pandatwinsplay3334]

Thanks for this video, same issue also occurs with the 2002-2005 Explorers.

[@davehayden29]

Great video. Easy enough for the reg person to do while at home. Man wish you were out here in Vegas. So many f150 engines out here. Hope to see some videos on the new godzilla engine. Even an overview of the engine.

[@Twobarpsi]

Best Tech on the planet!!

[@josephmorrone2660]

Brian You are #1 of my top 5 top You Tube channels ! Well Done 👍

[@paulkrutulis9549]

Lol Brian, you're making all of my cars famous!! Thank you for taking care of this.

[@TheJmich2001]

That's when an Explorer was an Explorer!

[@papo862]

had this happen on 06 crown Victoria

[@papo862]

@@PanzerPlatform Chuck I see you every where 😂

[@TheTitaniumSkull]

See uniform company step vans with Ford V10 engine weekly. Same issue except different hood and utilimaster hood seal is compressed to death. And in Miami during rainy season it’s a constant line of vans needing correction and upgrades, non rainy periods I get a break.

[@xoxo2008oxox]

Great attention to detail, FTM! IIRC, I had a T100 that when I put the TRD headers on, you had to remove a heatshield from the top of the original castiron header, which was not reusable on the TRD header. Well, over time, the TRD header cracked on the passenger side. Dealer/Toyota TRD wouldn't cover it. Took me a hot day to witness the condensate nipple piss out on the header. A simple hose to relocate the AC water down to below the frame rail was all it took (small hose clamp, some 3/8 hose and zip ties to secure). Poor designs are out there and its folks like you that catch these and remedy. Great tip on the Permatex too!

[@hhoverdrive1]

I hope this is my problem. Thank you!

[@abe2ham]

I highly recommend trying the Toyota FIPG black gasket maker/sealant, that stuff is STICKY and will get everywhere similar to windshield urethane adhesive and it so durable resilient to heat. I know many different techs from Nissan n Honda prefer to use the Toyota fipg sealant check it out buddy

[@brianw.520]

Simple $10 fix for an engine issue, that's awesome! I may check my 5.0 for this and do as well!

[@tuckman30]

After cleaning parts with ultra black compared to parts with red permatex rtv. You'll know why he chose the ultra black.

[@LittleZeke78]

Number 3! 303 !! Man I have done all that you have said , only OEM , plugs , coils , fuel injectors , fuel rail pressure sensor , mass airflow , fuel filter , and still I get a cold engine start cylinder 3 misfire then and if I floor it . I did the passenger side exhaust manifold too just as your video taught me . But I need the threat inlets in the head on cylinder four , just don’t have the duckets to do it yet … hey man thanks for all you do , you are mr meoggi!!!!!! And we are your students , critics need not apply !

[@LittleZeke78]

Once she is warm , she purrs like a kitten, just a little rough on startup, I really think I need to open the valve covers and inspect the lifters and valves , but if I go that far I want the melling oil pump , and timing kit and all the lifter/rollers and springs …. It’s time but again , no duckets , just have to keep saving when I can … 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@LittleZeke78]

2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L 281 w the 6 speed 6R60 ( needs a rebuild too)

[@LittleZeke78]

Broke down and took her onto the repair shop , my nightmare experience with the ford dealer has comeback to haunt me!!! Cylinder 3 is low on compression.

[@DR34343]

I had the same issue with my 2010 Explorer a year ago with cylinder 4 and just the other day I had it again with cylinder number 3.

[@rodcarpenter849]

I’ve had this problem for years. Thanks for the fix

[@hikerJohn]

That will make it "interesting" if/when you need to remove/replace that wiper cowl cover.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Luckily there are no common failures under there, I have never had to pull one in my entire career. Now the windshield guys will certainly have fun.

[@stephenbartram7377]

@@FordTechMakuloco another fix would be to install a rain gutter underneath

[@roberthickoxjr]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Every video is greatly appreciated.

[@baddriversofcolga]

I knew what this was going to be as soon as I saw the title. I of course had the same issue with mine...

[@rtwynn24]

Wow thx

[@thudtheace]

I saw this and thought water dripping on that #8 spark plug before even hitting play... This would happen to my 1998 F150 4.6l 2v. A little silicon took care of the problem.. Cheers!

[@mudwiser1391]

Would love to see a video about... The FORD BMS system, explained thoroughly in HD. Does the BMS hold the charge of the battery at 12.4 volts when in static state, rather than 12.6 (2.1volts per cell)? Does the BMS system really help save on gas? Can it be disconnected at the battery, with no consequence? Also.... Undercarriage rust on F-150's? It looks unsightly but it is in fact just surface rust? Can I use a one step rust paint? Can I use pain on the diff Cover?

[@jamesbruno5896]

Great tip Brian! Thanks for sharing!

[@stagggerlee]

Looks like "A job for Flex Seal" LOL

[@amazin1827]

My 06 EXPEDITION does it too..

[@FosterFarmsOk]

I loved our 06 and 07 v8 explorer but dang those stupid oil filter adapter gaskets. Had to change those stupid things many times.

[@randomuser1596]

My 06 4.0 Explorer does the same thing yet its cyl 3 missfire

[@PhillyDee215]

Yeah I've pulled out a lot of rusty spark plugs from this very same issue😏‼️

[@robertmedina6875]

Thanks for telling us man! We definitely appreciate you!

[@JosePerez-zt8si]

The 2005 lincoln navigator has the same problem on cylinder 4 if is not rain is the hose from the heater core that leaks right on top and flood the cylinder.

[@oby-1607]

I thought I saw a minnow in that little pond around the spark plug well.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

GREAT TIP! CHEERS from Westcoast Canada!

[@r.weaver3769]

Ford making techs paychecks

[@Wreckerboy]

What is it with Ferd and cowl drains? Take a look at the drains around the wipers on any ‘15 and up F-150, a ‘19 up Super Duty, or a Transit. One tiny little hole that clogs up if you look at it cross-eyed and then you end up with a puddle at the wiper base. A piece of coat hanger cleans it easily enough, but this isn’t something you should have to do.

[@KLondike5]

There's always something with the corners on V8 Fords. I've had 2 Crown Vics with the cracked plastic manifold coolant leak but that was on 4 I think. My mom's 90's Grand Marquis had constant misfire on 8.

[@29auto30]

Had a 2002 lincoln Continental do the same thing only it was #4 misfire, it was a front wheel drive.

[@young11984]

Sounds like the older F150/expeditions on cylinder #4, hard rain and suddenly its misfiring. Pull the coil and its full of water. I use ultra black on my Mustangs whole turbo set up and no gaskets, never leaks or burns out but need a big pry bar to break the seal when it needs to be removed for repairs though lol

[@brandytt2009]

2008 f150 4.6. Misfire #8 changed all couls and spark plugs intake gasket injector all the oxygen sensors egr valve $600 spent so far still misfire #8

[@jonesy4588]

remarkable

[@e.b.6766]

Interesting… water caused a similar issue on the wife’s old Mustang. It was the A/C condensation drip tube allowing cool water to fall onto the how exhaust manifold. Yep… eventually causes the weld to crack, and cause an exhaust leak accompanied with the noise characteristic of a leak.

[@stevehei8035]

Wow, you would think Ford would have tested this I a rain car wash

[@AyYoDimeloLoco]

Whooa!! You’re awesome! Will do this asap!

[@jiggidyjam]

Man that’s taking on water like the Titanic

[@thomask4836]

Thank You So Much for this video and adding the basics.. I just saw a Watching Wes Work video in the past few days where he also pointed out the cylinder numbering for Ford vs GM and Dodge. You guys should hang out together for a day or two! Basics are important! Also, Thanks for your recommendation on the type of material you use to make this repair and the reason why! I'm 66 and really enjoy your videos. I just got a 2013 police interceptor explorer this year, love it, and appreciate the time you take to point things out!

[@toddpeters9007]

Good info

[@paulfiebke3909]

What about pickup trucks? Keep up the good work

[@Internutt2023]

The exact same thing happened on my '05 Expedition with a 5.4L, except on #4 on the passenger, and in the middle of a Chicago winter cold snap. It seems that snow I didn't clear off of the hood, as it was parked outside, melted enough to fill the spark plug well up to the porcelain, so, I could get the coil off, but I couldn't get a socket on the plug until I put a heat gun to the plug well for about 15 minutes to melt the ice. There's no protruding tabs on that hood seal for my Exped, It just seems water got into that area. I'm guessing my short trip to and from work driving didn't evaporate the collected water/snow melt until it caused that issue.

[@MichaelPoage666]

I get code P0358, I'm going to replace that coil. But I'm wondering why that code and not P0308. I already looked at the spark plug, which seems ok.

[@chrischiampo7647]

😀😮😊 Thanks For The Tip Brian

[@jrbrazis]

Thanks for the fix!👊

[@jeeinocca]

Great work as usual. God Bless !

[@DarkSoulofMen]

My 2005 has the same issue so I assume it’s more than just this generation.

[@bowe1978]

I live in the Denver area, have the first gen 5.0 F-150 with cold start #4 and sometimes random misfire, rough idle but significantly smooths out though not completely, changed plugs twice couple rounds of carbon cleaner treatment and new coils on cyl that report misfire. thinking I'm looking at a valve job on both heads and wondering what kind of cost I'm looking at. engine has 131k, no leaks or oil burning. Thanks

[@EpicDevonhi]

Hey thanks for this! Only issue I’m having now isn’t a misfire but I’m stuck in limp mode or something and transmission slips and won’t move around 50-60km/h Runs smooth but can’t figure it out. Tried a new throttle body controller and no luck. Any ideas?

[@peterpeter5666]

Ford seems to have alot of problems with water leaking. I have repaired alot of transits 250 where water leaks on the coils on the driver side and shorts them out. even the old transit connects have this problem.

[@timf6916]

Good information

[@lauraencarnacion6688]

Hi! do you have a video that explains how to remove the sunroof fabric on the 2014 Ford Escape?

[@fixento]

Not quite true, ford V8s cylinder numbers are different from GM and Chrysler

[@FordTechMakuloco]

What in the world are you talking about? We only talk Fords here I am in no way shape or form referencing any other make or model.

[@fixento]

Quote, "On V8 engines it goes like this....................." You may be working on Ford only, but your statement make it inclusive of other manufactures engines.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I am obviously talking about Fords on a Ford channel while working on a Ford v8 engine in the video. I don't understand the confusion or why we are talking about other makes and models.

[@clearwood]

Thank you again!

[@eddiejones.redvees]

Did a computer design this car or engineer

[@richardthomas1743]

Thank you for the great tip!! 👍

[@anonanonme2463]

Yup Fixed Often Repaired Daily; yet I own 3.. Only 80's and early 90's..

[@mikekokomomike]

my 2004 f150 4.6 is probably the most reliable vehicle I have owned

[@patrickursomanno8861]

Found On Road Dead, backwards , Driver Returned On Foot. 2016 f150 5.0 owner.

[@mickshoot3497]

I took an 06 Explorer Ltd 4.6 for a test drive. When you hit the gas it takes off very strong but only for like 2 seconds then it just bogs down and chugs. Without and diagnosis unit one guy told me its the Cam Sensor. Does that sound right? Also all 4 tires look to be burned off like someone did a major burnout with it. It is a beautiful unit and under 100,000 km on it. Not sure if I should take a chance on it or not even at a cheap price?

[@SpenceStan888]

Question, as don't know where else to ask you. My CATs are going bad and state has stopped requiring emissions tests. So technically could i knock out the cat material in my units and vehicle operate normally? Or would it go into limp mode? 196k miles on '13 explorer

[@iahmad4582]

Hi sir ford explorer 2010 check light on code p0401 egr valve replaced and breather hose replaced but code still what could be wrong 😉

[@Jupitermustangmike]

VERY GOOD INFO ! MY STANG DOES THIS ✌

[@stevek343]

Take it to your mechanic? My mechanic is yours truly, me.

[@curtisramone7070]

Good to know..👍

[@chrisbell1687]

do you have any videos coming on the ford V6 police motor in the 2013 version of FPIU Explorer? Dual overhead cams with phasers. That must be more tricky than the dreaded 5.4 3 valve.

[@timjones361]

I got a 2006 f150 keeps getting cylinders 8 miss fire changed plug wire coil still keeps coming back any ideas

[@nickayivor8432]

KNOWLEDGEABLE FordTechMakuloco God bless you and all your family around you for sharing what you know with us Take care and have a great day FordTechMakuloco From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@moorejl57]

Have you had any 2019-2022 Ford Rangers in your shop? I would like to see any tips you may have on maintaining the 2.3L Ecoboost engines.

[@scuba422123]

yea the trail blazer was #5 here in ny they blast the puddles in a big way and turn the engine room into a fish tank what would be the fix for that?

[@empanada7]

is this apply to a 2006 econoline 250 ?

[@RipRoaringGarage]

For a car that eventually will end up in the crusher, yeah...but I wouldnt do it that way. If you ever need to remove the wiper cowl, good luck getting the rtv off. I would probably put a gutter type profile and glue that to the firewall...i.e. just improvise in a non destructive way. Or go from the top with some kind of tape that can easily removed. Sure, its just an explorer but if its some other rare car (i.e. Marauder, Crown Vic Sport, Merc GLE, etx) those cowls are VERY flimsy and very hard to find. (No, you can't have mine lol. I have a few NOS ones for my car lol) But then again, things dont line up to to have this problem on the Panther platform cars

[@tilwedie23]

Hello FTM. I have 05 Mercury Montego it seems to run a bit sluggish so I changed only the front spark plugs for now and it seems to be running better the spark plugs had a 70- gap compared to the 54 gap it calls for. Seems to run faster now. Any danger to only changing one bank of spark plugs for now? Thanks sir.

[@LouJustlou]

My 67 Mustang cowl leaked like a sieve from the cowl inside the car. Not sure this approach by Ford is an improvement.....😐

[@louiemoscatel585]

I have a 2016 Explorer Sport. The rear axle seal passenger side is leaking at the rear differential, is that seal replaceable?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

yes

[@bedoers4good330]

This happened again while driving, i know this is what was happening again, then got real rough and lost 99% of power, dried #4-#8 still runs bad , anything else getting wet ? Or did it ruin my coils ?

[@jamesm8360]

Unplug coil while running, if engine starts shaking or running rough coil is good. If no Change then coil bad. You can also swap 2 coils next to each other to see if code is now thrown to other posistion or coil. Unplug the swapped coils and listen for engine change again. Just only unplug 1 coil at a time! I also saw a video on you buy a cheap voltage pen that the tip lights up when reading voltage. You place the tip on top of coil with engine running......it lights up....coil good...............no light...coil bad!❤

[@joshuanarine5449]

I have a 2007 ford explorer V6. I was doing some light maintenance in the vehicle such as valve cover gasket oil change and spark plugs . After I reinstalled everything I started it up and it was giving me a lot of throttle body codes and air flow codes I took the intake box off and put it back on and those codes went away then shortly after it threw a code for misfire in cylinder 3 when I took the spark plug out the electrode was smashed . I thought maybe I had dropped it by accident and didn’t realize or maybe it came messed up so I put a old one back in and it smashed it again I’ve tried 4 different spark plugs and they’ve all been getting smashed . The van was not miss firing before I worked on it . Anyone have any idea of what this could be ??

[@TheRoman1]

You are an awesome tech! Ford hates you I bet

[@adambennett2176]

Wow unreal

[@burton1214]

Am I able to get Ford IDS? do I need a special obd adapter?

[@codyroger9581]

What’s your opinion on these trucks otherwise? Full frame, 4.6 with 6 speed…

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Great trucks for sure.

[@randomuser1596]

Any advice for an 06 explorer 4.0 that stutters when gas is applied

[@paulnirschl6500]

Fuel filter

[@fredsalter1915]

Faulty windshield wiper

[@randomuser1596]

@@paulnirschl6500 its throws cylinder 3 misfire code but wires and plugs are changed

[@randomuser1596]

@@fredsalter1915 maybe

[@randomuser1596]

@@fredsalter1915 everything’s faulty on these pos

[@JT-lq4yd]

Great tip! Cheap fix as well, that is if you already have the sealant. I paid around $8 4 years ago for a tube.

[@krankinkogs]

its now $88

[@HorsepowerHouse]

This happened to me a million years ago when I cleaned the engine of my 1990 Honda CRX. Started running rough, and I was like 🤷. Was just water down there around the spark plug chamber... 😮‍💨

[@FishFind3000]

That’s why you don’t wash your engine

[@FishFind3000]

@@HorsepowerHouse dust on your engine covers isnt gonna ruin the thing.... Guess how many people dont clean their engine bay and how many people dont have any issues with their car because of it....