How to Change the BWD E97 Ignition Coil on a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport

The Ford Explorer Sport arrived in 1991, the year when the Explorer made its debut. In 1998, Ford changed the Explorer lineup, making all two-door Explorers available only in the Sport model. The 1999 Explorer Sport came fitted with an electronic ignition system that used an ignition coil to distribute spark, as opposed to the old-style distributor. When this ignition coil fails, it can cause problems ranging from a light misfire to the Explorer not starting at all. The BWD E97 ignition coil is one of many aftermarket replacement coils available for the 1999 Explorer Sport. Replacing the coil on both available 4.0-liter engines involves a similar process; the only difference is the coils location.

Instructions

1

Find the ignition coil bolted to a bracket on the rear passengers side of the engine on the 4.0-liter OHV, or on the rear drivers side of the engine on the 4.0-liter SOHC engine.

2

Mark the spark plugs No. 1 through 6 with white marking paint, starting with the wire on the right-rear of the coil and working clockwise; this will help you in reinstalling the wires in the correct firing order.

3

Remove all six spark plug wires from the coil by squeezing the locking tabs together on each wire and pulling each wire upward with a slight twisting motion.

4

Pull upward on the locking tab on the coils wiring harness; pull the wiring harness from the coils receptacle.

5

Unfasten the four coil-retaining bolts with a ratchet and socket and pull the coil off its bracket. Set the new BWD E97 coil on the bracket and hand-thread the four coil-retaining bolts. Torque the four bolts to 5 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket.

6

Plug the six spark plug wires onto their respective receptacles on the coil, using the white marking paint as your guide. Press down on each spark plug wire until the locking tabs click into place, securing the wires.

7

Plug the wiring harness into the receptacle on the coil until it clicks into place.