How to Install a Motorcraft Ignition Coil on a 2001 Taurus

In the 1986 model year, Ford released the Taurus, one of the most modern vehicles of its era. The Taurus lasted an impressive 20 model years before Ford nixed the model in 2007, only to release it again a year later. The 2001 Ford Taurus has two engines available, both of which are 3.0-liter V-6s. The standard engine is an overhead-valve configuration that produces 155 horsepower, and the optional engine is a dual overhead camshaft configured engine that cranks out a more respectable 200 horsepower. Replacing the ignition coil on either engine is a similar task, but they are on opposite sides of the engine.

Instructions

Removal

1

Proceed directly to Step 2 if you are working on the 3.0-liter OHV engine. On the DOHC engine, remove the two metal clamps securing the passengers side cowl grille, using a flat-head screwdriver, and lift the cowl grille to disengage its rear retaining clips and remove it. Remove the two screws securing the water shield, which is positioned under the grille, with a ratchet and socket, and remove the water shield.

2

Find the ignition coil on the valve cover near the front of the engine compartment, just to the passengers side of the oil filler cap on the OHV engine. On the DOHC engine, Ford installed the coil on the rear valve cover.

3

Label the six spark plug wires plugged into the coil pack in a way that aids you in installing them on the new coil in the correct order, using masking tape and a permanent marker. Pull upward on each of the six spark plug wires with a slight twisting motion to remove them from the coil.

4

Press and hold the unlocking button on the coils wiring harness, and unplug the harness.

5

Remove the three bolts securing the ignition coil to its bracket on the valve cover using a ratchet and socket, and lift the ignition coil from the valve cover to remove it.

Installation

6

Set the new Motorcraft ignition coil onto its bracket on the valve cover, aligning its bolt holes with those in the bracket. Hand-tighten the three coil pack bolts, then tighten them to 53 inch-pounds with an inch-pound torque wrench.

7

Plug the wiring harness into its receptacle on the new ignition coil.

8

Align each spark plug wire to its respective receptacle on the ignition coil using the labels you made as your guide, and press each spark plug wire downward onto its receptacle until you feel it click into place. Remove the labels from the spark plug wires. If your Taurus has the DOHC engine, proceed to Step 4.

9

Set the water shield back into place on the rear of the engine compartment and tighten its retaining screws with a ratchet and socket. Set the cowl grille back into place over the water shield and press its two metal retaining clips into place by hand. Press downward on the rear of the cowl grille to lock its rear retaining clips.