I have a 2000 Ford Taurus 3.0 V6 FFV.
About a week ago I was driving home on the freeway in the afternoon, after about 10 minutes of driving I started to hear a rattling noise whenever I accelerated. I think it was coming from under the hood area. After about 5 mins of this, the check engine light started blinking. I started to pull over to the side of the freeway. While doing so, it became harder and harder for the car to acclerate until it just died. Steam was coming up from under the hood, although my temp gauge was not high and it's been accurate.
Got the car towed home and pulled up the Engine Codes. P0300 (Random Misfire) and P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire) came up. I checked the oil, oil level was fine and oil looked normal. Last had the oil changed 4 weeks ago. Tried started the car, car would turn over but the Engine was not getting a spark.
Over the weekend I changed the Spark Plugs and Wires. I changed the Air Filter as well because I noticed it was dirty.
I don't think the problem is fuel related, when I turn the key I can hear the fiel pump go. Also, I had observed some gas in the valves when I pushed the gas pedal down lightly while trying to start the car.
Anyone have any suggestions for what I can check when I go back under the hood this weekend? I'm beginning to think it may be the timing belt or crankshaft because of the rattling noise I heard, I'm hoping not though because I heard you have to drop the engine to get to it.
About a week ago I was driving home on the freeway in the afternoon, after about 10 minutes of driving I started to hear a rattling noise whenever I accelerated. I think it was coming from under the hood area. After about 5 mins of this, the check engine light started blinking. I started to pull over to the side of the freeway. While doing so, it became harder and harder for the car to acclerate until it just died. Steam was coming up from under the hood, although my temp gauge was not high and it's been accurate.
Got the car towed home and pulled up the Engine Codes. P0300 (Random Misfire) and P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire) came up. I checked the oil, oil level was fine and oil looked normal. Last had the oil changed 4 weeks ago. Tried started the car, car would turn over but the Engine was not getting a spark.
Over the weekend I changed the Spark Plugs and Wires. I changed the Air Filter as well because I noticed it was dirty.
I don't think the problem is fuel related, when I turn the key I can hear the fiel pump go. Also, I had observed some gas in the valves when I pushed the gas pedal down lightly while trying to start the car.
Anyone have any suggestions for what I can check when I go back under the hood this weekend? I'm beginning to think it may be the timing belt or crankshaft because of the rattling noise I heard, I'm hoping not though because I heard you have to drop the engine to get to it.