I am reading different thoughts on the problem my car is ...


I am reading different thoughts on the problem my car is experiencing. I have a 2013 Ford Edge sport 3.7 and when accelerating, the [engine](/topics-engine-ford/) light blinks and the engine jumps and hesitates. I have read that i...

I am reading different thoughts on the problem my car is experiencing. I have a 2013 Ford Edge sport 3.7 and when accelerating, the [engine](/topics-engine-ford/) light blinks and the engine jumps and hesitates. I have read that it may be [spark plugs](/topics-spark-plug-ford/) and coils or it may be the mass airflow sensor. I have 143k miles and have the original parts under the hood. What is you thought on the likely cause? Mechanic's Assistant: Just to clarify, can you tell me which light it is? And does it blink first, then stay on steady? Check engine light blinks and will the go off completely. Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Edge yourself? What have you tried so far? I have not done anything myself yet. I am trying to determine if I need a mechanic to come out or if I can fix it. Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? I think that’s it.

Automotive Expert
Hi! Welcome to JustAnswer. Thank you for contacting us for assistance with your vehicle. I'm Ron. I will be happy to assist you with your question. May I ask to whom I have the pleasure of speaking with today?

This is WilliamWilliam
Automotive Expert
Hi William. Nice to see you today! I'm sorry to hear you are having this problem. I know this can be frustrating. Please give me one moment to type out some information for you. Sit tight one minute... I'll be right back!

Thank you
Automotive Expert
Thanks for holding, William. When the check engine light blinks, this is the sign for "random/multiple cylinder misfire". There are a few different things that can cause this. This can be; worn spark plugs, a faulty [ignition coil](/topics-ignition-coil-ford/), a faulty [fuel injector](/topics-fuel-injector-ford/), low cylinder compression, etc. Very rarely is this a mass air flow issue. First course of action is to have the diagnostic trouble codes (aka "p-codes") scanned from the on-board computer. These p-codes will more accurately point to the root of the problem. You can have these p-codes read **<u>FREE</u>** (except in California) at any local "big chain" part store (ie. AutoZone, O'Reilly's, Advanced, etc). If the p-codes state "P0300-Random Misfire" lean more towards spark plugs. If the p-codes point to a specific cylinder, for example, P0304-Cylinder #4 misfire, then lean towards the ignition coil for that cylinder (very common fail item) or the injector.

Understood. However, since the light blinks and never stays on, no codes are generated or stored. I have tried having the codes read and none are present. Would it be a good place to start by changing the spark plunge and coils?
Automotive Expert
If the light is blinking, there "should" be codes stored. Try using a better quality scan-tool. If the light blinks and never stays solid, then the plugs would be the first place to start. However, like I say, ignition coils on these engines are extremely common fail items. No need to replace them all if only one is faulty. You should try and have the p-codes scanned. With the light blinking, P0300 should be stored.

Ok. I’ll try a different scanner and see what comes up. Thank you for your help.
Automotive Expert
You're welcome, William! Glad I could be of some help today! I hope everything works out well for you! If there are any additional questions on this issue that should arise, please feel free to reply and ask! Have a great day! Thank you for choosing Just Answer for your questions!

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