Q: Just replaced spark plugs and wires and my car is still miss firing and I can't pin point why and my old spark plug is oil covered

asked by on November 19, 2016

So I just replaced my spark plugs and plug wires and I'm still having a misfire in cylinder number 2 of my 1998 Ford Contour and it lacking getting up to speed I also noticed oil in the plug what does that mean

My car has 151135 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Engine is misfiring Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello there, many faults will cause your 1988 Ford Contour to have a misfire even after the spark plugs were replaced. When oil is seen on the spark plug this indicates that the valve cover is leaking onto the plugs. When this happens it fouls the plugs and can cause a misfire. Until the oil leak is addressed the spark plugs will continue to become fouled. If the misfire persists there are many potential causes such as the plug wires, fuel pump, vacuum leak, oxygen sensor, MAF sensor, or the cap & rotor. A qualified Technician such as one from YourMechanic will be able to diagnose your misfire fault and make any repairs required to resolve the issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

My car is stalling even when i’m driving it
When the vehicle stalls, does the Check Engine light illuminate? If so, does it remain illuminated when the vehicle is restarted? If it does, a mechanic should be able to diagnose the problem with a scan tool. Stalling can often...
How Can I Tell If My Car Battery Needs Replacing?
A battery needs to be replaced when it can no longer support the electrical and starting system of the vehicle. How will you know this? The most common first signs that a battery is starting to go bad (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-battery) may...
How do the Illuminated Entry lights work?
Your car is equipped with an Illuminated Entry system that turns on the lights to provide better visibility when getting into the vehicle. Here’s how it works: When you use the remote to unlock the doors, the interior lights should...
hood safety latch won't open
Hello there, this is not an uncommon occurrence as vehicles age and the hood has been opened many times. The cable can become weak at the hood latch, or the pull tab on the hood latch has become disconnected and...
My brakes like skipped or jumped and I almost hit the curb.
Hello. There can be a hydraulic issue with the master cylinder (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-master-cylinder-replacement), ABS pump, or even a brake fluid leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-fluid-is-leaking-inspection) anywhere in the system. This is a safety issue and you should have a certified technician inspect the ABS...
Check Engine Light stays on.
Hi there You should have the computer Check Engine Light scanned by a mechanic. Once the codes are received and the pinpoint test is completed, you should have a diagnosis of the failed component. A lot of times a code...
Where is the power steering pressure switch located on a 2003 Nissan sentra 1.8l?
The power steering pump pressure switch is located on the pressure hose just before the connections to the rack and pinion steering system. If you need further assistance with your power steering system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-service), then seek out a professional, such...
2009 Ford edge randomly overheats. Figured out cooling fan isn't working. Replaced and it is still not working. What next?
Hi Amber. It's quite possible that while jump starting the vehicle, an electrical relay may have been damaged. The first thing I would check are the electrical relays and fuses that power the radiator fans to see if they are...
Jeep JK loss of power and engine light
Hello, thank you for writing in. With the vehicle stalling, my first instinct would be to check the charging system. That would be the battery and the alternator, their electrical wiring, and the terminals. When the system fails, all of...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a City
Living Living and driving in the city means you’re faced with parking constraints, narrow streets, and the constant stop and go of traffic. With all of that said when you’re ready to purchase a used vehicle these are all things...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Senior Citizens
Everyone Everyone needs a way to get around. You need to get groceries, get to doctors’ appointments, visit with family and more. However, senior citizens have very different needs when it comes to buying a used car than other demographics....
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Arizona in 2012
Depending Depending on where you live in Arizona, the weather is either arid or there may be periods of heavy snow – such as in the mountain areas. The vehicles that have been popular in previous years for the area,...