2002 Ford Escape 3.0 Misfire - ignition coils connected wrong

This vehicle came in with a long history, a severe misfire complaint that two shops couldn’t fix, and lots of parts changing along the way. Testing and careful analysis led to a surprising fix. All of the testing methods shown can be applied to any vehicle with a coil-on-plug ignition system.

Engine Performance Diagnostics chapter 1 page 2, 14 - 21

Symptoms
severe misfire
check engine light (P0300)
intermittent backfiring through intake

Fix
correct swapped #4 and #6 ignition coil connectors

Tests shown
how to perform a cylinder balance test (power balance)
using a coil-on-plug adapter with a lab scope for secondary ignition waveforms
analyzing secondary waveform attributes during misfire diagnosis
how to perform a relative compression test
how to use a coil current ramp as a sync trace
setting up a lab scope for various testing methods
how to use an in-cylinder pressure transducer to verify spark timing
how to get a primary ignition waveform (safely)

Tools used
scan tool http://www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=aff...
Picoscope automotive 4 channel lab scope http://www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=aff...
Fluke PV350 pressure transducer https://www.jbtoolsales.com/fluke-pv3...
inductive low amp probe http://www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=aff...

Playlist
(Chapter 1) Misfire ID, Compression Tests, Vacuum Leaks, Fuel Trim, Head Gasket, Restricted Exhaust, Low Power, DMM
   • (Chapter 1) Misfire ID, Compression T...  

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For more information on this topic, I have written a “field manual” called Engine Performance Diagnostics which is available at www.scannerdanner.com as an eBook or paper book.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC.