2006 Ford Explorer Throwing codes...?

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Austin

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2006 Explorer XLT
4.0 V6
68000 miles.
Flowmaster 40, k&n Filter


The truck suddenly started idling real bad and shaking while driving, like trying to stall out. I figured maybe bad tank of gas, stuck some dry gas in it, just made it worse if anything.

I ran it down to a quarter tank and refilled at a different station, same problem. After re-filling, thats when the truck started throwing the codes.

I did add some octance booster last tank(like +30 points) just for the slight engine knocking.

I checked all the plug wires, they seems to be in alright shape, except near the connectors that all go into the ignition, they are browned a litte (maybe burnt)

I have not pulled the plugs yet.

I read the codes this morning:

PO300 and PO300 p/d - Multiple/Random cylinder misfires
PO304 - Cylinder 4 Misfire


What should I try next?
The truck has 68000 on it and it was bought used, so Im not sure exactly what was done to it service wise before i bought it.

And also...is it safe for me to drive?

I pulled out one of the plugs (#4) and the gap was pretty good. The plug is obviously worn, but not worn enough to need instant replacement.

But one thing I noticed..the whole bottom half of the plug, from the ceramic down, including the bendover thing (the curved thing) is like a dark red color. Is that normal?

Thanks

Also, wires dont look too bad at all, just a little browning on the connectors, but otherwise looking fine.

Also...After driving this thing hard, I always smell a sulfur smell...like rotten eggs. I always thought it was just something with my flowmaster...could this be the cat and be realted to the issue?

I have used octance booster in the past...but never in excess or used the wrong kind....
 
A P0304 code means that the the car's computer has detected that one of the engine's cylinders is not firing properly. In this case it's cylinder #4.



SymptomsSymptoms may include:
the engine may be harder to start
the engine may stumble / stumble, and/or hesitate
other symptoms may also be present
CausesA code P0304 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

Faulty spark plug or wire
Faulty coil (pack)
Faulty oxygen sensor(s)
Faulty fuel injector
Burned exhaust valve
Faulty catalytic converter(s)
Running out of fuel
Poor compression
Defective computer
Possible SolutionsIf there are no symptoms, the simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back.

If there are symptoms such as the engine is stumbling or hesitating, check all wiring and connectors that lead to the cylinders (i.e. spark plugs). Depending on how long the ignition components have been in the car, it may be a good idea to replace them as part of your regular maintenance schedule. I would suggest spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor (if applicable). Otherwise, check the coils (a.k.a. coil packs). In some cases, the catalytic converter has gone bad. If you smell rotten eggs in the exhaust, your cat converter needs to be replaced. I've also heard in other cases the problems were faulty fuel injectors.
 
Check spark at #4,coil pack failure is common on Ford,I replaced 3 of them last month.Condition of the truck is not that old for all other posibilities.
 
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