Ford Explorer Ignition Coil Guide: 1991-1995

Is Your Explorer's Ignition Coil Failing?

The ignition coil on the first-generation Ford Explorer is a hard-working part. Over time, heat and vibration can cause it to fail. A common issue with these coil packs is the plastic housing developing cracks. When this happens, moisture can get inside and cause the high-voltage electricity to jump between terminals instead of going to the spark plugs. This is known as arcing, and it often gets worse in damp or rainy weather.

Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil

When your Explorer's coil pack starts to go bad, you'll notice serious engine problems. Because it's a single pack responsible for all cylinders, a failure affects the entire engine. Look for these signs:

• Engine Misfires: The engine may shake or shudder, especially under load, like when going up a hill.
• Rough Idle: The engine will not run smoothly when stopped or at low speeds.
• No-Start Condition: A completely failed coil will result in no spark, and the engine will crank but not start.
• Check Engine Light: Misfire codes like P0300, P0301, P0302, etc., may be triggered.
• Sudden Stalling: The engine may die unexpectedly while driving.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil

When shopping for a new ignition coil, you'll find a wide range of brands and prices. For a critical part like this, quality matters more than saving a few dollars. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Tier 1: OEM & Premium OE Brands

These are your most reliable choices, offering the best fit, performance, and longevity.

• Motorcraft: This is the original Ford part (OEM). It's built to Ford's exact specifications and is the benchmark for quality. Forum users consistently recommend sticking with Motorcraft for ignition parts to avoid problems.
• Delphi: A major OE manufacturer that supplies parts to many car brands. Delphi coils are designed to meet or exceed original performance and are known for their durability and reliability. They are an excellent alternative to Motorcraft.
• NGK / Denso: Both are top-tier Japanese brands with a strong reputation for quality ignition components. Denso has even manufactured coils for Ford under the Motorcraft label for other models. They are a solid and dependable choice.

Tier 2: Reputable Aftermarket Brands

These brands can offer good value but may have more variability in quality compared to the top tier.

• Standard Motor Products (SMP): A well-known aftermarket brand. However, they sometimes re-box parts from various sources, so quality can be inconsistent. If choosing SMP, look for their premium lines, not the budget "T-series".
• Hitachi: Another established OE supplier that also offers quality aftermarket parts.
• MSD: A performance-focused brand. An MSD coil might offer a stronger spark, which is great for modified engines, but it's likely not necessary for a stock 4.0L V6.

Tier 3: Economy Brands

These are the cheapest options, but they come with significant risks.

• DriveWire, Walker Products, and other store brands: Extreme caution is advised. Forum discussions include many stories of cheap, unbranded, or store-brand coils failing quickly and dramatically, sometimes due to cracking and arcing. The lower price often reflects lower quality materials and manufacturing, making them a gamble.

Cost of a New Ignition Coil (1991-1995 Explorer)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)