1997 Ford Thunderbird Hesitating - Ignition System

Question: I have a 3.8L V6 that hesitates or stumbles when the driving load changes such as experienced when the freeway inclines. On level ground the problem does not seem to occur. As the car starts up a grade, it hesitates or stumbles. At first I thought the problem was associated with automatic transmission downshifting or "hunting". Took car to a transmission shop and was told it is not a transmission problem, and to check the ignition (spark plugs and wires) Both have less than 3000 miles on them. The OBD computer is not displaying any fault codes. I had the system scanned today. Gas mileage also seems normal. Any thoughts as to how I can diagnose this problem, test the ignition coils would be deeply appreciated. If this is not an ignition related problem, other possibilities would also be appreciated. Lastly, the problem does not occur during full throttle operation, and I have cruised at 100mph with no evidence of hesitation. Please help. Thank you in advance, Gene Doty

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Technican: Gene, can you road test with a scanner hooked up and tell if you have a miss fire under load? Can you duplicate the complaint by holding the brakes and power up the engine while in drive? This will help you determine if the problem is fuel or, electrical. A spark plug may have cracked during installation. I'd pull them for a real close look... I doubt you have a coil problem..and at "100mph" you may be driving through or, even driving "over" the problem and not feel it due to such a short timed event in a full ignition cycle. Please advise.

Technican: 4-18-03, Still waiting for your reply..please let me hear from you.

Technican: 4-21-03. Please let me hear from you..

Owner: , I replied on Saturday afternoon. Not sure why you did not receive it.

Technican: 4-21-03 Thank you very much. I received this reply, but still haven't seen your first reply at all. What is the status, please?

Owner: , Checked the spark plugs and found no discrepancies. Spark plug wire resistance was as follows. #1 .722K ohms, #2 .860K ohms, #3 1.25K ohms, #4 1.1K ohms, #5 1.5K ohms, #6 1.6K ohms. Secondary coil winding resistance measured between 16.5K ohms and 18k ohms. Unable to operate the car with scanner connected because I do not own a scanner. Car still has same symptoms. Gene

Technican: Gene, are the spark plugs new? Any signs of carbon tracking on the porcelain? Have you looked at these plugs with a magnifying glass for hair line cracks? I also look carefully at the plug wire boots for signs of arc through. Are the plug wires routed properly to avoid crossfire by inductance? Have you had the injectors flushed by a professional? I chased a similar problem on a Buick that took two injector flushings and some serious hot rodding to clear up. All your resistance readings look fine to me. Your turn, Sir!

Owner: , Plug inspection was done with a magnifying glass. Wires have no sign of cracking. Fixed the car last night by replacing the camshaft position sensor. Thanks for the inputs.

Technican: Good for you, I may get a tatoo over this one!! I'm happy for you, thanks for the chance you gave me.

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