What do I try now for this 2002 Ford Escape?

Question

Original Codes were P0401 & P1504

Replaced 2 cats, tuned up, new EGR & Idle Air Control valves, new EGR pressure Control Sensor. Codes were reset, and I drove the car for maybe 30 - 50 miles, then check engine light came on and now I get a code P0301.

Car has 143,000 miles and doesn't exhibit any leaks.

Cars idle drops and surges now, but didn't do that when I first replaced the parts, idled very smooth & ran very well.

Series of events in the last 2 weeks:

1. Had car tuned up at Midas. $347

2. Replaced Firewall side and rear catalytic converters (idled and ran rough, missing) $386
   (purchased cats myself and dealer installed them at no labor charge)

3. Returned to Midas for diagnosis, pointed to ??? EGR Valve? Idle Air Control Valve? EGR Pressure Control Sensor? $60

4. Replaced with new Idle Air Control and EGR valves & EGR Pressure Control Sensor. $135

5. Codes cleared after all new parts were installed

6. So far, in the last 2 weeks, I've spent $929 on the fixes, and still have a problem?

7. New code now is P0301 (Cylinder 1 misfire) after maybe 30 - 40 miles of driving, car started feeling like it was missing while driving and at stop, idle would drop and rise, drop and rise while sitting in drive and hesitate when accelerated, and miss while driving (slight buck).

Would you suggest clearing the codes and trying a fuel injector cleaner before further diagnosis?

Car was purchased 3 months ago for $6000, $1500 down and made 2 payments of $250 each so far, with 20 more payments to go. Certainly wondering if I got the royal you-know-what here from the dealer!?

Comments

P0310 FORD - Cylinder 10 Misfire Detected
Just focus first on the  Ignition coil and its electrical connection, i have the same problem just the connection is being fix, since it it newly built

Answer 1

Personally I think the first step would be to replace the ignition coil on cylinder 1 and check for intake manifold gasket leaks on the area of cylinder 1. If there is a misfire on cylinder 1 it could be what damaged the converter to begine with.