Hello,
I have a 2001 ranger with the 2.3l engine. It has a p0301 code for a misfire on cylinder 1. It is most noticeable at low rpms (rough running) or high engine load. When I replaced the plugs I noticed some oil or carbon deposits on the cylinder 1 plug. I replaced the plugs and put motorcraft plugs in and will do the wires next but I don't see any noticeable wear on the wires. I was hoping this was ignition related but am starting to think it is something else. I'm not particularly handy but this is not my primary vehicle and it's easy to work on so I'm giving it a shot. Any ideas of what direction I should head from here? I appreciate any advice. Engine has 193k on it. Plugs in picture from left to right are 4,3,2,1. Thanks

 

For anyone with similar problems- misfire under load especially in higher gears- I replaced the coil pack and that solved it. The previous owner said he had replaced the coil but when I looked at it a little closer I thought it had too much dust on it to be really new. He also had the spark plug wires completely backwards. So I replaced the coil and it runs like it should now.