How to Check 94 Ford Ranger 4.0 Firing Order Fast with Simple Steps!

For a 1994 Ford Ranger equipped with the 4.0L V6 engine (OHV Cologne engine), the correct firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Follow these steps to locate, verify, or confirm it:

Locate Cylinder Numbers

Identify the cylinder numbering:

• Standing at the front of the truck (facing the engine):
• Left (Driver) Side Cylinders: Front (#1), Middle (#2), Rear (#3).
• Right (Passenger) Side Cylinders: Front (#4), Middle (#5), Rear (#6).

Identify the Spark Plug Wire Routing

Trace the spark plug wires from the distributor cap (or coil pack) to the individual spark plugs:

• The firing order sequence (1-4-2-5-3-6) refers to the order cylinders receive spark.
• The distributor cap terminals or coil pack outputs are marked with cylinder numbers. Physically trace the wires in the sequence.

Visually Verify (Fast Method)

The most efficient way is to inspect the distributor cap or coil pack wiring:

• Option 1 (Distributor Cap): Find the distributor cap. The terminal where the #1 cylinder wire connects is usually marked. The terminals directly next to it clockwise (or counter-clockwise, depending on cap/rotor design) should connect to cylinders 4, then 2, then 5, then 3, and finally 6.
• Option 2 (Coil Pack): Locate the coil pack (typically near the firewall). Its connectors are usually labeled with cylinder numbers. Trace the wires from the coil pack outputs to the spark plugs to confirm the 1-4-2-5-3-6 sequence.

Manual Verification (If Unsure)

If visual confirmation is difficult:

1. Disable Ignition: Disconnect the ignition coil electrical connector.
2. Find TDC #1: Remove the #1 cylinder spark plug. Place your thumb over the spark plug hole. Bump the starter (have a helper turn the key briefly) until compression pushes your thumb off. Align the timing mark on the crankshaft damper pulley with the "0" mark on the timing tab.
3. Check Distributor Rotor: Remove the distributor cap. The rotor tip should be pointing directly at (or very near) the terminal for the #1 spark plug wire within the distributor cap.
4. Map Rotation: Manually turn the crankshaft pulley clockwise slightly (use a wrench/socket) to the next firing position. Note the direction the rotor moves. The rotor should point to the next cylinder in the firing order sequence (cylinder #4). Continue turning sequentially; rotor position should follow 1 -> 4 -> 2 -> 5 -> 3 -> 6.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Always double-check wire connections at both ends (distributor/coil pack and spark plug).
• Severely worn distributor cap, rotor, or spark plug wires can mimic firing order issues.
• Confirm the cylinder numbering before tracing wires.