The car has a pronounced miss at idle, and a code for misfire on #5 cylinder. I have checked spark and replaced the plug and wires. When the car is cranked cold and the idle is high - I do not notice the miss, as the idle drops, the miss is evident. The car has 72k miles and runs great otherwise. Thanks and I appreciate all help. Ed

 

Run a compression check on the affected cylinder. If it is low at idle this can cause that problem.

 

Do the compression test as a last resort.Iwould suggest you replace the ignition coil. I have a 2000 Taurus and clylinder 1,2,3 are in the backand 4,5,6 are in the front. If it's the same with the '98 model then ignition coil #5 is in front in the middle and VERY easy to replace. I would suggest you replace the ignition coil first and if that doesn't work but more than likely it should I would then move on to the fuel injector.