If you're saying it started that after you replaced them, then of course, you need to check all the work. Are the wires seated correctly on both ends? Were the plugs the correct ones, and properly gapped? Were they tightened to the proper torque? If you're saying the rough idle is what you were trying to fix, then at least you've probably ruled out ignition. Next, you might consider the fuel system (dirty injectors, clogged filter, Throttle Position Sensor, etc); the vacuum system (leaks from loose or deteriorated hoses, etc.); or the EGR system (stuck or leaky valve, sticky solenoid, etc.). If you're getting a service engine light, it may be time to get the codes and see what they mean.
did you check if you had them in the right order, or if the plugs were fouwled? If you did not make a mistake with plug gaps, wire routing, check for a cracked or leaking vacuum hose. Perhaps you accidentally bumped one off its receiving end.
Yes. Bad spark plugs, bad spark plug wires and a bad distributor cap are the common causes of rough idling. If it has been a while since you changed these components, do so.
Check distributor cap Also check vacuum hoses if one is cracked or not connected it will cause car to run rough
try checking youre timing
if it's runninng rough my guess could be spark plugs are fouled up. if not then next check the spark plug wires then the distributor.
Corrosion inside the distributor cap. Get a new cap and rotor.
check spark plug gap and firing order-also check to make sure plugs are tight and wires connected
Rough Engine Performance AFTER Changing Distributor Cap and RotorThe only thing I can think of is that in the process of the changeover, the wires between the newly installed rotor and the spark plugs were not reconnected to the proper "towers."As a result, the spark plugs are not firing in the proper order thus causing the rough running. Since the engine will run, I also suspect that possibly only one or two plug wires are improperly connected.
Look at the spark plugs-- if one has no wire at the top, that is the problem- there should be a wire from each spark plug to the distributor cap.
When the idle goes rough, you must idle the plugs. Else the car plugs roughly.
The 1996 Ford Probe SE that has a rough idle can be fixed by locating the MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) Sensor and replacing any damaged wires. The EFI or Electronic Fuel Injector can also be the problem. The engines of today no longer have an adjustment screw to turn to set the idle.
I would recommend checking for codes before you do anything else.