06 Expedition Spark Plugs

[Clemson82]

Hi ya'll. New member, first post. Just looking for some input. My wife has a 2006 Expedition, 2WD. She's coming up on 100k miles and was making an appointment to bring it in to the dealership to have the 100k mile service performed. The dealer said it was $450 to change the spark plugs, plus an additional $100 for the first plug that breaks, and $50 for each additional plug that breaks after that. I couldn't believe it, but I've read some other posts and understand there is an issue with the plugs for this year vehicle. I called two other dealerships and they were basically the same price. A local repair shop wanted even more and said they may have to remove the entire engine??? Since the car runs great right now (knock on wood), do we need to get them done, or should she just keep driving it? I thought about doing it myself, but I'm clearly not qualified based on the YouTube video I just watched. I called Ford to complain, and they said they've provided a procedure to remove the plugs and aren't aware of any issues, what a joke. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[rburch]

My usual state of mind is if it isn't broke don't fix it, but it is scheduled maintenance for a reason!

 

[mtondreo]

That is really odd. I have seen all of the turmoil over the plugs so I called my dealer to find out a cost also. He told me $229, and I forgot how much per broken plug. Mine is an 06 also and has 71k on it right now. The guy told me he has a mechanic that hardly ever breaks them and makes sure to get the motor hot before doing them. I was debating getting it done now to hopefully spare them from breaking and I have a slight miss, but I am debating trading it in on a newer one also. Not sure where you are in GA, but I am in FL - you may want to make a phone call down a little further south of you and see what they say. I only called the one place because I figured I would not be able to beat that price. Hope this helps, Mike.
PM me if you want the dealers name that gave me the quote over the phone because I don't think we can mention on here, but they are in the Tampa Bay area of FL.

 

[sgtowing]

I wouldget them changed. If there the original plugs. The longer they stay in the harder they are to get out.

 

[06WhippleExpo]

Bring it to my shop in st pete, i am expierenced in these trucks ill change them for 500 Bux ill change plugs ultrasonic clean the injectors oil change and filter change and make sure everything else is up to par


Dr. Soos Customs
St Pete fl

2006 Ford Expedition Whipple S/C Lightning Swap
Eagle ESP Forged Rods
Sealed Power Ceramic Coasted Forged Pistons
Sealed Power Stainless Steel FileFit Rings
Stage 3 Ported Polished PI Heads (218cfm/195cfm +/- 3)
Ferrera Stainless Valves
Crower Stage 3 Blower Cams Degreed
2003 Lightning Forged Crank
Canton 7 qrt Oil Pan / Mesh Windage Tray
ARP2000 Head/Main/Rod
Whipple 2.3L with Custom Midplate and Inlet
9" Lower 3" Upper Pulleys 23 PSI
60lb Injectors
Twin Walbro 255's
Kenne Bell Boost a Pump
Kenne Bell Boost a Spark
Sniper Tuning Weapon X 80k Volt Coils
Bazooka 95mm MAF
Custom Fabricated Long Tube Headers 3.5"

606 rwhp 23 psi

 

[06WhippleExpo]

my bad 400 Bux lol

 

[DustyTruck]

Could you pick mine up in Southern California and re-deliver it? LOL
Sounds like a good deal for locals.

 

[moondog]

I just got mine done today at 91,000 miles and it was $650 not counting the new accel coils. It was hard to find a shop around here that would do it other than the stealership. Stupid design

 

[darmahsd]

The thing I haven't checked on, and I think I saw it here, is that after they're removed, are there new re designed, one piece, long reach replacements? I understand how they break from all the You Tubes. Mine I'm sure are the originals. I only have 48K on my '05. But I'm not clear on whether the originals are three piece plugs and whether there are new, one piece designs to replace them. I might be confusing all this with information that the 3 valve heads were re designed for '07 and up trucks to take normal plugs. Also, while on the subject, there are You Tubes for "factory recommended" cool engine, NON impact removal, and then ones that show a guy removing them from a hot engine with an impact, stating that he never had a problem with this method. What gives?

 

[sgtowing]

Mostly luck. The new design is usually a one piece. I think one or two manufactures still do two pieces.

 

[jaydee427]

The thing I haven't checked on, and I think I saw it here, is that after they're removed, are there new re designed, one piece, long reach replacements? I understand how they break from all the You Tubes. Mine I'm sure are the originals. I only have 48K on my '05. But I'm not clear on whether the originals are three piece plugs and whether there are new, one piece designs to replace them. I might be confusing all this with information that the 3 valve heads were re designed for '07 and up trucks to take normal plugs. Also, while on the subject, there are You Tubes for "factory recommended" cool engine, NON impact removal, and then ones that show a guy removing them from a hot engine with an impact, stating that he never had a problem with this method. What gives?

Although I only have 44K on my '05 Limited, you still gotta keep in mind that they've been in there for 7 years now. More miles = more carbon build-up. More time = more carbon build-up. I will be replacing mine this Spring or Summer. I also understand that the replacement, one-piece plug is the Champion 7989 Double Platinum Plug. Somebody correct me if I am wrong....thanks.

 

[Clemson82]

Update

Hi Guys, Just wanted to give an update to my original post about the spark plugs in my wife's 06 expy. After calling around and getting prices at several dealers, I finally brought it to the one that was the cheapest (sort of). They wanted $350, plus $100 for the first plug that broke, and $50 for each additional one that broke. After all was said and done, the #2 and the #7 broke, so we're at $500, but they said they would give me a break on some of the other things that needed to be done, like the fuel filter, coolant flush, and trans fluid service. Should be able to pick it up this afternoon. I asked them to keep the old plugs for me, so hopefully I'll be able to post a picture of them later for those interested. Thanks!

 

[Clemson82]

Picture of old plugs

 

[sgtowing]

You got lucky with two plugs breaking. Four broke on mine.

 

[chrystalandmike]

Ford does not do anything about this it seems like a lot of people have the same problem?

I call a local shop here in central FL and they wanted 390 and 88 bucks extra for any plugs that broke. They said they have never broken a plug before. The dealership said 350ish but did not say mention anything about the cost if a plug broke.

 

[ZombieSoldier]

im telling ya, the dealership here in Hinesville Georgia was real good to me. they charged me $45.00 for a spark plug removal. I had them do the one that was misfiring, but gonna take it back this week for the rest to get done.

but one thing i dont understand is how the dealership should charge you for something THEY broke while removing... hmmm

 

[darmahsd]

OK, Some great information here. I will look for a one piece Champion double platinum
plug. I asked around and there are no iridium plugs available for this 3 valve. They would further extend a plug change interval, that along with being one piece and using properly placed antisieze, shouldn't be a nightmare to replace later on.
Now, next important question. If I'm lucky, I may get the chance to do a plug change twice on my '05. It's silly for any non professional to spend the $150 or so for the tools that remove the original plugs if broken. I want to have these on hand when I attempt to remove them. The local Advanced Auto, known for lending tools out to customers who buy their products, has no such tool to loan, although they do sell them. Is there anyone on this forum who would rent them to forum members or has there been any interest generated in setting something up like that, where the tool can be rented by forum members who can leave a returnable deposit for such tool?

 

[Berg]

Question does getting this work done prevent the spark plug poping out issue?

 

[GAINMOB]

more than likely...no...sheduled maintenance is 100,000 miles...helps with not having misfires...and other probs that may happen...one thing for sure...helps from them breaking off...well maybe...idk...lol...i paid to get it done....lol

 

[ELVATO]

Heh, they don't pop out anymore. They now just like to stay in.

If I had the issue, I would make sure to follow the current TSB. I know many people have had good luck following it over on the other forum. Also, before buy a new tool, I would look around the various Ford forums and ebay/craigslist for a used tool. Once you are done with it, you could list it up for sale.