99WhiteC5Coupe
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Trying to keep all the info in one thread. I tried to change the plugs on my 17 EL and could not get the coil off the plug. I didn't have a metal pry tool (plan to pick one up). My plastic ones could not do the job. Has anyone else had this issue? Is there a way to make it easier? What temp should the engine be at when attempting this replacement? Mine was cold, and I tried running it for 10 minutes but it made no difference. The dealership quoted 3 hours for the labor. I really would prefer to do it myself but don't want to break anything.
After this thread, I changed the original spark plugs in my 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4, purchased new.
I did the work with the engine cold. The coils were extremely difficult to remove. I used a thick plastic trim pry tool to remove several of the coils. Some of the coils could be rotated slightly, which helped. I felt as though some of the coils were sticking at the top seal, not the boot around the spark plugs. I used a small plastic trim tool to slide under the top of the coil seal, and break its contact with the metal plug tubes.
I eventually got all the coils off and replaced the spark plugs. I used a liberal amount of silicone dielectric grease on the top portion of the coils before I reinstalled them, especially around the collar seal - to help in future replacement.
Ford designed the coils very poorly and made an easy maintenance job very difficult. I would guess it took me about two hours of time. If the dealer is charging three hours of labor - they know how difficult it is, but that still seems very excessive for a trained mechanic. I wonder what the actual “book time” is?
I do not tow, and use top tier fuel. At 45,*** miles - the spark plugs were black and burned, with the electrode gap opened. The plugs looked like they had 200,000 miles on them.