Spark plugs and ignition coil problem - 2004 EB 5.4L

[ricepattytx]

I have a 2004 EB 5.4L and had the spark plugs and ign. wire/coil boot set replaced at 183K miles. Now at 205K miles, I'm getting a service engine code for a misfire coil/spark plug. The guy didn't tell me the exact code. Should the plugs/coils be a problem this soon after replacement (22K miles)?

 

[Hamfisted]

No. Ask them what the actual code was. Or buy yourself a code reader, they're cheap.


https://www.amazon.com/ANCEL-AD310-...=1&keywords=Code+reader&qid=1591207748&sr=8-5

 

[ricepattytx]

Thanks and will do. I stopped at an auto parts store and had them read it. Went ahead and took it to the shop where I had the previous repair done. Reminded them that they had done this not long ago (~2 years). Should I push them about covering this?

 

[Plati]

Plugs and/or COP can be bad the minute they are installed ... or not.

2 years? I'd say they are off the hook. Thats a long time. Just my opinion.

Troubleshoot / diagnose the current problem.

 

[Hamfisted]

Thanks and will do. I stopped at an auto parts store and had them read it. Went ahead and took it to the shop where I had the previous repair done. Reminded them that they had done this not long ago (~2 years). Should I push them about covering this?

After 2 years ? On a 16 year old vehicle ? They'd probably tell you to take it somewhere else.

 

[ricepattytx]

Mr. Stricker,

Thanks for your input. That's why I wanted some experienced opinions. It just seemed that 22K miles on new plugs/coils is really short compared to the 183K on the original but I get it that it's been 2 years. We're the original owners and it's been maintained well. Would other issues cause the plugs/coils to go bad so soon? Just trying to educate myself a little more while I wait to hear from the shop.

 

[Jeff G]

Did you replace your COPs with OEM Motorcraft or another off brand? Some of them on Amazon for instance are known for a short life span.

 

[Fordgirl01]

Maybe a plug jiggled loose. I had a misfire on an 04 EB I had and the plug wasn’t even hand tight when I pulled the coil off.


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[Plati]

I agree with the common advice to go OEM Ford Motorcraft on the COPS and not (as MrTrain says) Chinese junk. Plus, advice seems to be only replace when they break I think. So you can have just fine working COPS that are replaced and then break after a sometimes short time period. I think the consensus is don't just replace them as a preventive measure, wait until you have a problem and then figure out which one and replace that one. I think a lot of people feel that way. Like anythin else there are lots of opinions.

Another common problem is that T junction for radiator fluid that starts to leak on a lot of Expo's. Then you have problems with COPS below it, I think. Passenger side. If I have that right. I've never had it but heard of it.

Diagnosis and then repair of the current problem will answer.

 

[heston gee]

Did they actually change the plugs? Many time the plug is to difficult to get out, so they just leave them. I had a plug break in the cylinder, cost 6,000 to fix it, new engine.

 

[lbv150]

183,000 on original plugs??? Holy crap only 83,000 way past due. I sure would have liked to see those old plugs. As others have said only replace with OEM and only if and when one goes bad. I had #7 loosen up and it took the threads on the head with it... at about 80,000 on the second set of plugs that were changed at 100,000 as the book recommends.

 

[lbv150]

Did they actually change the plugs? Many time the plug is to difficult to get out, so they just leave them. I had a plug break in the cylinder, cost 6,000 to fix it, new engine.

Someone sure gave you a royal screwing, hope you at least got a kiss with that. I had one break off in a 3V 2006 and it was an extra $200 to remove the plug. My 2V 2004 puked a plug and stripped the head and it was $300 for the labor including changing all the plugs and installing a new head insert, I provided the OEM plugs and one coil that was destroyed by the plug.

 

[367KIX]

My 03 has 230K miles and I've replaced plugs twice, never needing coils/wires. Given the ECU tells you the exact cylinder that is misfiring, its' easy to check that one. I've had misfire codes from water getting down into the plug, which was resolved with high pressure air and checking connection. Like the others said, i don't think you can hold the last shop accountable. Instead, watch a YouTube video or two, and do it yourself with trusted parts.

 

[JB1258]

Buy a code reader they have cheep ones at Harbor Freight. I had a coil go bad went to the auto parts store picked up new coil I believe it was a Delco I installed and it went bad after 3 months.I ordered a set of coils off Amazon and have them so that when one goes bad I have it