I have an 01 F150 with the 5.4L 2V A/T. I've had c.o.p. problems in the past and today it hit my truck like a wave. I was driving down the road and my truck began to shake vigorously. The lower the rpms in higher gears, the worse the shake. the service engine light did not come on. I knew it was my c.o.p. because i have felt it before and am familiar with the common problem. I knew the problem would be hard to accurately diagnose with no service engine light on. In the past I have been able to trigger the light to come on by being a little harder on the throttle and getting my truck into higher rpms and causing the engine to miss bad and thus triggering the flashing "service engine soon" light. I did get it to flash but then it went off when it was through flashing.

Comments? Opinions? Advice?

Thanks, Josh

 

COP is the most likely suspect. In my experience, the COP fail can be random, but is often associated with spark plugs that haven't been changed in a while or with moisture getting into the spark plug wells. As the spark gap erodes (which is a large gap to begin with on these trucks), it makes it harder to jump the gap. This causes the insulating resin in the coils to decay, which in turn causes the coil to burn out. By keeping the spark plugs maintained to the nominal spec, you decrease the load on the coils.

Use OEM coils for replacements, they hold up a lot better than aftermarket coils.

 

So you recommend using Motorcraft as opposed to, say, MSD?

 

I bought a set (8) on e-bay for $100.00 Not as good as the FORD, but very cost effective. I loose 1-2 a year and just change out as needed. Normally you wil get a code after you play with the throttle a little while traveling 40-50 MPH.

 

thanks for the comments. "Service Engine Soon" is now showing. Unfortunately, she won't start now. I suspect multiple ignition coil failures. Being towed to the shop today. Recommend replacing all 8??

 

If it wont start, you have a bigger problem. With 2 COPS out, it would still start.

 

Maybe 3 or 4 or potentially more went out within the same time frame. Is this likely or possible? I have heard a few friends tell me that when one goes, others do also. If this is the case would it cause failure to start? I'll ask again as to which brand of coils is best to use in replacing all 8.

 

I dont see how 4 COPS went out in a couple days time.. "BEST" is a relative term. How much money do you have ? FORD will sell you one coil for $100. that will last 5-7 years. E-bay will sell you 8 coils for $100. that will last 3-5 years. I can change one out in 15 minutes.