I just recently had to replace my #6 coil and plug last weekend. The service engine light came on and was blinking periodically. At first I thought it was bad gas since it was cold as hell and I only had 1/4 tank. I refueled and the truck started to idle very rough and buck when you went up a hill. I took it to the dealer on Monday morning they ran the Diagnostic and changed the coil and told me there was moisture on my plug and it had corroded. I've talked to three other 2001 owners who have since had the same problem and my mechanic has told me he's seen a bunch of these coils going bad as well. Supposedly there is a TSB out on the coils but I have not found it. Can anyone give me any help or if there really is problem with these so-called 100K maintenace free coils and plugs shouldn't Ford do a recall

Thanks

 

The COP's do seem to be a weak point. If you do a search, I think you will find much discussion on them. I think part of the goal was to eliminate those high maintenance ignition wires. Unfortunately, coils are a lot more expensive than wires.

It doesn't seem that this is to the level of a recall. Most seem to outlast the warranty. I would recommend that you take extra care to dry the area if you ever wash your engine. Be sure your hood seals and heater hoses are good. Also, use dielectric grease on terminals.

 

High maintenace plug wires? Are people that lazy? You don't change them that often.

 

I had to replace the same coil pack on both of my 2001 Supercrews with 5.4L V8s. I was first told that it was from water off the air conditioner dripping on it but was later told it was from the heater (which I can't quite figure out) either way, they were covered by my ESP, but... I have also had to replace 4 "failed" spark plugs. One that blew out the threads, (they supposedly have new plugs with longer threads) one that blew out the center ceramic piece, and two that broke somehow two days ago also damaging the boots. I know there is an issue with the "wet" coil packs and the plugs as well. Anyone else having these problems?

 

Hi Dennis and welcome to FTE

Number 4 (back on on the passenger's side) coil failures are quite common due to the heater hose above them leaking coolant onto them. Usually the leak is caused by a loose hose clamp.
If you snoop around on here you'll find lots of guys with the same problems. Remember though that for every one we hear about here there are waaay more out there with no problems.

 

While I see that I'm not alone with this problem why is Ford not doing a recall if their design is the reason for the failures. Again I don't want to seem like a whiner but the fact that Ford claims you should not need to change these coils and plugs out for the 1st 100K miles is just another reason I bought the truck in the first place. Everything about this truck from the smart transmission to the low maintenance is a pile of BS as far as I'm concerned 32K is alot of money to spend for a truck that costs you repairs every few months. Especially a new transmission at 48K, new Rear axle seals at 42K, and now new coils and plugs at 58K. I think I might not be the next poster child for being a Ford Enthusiast.

The bottom line is that if these coils keep failing we as Ford truck Owners need to contact Ford enough to get a recall that's the only way they will do one. If a heater hose clamp is bad then fix that too or if the AC leaks on the coils and plugs then that's a design flaw but we should not be liable as consumers for design flaws by a billion dollar company.

Ok I'm off the soap box I'm just fed up with the continuing costs of owning what purportedly was supposed to be the #1 Truck to buy.

 

I had to have #4 replaced. Was under warranty at the time. Now I'm on my own. I totally agree with you Torb. I'm wondering if I'll get it paid off before something major happens. Until they improve quality, I won't buy a new vehicle.

 

I agree I'm worried that they will all start going at once. I bought a powertrain warranty when my tranny went for $1300 bones but unfortunatley it doesn't carry the weight of the 3 yr/36,000 I guess. Like I said before you'd think they'd recall them but if we donb;t bitch and maon to Ford it'll never happen. I'm dead serious too that I wont be buying another ford If mine continues to give me trouble. If it were a horse I'd have shot it along time ago whne it went lame.