I apologize in advance for the re-hashing of probably one of the most popular subjects to talk about on this forum.

I was hoping somebody had a few hints or tricks to help me as I try to replace my coil packs instead of someone charging me a ridiculous amount of money. Also, if you have any recent history replacing these, which ones did you use and have the met your expectations?

Thanks in advance,
Zak

 

I bought them from e-bay, as suggested here. And have regretted it. If I were to do again, I would buy from a well known place and only do the ones that are having issues.
I have had to have 4 of 8 replaced under warranty. But they have to have the old one back first.
It has been a pain. I only had 1-2 bad ones, but changed them all because I had a lot of miles.

 

I went with Global / ebay on cost, but at that time the best I could find for the Motorcraft was $90 each. Recently someone pointed out that they can be had for $45 each at Rock Auto. I had one of mine from my purchase go bad, swapped it out for a spare (I bought the 10 pack) and they have been fine now for 25k miles.

 

Thanks guy, I appreciate the input. This helps a lot.

 

I think you mean COPs (coil on plug) My '98 Expy 4.6 L has 2 coil packs and no COPs, for which I am eternally grateful!

 

I've been buying COP's from NAPA for awhile. Search "Ignition Coil" on their site. I get them for forty bucks each and haven't had an issue. Knock wood.

They also sell the spark plug boot with or without the spring-wire for little $ if yours are deteriorating. I have been reminded in the past by this board that properly (dielectric) greased boots in good condition with clean wires can correct the source of misfire. New, greased boots (in my mind, for what it's worth) do a better job of protecting against moisture entry than do old, brittle or dried out ones.

 

I'm in NJ and bought 4 coil packs at $40.00 each from Auto Zone and have not had any issues in 3 years.

 

You've seen this, right?


How To Change Spark Plugs on 4.6 & 5.4 Liter F150s .: Articles

 

Replacing the coils is a pretty easy thing to do. Not sure what year or engine size you have but I've got an '06 with the 5.4 in it. Most of the coils you are able to get to with not much issue. The back one on the driver side I needed one of those u-joint type attachments on my rachet to get to the bolt. The passenger side I have to remove some electrical thing to get to the back coils.

As to where to get them. When I first did it about a year ago I went with the ebay ones as alot of people on this site had good luck with them. Shortly after doing all of the coils my engine started to make a ticking noise. I had it at Ford for an oil change (they had a good deal on the oil change) and I asked them about the ticking noise. They said that it was just the 5.4 tick, it's normal. Beginning of this week one of the coils died. Switched it out with a new one from Advanced Autoparts. I have always had good luck with the Advanced autoparts stores coils. There made by BNC or BCN, something like that. Cost $49.49. Ticking sound is now gone also. If you have an Advanced Autoparts store near you. You can order them on line to pick up at store and google Advanced autoparts store coupons for a coupon code. The other day I used a code that was $40 off an order of $100 or more. Code TRT41. 40% off, I'll take it. If I was you I would place a couple of online orders of two coils plus something cheap to make a $100.00 use the code. Four order would save you $160. Best of luck, hope this helps.

 

Thanks. I had not seen that article before.

I also appreciate the help Pro. Between all of the advice on here I should be able to do this no problem.

Btw, I have an 03 4.6

 

You'll do fine Mayo-naise