Started in on replacing the plugs, wires and boots today. Been a *looooong* time since I did a plug job on a truck; probably last one was my '86 F150 with the 300 ci straight 6. Man things have changed!

So... I'd read that the little red tab on the connector from the wiring harness to the coil-on-plug units needed to be pulled back... check. Did that. Unfortunately, I hadn't read this thread, so I just thought those connectors were still really stuck on there. One came off willingly; a couple... did not. Looks like I busted the locking tabs inside the connector

Now I know better... hopefully the other 12 will go a little easier

How much of a PITA is it to replace those connectors? Is it the same process as shown in this video (https://youtu.be/wMgKZ-AQwhM)? Are they parts the local Ford store is going to have in stock (in the video the connectors look slightly different from what I have, and he's using parts cut off another vehicle at the wrecking yard)? Or are they going to try to sell me a whole new wiring harness?

 

why replace them...

the red is the second lock... not the only lock.

YES, they are easy to break.

 

I didn't just break the red tab... I broke the main one as well. The whole connector just slides off/on now - no latch at all.

 

can you install a ty-rap.... to hold it..

them connectors are hard to get.. so I understand.

 

I don't know about 'hard to get'... but they are pretty proud of the little buggers

$20-$25 *each* for a connector plus pigtail @ Rock Auto, plus expedited shipping to get it here Monday at the earliest... or $42 each from the Ford dealer, and it should be here tomorrow.

Ouch.

That was an expensive lesson.... but still cheaper (by half) even with the 'extra' parts than paying the dealership to change the plugs.

 

The video link is actually https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMgK...ature=youtu.be