check engine light....easy fix?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
An ODBII code reader can be had from Harbor Freight for under $50. It will show MOST but NOT ALL codes the expensive ones do.
It will pay for itself first time you want to know which coil pack has gone bad. And you can Google the codes for explanations.
It will pay for itself first time you want to know which coil pack has gone bad. And you can Google the codes for explanations.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,871
Likes: 767
From: SoCal/Wyoming
While I use an Autoenginuity (Ford and GM bundle) most of the time at home
autoenginuity | Unleash the Diagnostics Power Built into Your Vehi…
I did purchase one of these to carry in the truck in case I need it while out driving and I don't need to carry around a laptop.
BlueDriver Scan Tool | BlueDriver
autoenginuity | Unleash the Diagnostics Power Built into Your Vehi…
I did purchase one of these to carry in the truck in case I need it while out driving and I don't need to carry around a laptop.
BlueDriver Scan Tool | BlueDriver
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 606
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 4
Well I took it to the dealer I bought it from within a mile of home. Of course they had to do a diagnostic. I left it. Later in the day the service advisor called and said the #2 cylinder coil was bad and its spark plug for #2. He also stated that since I had 52k miles and it was recommended by Ford that ALL spark plugs (16...2 per cyl) should be replaced at 60,000 miles I should also replace all the plugs. Since Ford recommended it, I agreed. Parts would take a day so it should be ready Friday. OK
Then I start checking online about the recommended spark plug replacement. The manual states it should be done at 97,000 miles. My manual was in the truck so I was checking online sources.
So on Friday upon picking the track up I ask why I needed the full spark plug change when the manual states 97k. I was told it was Ford's recommendation for EXTREME usage. WHAT? Extreme usage? This is basically a suburban type vehicle...with an occasional trailer tow. EXTREME? nope. I paid and immediately contacted Ford via their website about this intimidating way of doing business. They will contact me next week.
Then I start checking online about the recommended spark plug replacement. The manual states it should be done at 97,000 miles. My manual was in the truck so I was checking online sources.
So on Friday upon picking the track up I ask why I needed the full spark plug change when the manual states 97k. I was told it was Ford's recommendation for EXTREME usage. WHAT? Extreme usage? This is basically a suburban type vehicle...with an occasional trailer tow. EXTREME? nope. I paid and immediately contacted Ford via their website about this intimidating way of doing business. They will contact me next week.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 516
Service writers are always going to upsell on service. As sure as the sun rises in the East, they will try to tack on extras. Sometimes it's completely unnecessary, like the good ol' transmission flush, or more popularly known as the wallet flush. Sometimes, as in your case, it's premature and not needed at this time. Not much different than had they changed your oil at 3k miles after light use. That "severe service" is their out. Everything becomes severe service when there's something to sell.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 67
From: SW Cook County, Illinois
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