Spark Plug Change- Service Engine Soon Light
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: USA
Spark Plug Change- Service Engine Soon Light
I just changed the spark plugs on my 5.4L Y2K X this weekend. (installed Autolite Double Platinums) After all was done we fired the truck up and the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. Turned out that I left one of the coil packs (cops) unplugged, after plugging it in the light stayed on. I disconnected the battery for 5 minutes and after that, the light went out and the truck ran great for two days. Then yesterday afternoon the light popped on again after I started it, which was the 2nd time the truck was run that day. I drove it this a.m. and it seems to still run good, but these dang OHC motors are so smooth I could barely tell one of the cylinders wasn't firing when the COP was unplugged. 
1. Any idea what may have caused the service light to come on, especially considering the work I did?
2. Can you get the trouble codes on new Fords w/out a code scanner (like the Chryslers by turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times)?
1. Any idea what may have caused the service light to come on, especially considering the work I did?
2. Can you get the trouble codes on new Fords w/out a code scanner (like the Chryslers by turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times)?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
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From: All over Texas
My bet would be ignition related, i.e. another improperly attached coil pack, but it could be a number of things. Best bet is to have the code read with a scanner....the only way you can read the codes. Autozones do it for free.
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
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When I changed my plugs, the same thing happened to me. The problem was a coil pack was not connected correctly. Once I fixed it the light didn't go off until I unplugged the negative on the battery and reset the computer. Since then I have not had a problem.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: USA
Thanks FCV, but was the COP not plugged into the sparkplug right, or the snap on electrical connector? I was afraid some of the COPs may have not slipped over the spark plug right, especially on the rear plugs, but I'm assuming they make those to slip over the plug itself????
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
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For me it was a coil pack not seated all the way, but a buddy of mine had the engine light come on because he forgot to hook up the cable to the coil pack. It is one or the other. "Yes, it slips over the recesed plug."Typically if you broke something, you would know it. Just inspect your work one more time and make sure everything is connected. Once you have done that, turn the vehicle on and make sure it is not missing. If the engine is running smooth and the light doesn't turn off, just unplug the negative on the battery for about 30 minutes. The hook everything back up and set your clock. 
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: USA
oh and don't forget the 18 radio stations, all your average fuel mileage and tripometer are reset too, LOL I will check all that stuff again and / or get the OBD code read. Thanks again!
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Do you guys know if using a different brand coil pack for one cylinder is bad?
Im not about to spend $130 for one from Ford if I can get one for $50.00 at kragens.
Im not about to spend $130 for one from Ford if I can get one for $50.00 at kragens.
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After All The Blood And Swearing Changing The #4 Cop (thanks To A Good Scan Tool Telling Me What Cylinder Was Misfiring) That Is The Rear On The Passenger Side By The Way--- I Would Not Use Anything But An Oem. I Paid 100 At The Ford Dealer.good Luck
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: USA
My code was P1405. Turned out one of the emissions hoses that went from the throttle body to the DS exhaust manifold that the end tore off during the spark plug job wasn't long enough (I stretched it & got it back on) came off again. Now with a new rubber emssions hose all is well again with the SES light. BTW if that hose is off, you DON't have an exhaust gasket leak, it just sounds like it. I'm thankful of that b/c I thought the exhaust manifold I fixed right before the new spark plugs was leaking again. 
Last edited by mcn420; Sep 23, 2004 at 09:08 PM. Reason: added detail
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