hi, i got a 2005 Eddie Bauer Expedition with 5.4L engine, 4x4. The thing started running really badly all of a sudden and was shaking and what not. The engine light came on, flashing sometimes, which according to the manual mean its misfiring.

Apparently the dealership mechanic guy says the fuel injector went bad and gas got into the oil and it could use new spark plugs. one of the catalytic convertors is now bad due to this problem...he said it would cost $1900 to fix...

id do it myself if i knew these modular engine better (ive only done work on old ford small blocks)...

how hard is it to replace the injectors, or injector and spark plugs??? (oil is easy)

is the catalytic convertor bolt on or welded on?

any help....thanks....

 

That could be. But as you will soon find out, get the codes if you can. My Expy 5.4 started shaking and acted like it was on it's last legs, CEL blinking like 'stop you idiot, before I die', and it was only COP #4, and 1 COP and 8 plugs later, and $75.00 it was okay. Is it at a Ford Dealership, and how did they determine all of the above that you mentioned? All of the usual work, if you have not done it before, is tough. No wires, I had to get a book to even find the plugs. I payed a flat 40 per, and the guy charged me 3 hours to do it, plus the 85. I thought that was a deal.

 

Welcome Shifty101Easy!

By your description it sounds like one or more injectors were stuck open. I have seen this before and what it means is that fuel is constantly pouring into the affected cylinders; this is way too rich, which causes the misfire you experienced. As an added bonus the additional fuel passed by the piston rings and into the oil contaminating it (which is why you need the oil changed).

Now then, if the vehicle is under warranty (which it should be unless you are past 36,000 miles) this work shouldn't cost you a cent. Otherwise, I'd say that $1900 is a bit pricey. I know you don't know me, but if you did you would know that I'm a big supporter of dealership service. That being said, $1900 for plus and even 8 injectors if f-in silly (I don't know what they want for the converter, but maybe that is making up the cost.)

If you have to pay, have them do the plug and injector (they ought to be able tell which one) on the AFFECTED cylinder(s) only and get the oil changed. Pass on the cat until you drive it with the primary problem fixed. If it doesn't meet your expectations then consider cat replacement and even then you are going to want to claim the extended factory warranty on emissions control items.

Lastly, if you are facing this extreme cost and you are the original owner (I think that's a requirement) talk to the SERVICE MANAGER about an after warranty adjustment (which should share the cost of the repair between you and Ford corporate).

On the bright side: this problem can sometimes cause hydrolocking: the cylinder fills with enough fuel (and a fluid is non-compressible) that it breaks the connecting rod requiring you to get a new motor.

On the dark side: My girlfriend's Explorer had this exact problem and we were out the door with two injectors, two plugs, and an oil change for $343. This is why I say I think you are being horked.

 

yeah well the oil needed to be changed anyways so thats not even a factor...

im trying to reason with my dad to say not to fix the converter right now but mr. car expert is convinced its absolutely vital to the fuctioning of the engine.....yeah....


and whats this u say on extended factory warranty on emission control items???


this is really a bummer because the car is just a few thousand miles over the warranty coverage....


anyways, thanks for the help. if u can think of anything else, let me know.

 

Look in the owner's manual. Parts governing emissions control items are covered beyone 36,000 miles.

 

on your girlfriends explorer, did that include labor as well or was that just parts?

 

Yes, labor too.

 

Emissions warranties are different depending on the model year of the vehicle. For vehicles from 1981-1995, all emissions related items had to be covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles according to federal law. In 1995, the federal requirements were changed so that the majority of items were only required to be covered for 2 years/24k miles. However, warranty requirements for the cats, ecu, and obd were extended to 8 years or 80,000 miles according to federal law for any vehicle 1995 or newer.

So, if the cats are bad due to the failure of some engine component, and not due to any negligence or other action that you did, the cats should be covered by warranty if, in fact, they need replaced.

I agree with the earlier advice to just do the injector, plug, and oil change now, and then have the emissions tested at the next regular interval (if you are required to have it tested) to see if the cats are working or not.