Windstar Plug/Wire Question
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 99
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From: Newmwnstown, PA
Windstar Plug/Wire Question
I have noticed in signature blocks that many of you also own Windstars. I have a plug change question that my neighbor asked just now as he has listened to me swear at my Aero for the past two weekends changing my own plugs.
The local shop did ONLY a plug and wire change on his 2001 Windstar 3.8L and charged him $400US. I told him he got screwed. They told him the labor was so high because they had to remove the intake manifold to access the firewall bank of 3 plugs. The intake manifold looks like a clamshell design with the top being some sort of plastic with 10 or so screws. I showed him I could reach my arm around and blindly access EVERY one of those firewall plugs with my left arm/hand. I estimate I could have change all six plugs in 30 minutes...another 15 minutes for the wires.
He got screwed, didn't he??
Michael
The local shop did ONLY a plug and wire change on his 2001 Windstar 3.8L and charged him $400US. I told him he got screwed. They told him the labor was so high because they had to remove the intake manifold to access the firewall bank of 3 plugs. The intake manifold looks like a clamshell design with the top being some sort of plastic with 10 or so screws. I showed him I could reach my arm around and blindly access EVERY one of those firewall plugs with my left arm/hand. I estimate I could have change all six plugs in 30 minutes...another 15 minutes for the wires.
He got screwed, didn't he??
Michael
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Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,642
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From: Northern California
BIG TIME! Even by removing the part that covers the rear bank plugs (I know what it looks like, but I don't know the official part name) it's 8-10 bolts as you said, takes less than 5 minutes with the proper ratchet and extension.
That is, with the Windstar on the ground. Many of those FWD Windstar, Dodge Caravans, ect. you can get to them by putting the van up on a rack (lift). You can stand up, then access those plugs through the rear of the engine. Of course it must be on a lift, and not many of us have a lift in our garages!! Shops do, however...
Yes, $400 is a rip off. Clearly. I'd say, even with shop labor rates, this procedure should not have cost over $180, TOPS. That's plug wires, plugs, labor...
PS I hope the shop put on factory Motorcraft wires. If not, your neighbor will notice a decrease in his Windstar's engine power after 10,000-12,000 miles. Those aftermarket wires run okay at first, but breakdown much sooner than normal. If it's Ford Motorcraft wires, he'll be fine.
Ed
That is, with the Windstar on the ground. Many of those FWD Windstar, Dodge Caravans, ect. you can get to them by putting the van up on a rack (lift). You can stand up, then access those plugs through the rear of the engine. Of course it must be on a lift, and not many of us have a lift in our garages!! Shops do, however...
Yes, $400 is a rip off. Clearly. I'd say, even with shop labor rates, this procedure should not have cost over $180, TOPS. That's plug wires, plugs, labor...
PS I hope the shop put on factory Motorcraft wires. If not, your neighbor will notice a decrease in his Windstar's engine power after 10,000-12,000 miles. Those aftermarket wires run okay at first, but breakdown much sooner than normal. If it's Ford Motorcraft wires, he'll be fine.
Ed
