The Blasted #4 Coil!
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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The Blasted #4 Coil!
I wish I had paid attention to the threads concerning the #4 coil on the '99 5.4L. Mine failed today at 82k (I don't know if the previous owner ever replaced it). Not knowing what was wrong, and after talking with my husband on the radio, he told me to take it to Ford right away. They tell me the coil isn't working, and they need to replace it -- so, $73 (plus $87 in labor!) later, I come home, get on this board, and see that it's a common problem.
So, because I didn't have my ducks in a row, I couldn't quiz the service people on WHY it went bad -- am I a victim of coolant leaking on the coil?!??! No telling, I guess.
So, the next question is -- did I get ripped off by paying so much?
And finally -- service guy says I need a tune up "pretty soon". My jaw hit the floor when he told me $230 for a tune up! Again, am I getting ripped off, or is that how much it costs to maintain my behemoth?
((Then, to add insult to injury, I come home to my ad-val notice on my Expy. I can choose between paying ad-val taxes, or getting a tune up....blast the state of Georgia and its feudal era ad-val tax system!))
So, because I didn't have my ducks in a row, I couldn't quiz the service people on WHY it went bad -- am I a victim of coolant leaking on the coil?!??! No telling, I guess.
So, the next question is -- did I get ripped off by paying so much?
And finally -- service guy says I need a tune up "pretty soon". My jaw hit the floor when he told me $230 for a tune up! Again, am I getting ripped off, or is that how much it costs to maintain my behemoth?
((Then, to add insult to injury, I come home to my ad-val notice on my Expy. I can choose between paying ad-val taxes, or getting a tune up....blast the state of Georgia and its feudal era ad-val tax system!))
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 184
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From: Florida
The Blasted #4 Coil!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 28-Oct-02 AT 08:50 PM (EST)]I am not a ford tech but, i think the price of the coil pack seems about right(never bought one myself) and most cases labor rates are between 50-60 an hour so 87 seems to be about good for an 1 1/2hr job. I hear its a pain in the butt to change to.
As for the tune up, i believe the majority of the price quoted is labor. Just changing the spark plugs are a major pain in the a$$ all by themselves.
In my own opinion, i think those prices are pretty on point.
As for the tune up, i believe the majority of the price quoted is labor. Just changing the spark plugs are a major pain in the a$$ all by themselves.
In my own opinion, i think those prices are pretty on point.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
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From: Annapolis, Maryland
The Blasted #4 Coil!
I had the #1 coil crap out on me a while back (My fault; like a #####, I sprayed and washed the engine at the car wash. Covered up the intake, but left everything else out in the open)
I think the final repair bill (I couldn't figure out what was wrong, and I don't have the stupid OBD II computer) was about $250 - $50 for the coil, $80 for the diagnostic (to hook the computer up - BS) labor, and "shop supplies" (I can't imagine what)
You didn't get ripped too badly. Plus, like the other guy said, #4 is a pain in the tuckus.
XXL
I think the final repair bill (I couldn't figure out what was wrong, and I don't have the stupid OBD II computer) was about $250 - $50 for the coil, $80 for the diagnostic (to hook the computer up - BS) labor, and "shop supplies" (I can't imagine what)
You didn't get ripped too badly. Plus, like the other guy said, #4 is a pain in the tuckus.
XXL
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The Blasted #4 Coil!
Thanks for the feedback, everyone!
Also, it occurs to me....Twice when I started up my truck (the second time was the day the coil went out), I smelled a sweet, strong chemical odor through the vents, that went away after a few minutes. Did I smell the coolant burning off on that bad coil/plug?
Also, it occurs to me....Twice when I started up my truck (the second time was the day the coil went out), I smelled a sweet, strong chemical odor through the vents, that went away after a few minutes. Did I smell the coolant burning off on that bad coil/plug?
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Joined: Feb 2002
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The Blasted #4 Coil!
Yes, you did smell coolant. There is a heater valve directly above. the hose can leak right on the coil pack. The coils have been updated. The hose clamp is probably loose. Had this happen to me. The plugs are a pain the #@%^$&. But not $270 worth.
<-- just wanna use fun smileys here and there.
