F150 Spark Plug Change

[2B4Him]

I've been putting this off, but I need to get the spark plugs changed on my 2006 F150. (Misfiring a lot.) I am just under 130K miles.
Does anyone know of a good (and inexpensive) shop in the Fort Worth/Weatherford area that has done this for you?
Note: if you have a 2003-2007 (?) F150 and had spark plug issues, you know the issues with them breaking off, etc. Some dealers charge up to $700 up front and another $120 for each one that breaks. I also understand that someone that knows what they are doing can buy the extraction tool and plugs and DIY for < $200. I have never replaced plugs on a non-problem vehicle, much less this nightmare, so that isn't an option I would pursue.

[ZZ Pops]

Are you sure it isn't something else? My F150 was doing the same thing, but it turned out to be a vacuum leak - not the plugs.

[2B4Him]

Yes - A mechanic I have used before looked it over a couple of months ago and diagnosed that. He does mostly muffler/brake stuff, so he didn't have the extraction tool and wouldn't do the plugs. He told me it wasn't a problem to drive it a while because the computer wasn't yet showing the problem. But now the engine light is lighting up due to it and I'm ready to get them changed.

[Capuchin Monkey]

Mine was missing and it was a coil pack. $43 at auto zone

[DFA]

I almost guarantee one of your coil packs are out...I know from too much experience with my 04 F150

[Special K]

I have a 04 ford f150 and I was wondering what my problem is with it. When ever I'm going 50 to 60 up a hill or when ever I'm going that same speed just giving it some gas it acts like the is having a hard time it kinda pops. And the engine light came on and when it does that starts flashing any ideas?

[BETTERLUCKYTHANGOOD]

At 130,000 you are due plugs, do you have a 5.4 in your truck? If not you won't have any problems. The biggest problem with letting your vehicle go for so long with a misfire is it will cause other more $$$$$ problems down the line. Coils get overheated due to the added resistance and that added resistance can and WILL burn out the coil drivers in the computer along with burning out the coils. You need to get a tune up, sorry but it will be $$$$ sometimes we get lucky by running a lot of top engine cleaner through the fuel system and then taking our time removing the plugs and letting throttle body cleaner set on top of the plugs, but most times the vehicle owners have let them go to long for this to do any good. Don't get mad at the mechanic for the charge we don't build them and we aren't the ones neglecting the vehicles.
Sorry for the rant just got through doing one just like yours and the customer was miffed by the charges....you just read what I told them....they didn't have anything to say after.

[westguy76]

I have an 04 f150 I had the plugs changed a couple months back at about 112K. My truck was missing only in the range between 50-60 mph when accelerating. I did some reading and asking several told me It was a coil out. but the more I read I realized I needed to change the sparkplugs anyways at this mileage in this vehicle.
I called around about 4 places and believe it or not the cheapest quote was from the Ford Dealership. $500 is what they charged, even if they broke some taking them out. However, they also said that they also had to do a treatment, forgot what they called it... said it was part os the TSB to treat the fuel system before attempting to remove the plugs. After everything, tax and all paid somewhere just over $700. They said that two plugs had broke off when they replaced them. Miss is now gone, no coil needed to be replaced and my gas mileage has improved. Good luck.

[BETTERLUCKYTHANGOOD]

I have a 04 ford f150 and I was wondering what my problem is with it. When ever I'm going 50 to 60 up a hill or when ever I'm going that same speed just giving it some gas it acts like the is having a hard time it kinda pops. And the engine light came on and when it does that starts flashing any ideas?

You have a misfire condition that is causing catyletic converter damage. Fix the misfire and then deal with needing a converter. Sorry for the bad news the flashing check engine light is a (to late warning light).

[Texas Tracker]

I have a 04 ford f150 and I was wondering what my problem is with it. When ever I'm going 50 to 60 up a hill or when ever I'm going that same speed just giving it some gas it acts like the is having a hard time it kinda pops. And the engine light came on and when it does that starts flashing any ideas?

This could be bad knox sensers it retards the timeing under load.

[westguy76]

I have a 04 ford f150 and I was wondering what my problem is with it. When ever I'm going 50 to 60 up a hill or when ever I'm going that same speed just giving it some gas it acts like the is having a hard time it kinda pops. And the engine light came on and when it does that starts flashing any ideas?

If you have an 04 and haven't changed the plugs, you may need to do so. I would start there. I think they are reccomending people change them in the 5.4 at 85000 miles now. I am telling you my truck was missing at 50-60 too if you read my post. I had no engine light though. Spark plugs fixed it.

[cosmiccowboy]

Guys, just google Ford 5.4 spark plugs and you will know what he is talking about. I'm going through that right now with my wifes Expedition (85,000 miles). It's a TERRIBLE design. I'm biting the bullet and paying it. it's a freaking $800 job with new (different, new design) plugs and new boots between the coil packs and the plugs.

[cosmiccowboy]

BTW, the longer you go without changing your plugs the more carbon that builds up and the greater the chance you will twist the plugs off leaving the porcelain stuck in the head. It was a TERRIBLE design.

Here is a picture of those awful plugs..The steel part of the plug spins right out like normal and the long porcelain part (after it gets carbon built up on it) breaks off and stays stuck in the head.

[JeffJ]

I almost guarantee one of your coil packs are out...I know from too much experience with my 04 F150

Yep, I have replaced 7 of 8. Dang glad I have had it paid off or it would have really stung.

[Special K]

Thanks for the info guys. I have an extended warranty so its only gonna cost me a 100 buck deductible.