I'm aware of the issues surrounding the 5.4L spark plug problem, and have decided to let a Ford dealer mess with the problem. I probably made the mistake of going 91,000 miles before touching the plugs. I read somewhere that a plug change should cost $300 with the dealer following the TSB protocol.

Called my local dealer who told me that they want to do some BG treatment to break up the carbon before they try to remove the plugs. If no plugs break, they're estimating $500 to do the job. $680 if one plug breaks.

I know that the TSB involves a pre-treatment, and then soaking in penetrating fluid, but no one has mentioned anything about a BG carbon clean.

Is this dealer soaking me double, and selling a BG treatment when a cheaper solution works?

Thanks for the advice.

Rog

 

Just called another dealer (one that has a decent reputation). They indicated that the cost should be $350 if no plugs break, and that they have one mechanic who knows how to do the job. Plugs breaking will add to the cost. My gut tells me that dealer one tried to pad the job with an expensive BG treatment that isn't necessary.

Am I being paranoid?

Thanks

 

I was told the same from my dealer. $465 for the plug change if no broken plugs, add $165/broken plug, + money for the BG treatment. I cut the guy on the phone off before he could tell me how much for the treatment. There's no way I'm paying that kinda money for just a spark plug change! I got the TSB, will get the plugs and do it myself. If any break, then I'll get it towed to the dealer.

 

Get the Lisle tool and you won't have to have it towed to the dealer. Otherwise, plan on having it towed to the dealer.

 

My dealer charges 350 plus 100 for a broken plug. They rarely break one. I usually have a 15% coupon to use.

 

$295 here on the Gulf Coast, including any broken plugs--

Randy

 

Whoa where is that at? I live over in Foley, AL. And I need to have mine changed I tried to be gung ho about it and do it myself couldnt get them to budge so I figured Id wait and let a dealer do it.
Thanks Jack

 

How long does it take to remove a broken off ground shield with a Lisle tool? If the dealer is going to charge $100 to remove a broken plug then does it take an hour to remove?

 

Dealer here charges $275 plus $50 per side that any plugs break on, so a max of $375.

 

If you know what you are doing, it shouldn't take more than 15 or 20 minutes, depending on how it broke.

 

I'd just spend the $210 it costs to do it yourself. Best way if you have access to a garage/tools IMO.

 

I had mine done at the dealership. IIRC it cost me $350 plus $40 for any that broke. Luckily I only had 49,000 miles on my truck when they needed to be changed so none of them broke. Stay away from the dealership that tried to sell you the BG treatment, that is why they soak them in penetrating oil first.

 

$299 at Groove ford in Centennial.CO, includes broken plugs.

I had a plug break, they couldn't get it out so head came off! Dealer paid for rental car for 6 days, changed oil and coolant, and then when I went to pay they only charged me $148.00!

 

Had mine done by a local mechanic (ASE certified) the other month. No pretreatment but I've been using mainly Shell gas in the truck the last couple of years. None broke, no problems and it cost $200 including the price of the plugs.

 

I was in my local dealer a few months back and overheard one of their service reps informing a customer that they would not change plugs on the 5.4 engine without the customer agreeing to purchase the carbon treatment.