So I took my 2004 in for it's 100K maintenance last week. I was told the spark plug change can be "tricky". I was told they are challenging to change and had several break. So t's been 5 dasy now and they still can't get 1 plug out (may have to take off the head!!). My main gripe isn't that I am without my truck for several days (I was lucky enough to get a company car and a ride from a co-worker - no offer from the dealership for a loaner), it is that I am going to be responsible for 3+ days of labor for a design/manufacturing/parts flaw from Ford. I was told by several dealerships and others that this is not only common, it is almost a certainty. Why hasn't Ford issued an advisory or "recall" for the problem. They should be covering the costs for repairs on their faulty product. They saw that it was enough of a problem to change the plugs/configuration on newer models. They need to step and take care of these types of issues.

I need to find someone to complain to at Ford, although I am sure it won't make any difference. I just did and their basic reply was (with my coments and preceptions thrown in) ...."we know there is a problem" (they didn't say that, but they do know), "but we cannot do anything until we get actual complaints that can be routed up the chain of command and a list can be created". The lady said all of the complaints and b!tching on forums like these does no good at all (eventhough Ford and the "engineers" obviously know about the issue - they fixed if for cryin' ou loud on newer models!!) and people need to call Ford Customer Service". If they get enough actual complaints then maybe Ford will do something - basically I/we are SOL unless Ford deems it "worthy". Keep your receipts in case Ford does eventually decide to do the right thing.

So please, if you haven't called, do so now and tell anyone you may know to do the same. Let's make Ford take notice and step up to the plate to reimburse owners/dealerships for their p!ss-poor design.

Ford Customer Service: 1-800-392-3673
also use the link for the class action suit (can't hurt): http://gsglawsparkplugdefect.com/


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another person who's been WAY BEHIND THE POWE CURVE about this issue, maybe next time you'll ensure they follow the TSB

 

Lisle tool.

 

I haven't dealt with the plug change yet on my 06, but even I know, before I do deal with it, that ford doesn't care.
To the OP. You can complain all you want to ford, all your doing is waisting your time and pi$$ing away money that you can put toward the plug change.
Good Luck and hope you get your truck back soon.

 

But Ford does care. This is why they have a TSB available regarding plug changes on the 5.4 3v engines that have the two piece plugs.

And regarding a recall...

Definition: A recall takes place when a manufacturer notifies all owners of a specific vehicle of a condition or defect that could affect safety or safe operation of the vehicle.

Sorry, but a plug that fails upon removal does not necessitate a recall.

 

Day 5?

first one i couldn't get out only took me 3 hours to figure out how to get it out and that wasn't with a TSB
BEFORE the lisle tool was invented.....

 

i did mine myself in 4 hours taking my good OL time.

 

Well "But Ford does care" ?!? Yes they did issue a tsb, however, when I asked my dealer about changing my plugs 25 000 miles ahead of schedule, they could not even afford a guess as to cost due to a ' slight problem ' regarding spark plug removal... And that is from a dealer - specialists in my truck's maintenance! I dont care how you look at it, but changing plugs should be as simple as changing the oil. If new tools and devices need to be created post production in order to acheive this, then it is due to a design flaw. If design flaws cost the customers an inordinate extra amount of cash to repair, the manufacturer should be upfront about it and swallow the extra cost. how come just about every other maintenance being done on the truck is codified as to how much time it takes to do - except for spark plug replacement ?

 

Because like all car makers out there, they wanna gouge every penny they can from their customers.

 

What you've experienced is a known problem - with known countermeasures. Numerous TSB's have come out and and any Ford Tech worth his salt has the tools and knowledge to get the plugs out - generally with no issues. If issues do arise, there are tools that work quite nicely to address the situation. If your dealer really needs 3 days to change the plugs, somebody screwed up, it's that simple. I know guys who can change a set of plugs (with 100k on them) in less than an hour.

 

^ +1

When the dealer did mine I was told upfront there would be $25 per plug that was broke. It cost me a few extra $$$ to have it done but it was really cold out and I didn't want to fool with it. I wasn't happy about it but it there really isn't much that can be done until the old plugs are removed. The replacements do not have this problem.

If it has then them three days the tech doesn't know a wrench from a set of hootie cans.

 

Sounds to me like your issue is more with the dealership than with Ford. Yes, Ford screwed up with the plugs, but, like many have said, a competent dealer can typically remove them with little or no issue. Three days without a single removed plug is nonsense... THAT isn't Ford's fault, that's the dealer's fault.

When you call Ford again, or write a 'strongly worded letter', I think you should focus on the incompetence of your dealer rather than the problem with the plugs. Ford will be far more receptive to that issue.

 

Ford cared enough that they redesigned the cylinder heads for the 2008 model year and released a couple bulletins on how to get those bastards out.

 

Are you adding this one to your Ignore List????

 

I found someone new for my ignore list. It's the guy above me though, not the OP