Just got back from the dealer. I have a 2005 F-150 with the 5.4 3V with 26,000 miles. I've was getting ready to do a plug change out of a fear of the corrosion problem. Bought the plugs, anti-seize, etc. I was ready.
I noticed, however, something that sounded like valve knock. I went to the dealer to have it checked out as I wanted to discuss my premature brake rotor wear anyway.
Turns out, the wrong plugs were installed at the factory! The dealer fixed me up with that, no problem.
My truck hasn't really run bad, per se. Other than a little knocking, a little hesitation now and then, but nothing bad and nothing that couldn't be attributed to bad gas. At least that's what I thought.
The damned thing runs twice as good now. The power difference is very noticeable. What I want to see is how much better the mileage will be!
The dealer also ordered new rotors, pads, and calipers for me. All covered under warranty. Those will be installed in a few days.

It's been a good day.

 

Sounds as if your luck is improving! Your dealer is taking good care of you.

 

First of all, I find it a little hard to believe that the factory installed the wrong plugs. Can you please elaborate on that? What part number did they use and what was it replaced with?

Brakes are not covered beyond 12 months or 12000 miles, so I highly doubt they are covered under warranty, unless they were replaced recently...

-Joe

 

Hi.

Joe, it's possible - read this:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...at+range+plugs

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=255625

Cheers
Bubba

 

Sounds good atleast your wallet will stay stuffed!

 

I don't see where either of those threads indicates which plug was installed at the factory, or which plug Ford calls for as the original and the replacements. It's not uncommon for the replacements to be an updated part, but that doesn't mean the incorrect plugs were installed at the factory.

I can't seem to find the part numbers in either the owner's manual or the shop manuals.... That's what seems odd to me.

Also, I can't seem to find a TSB for the '05s regarding the plug part number change... Do you have the TSB number?

Thanks!

 

Hi Joe;

Sorry, I think we're getting hung up on the term 'wrong'.

The plugs were not really the wrong ones per se, but perhaps not the optimum ones for the engine in terms of heat range, as was determined empirically - changing to a different heat range resolved the driveability issue.

Is Ford using a different heat range in later builds... which may explain why I have not seen any 2006+ folks having this problem ( yet ) ?

Sorry - don't have the TSB - Quintin might be able to helps out - you there, bud?

Cheers
Bubba

 

Aaah, OK... I knew there had to be something mroe to the story LOL!!

I've only recently started tuning-in to the latest generation of trucks, and this one was new to me.

I just found the TSB in the '04 listing... it's TSB 06-3-3 which supersedes 05-25-5. It calls for the PZT 1F F4. Now I see... I glossed over it in the listing the first time through as it starts by listing {a pair of DTCs} 'accompanied by spark knock' in the description. It also says that the MIL should come on too... Does that not happen in all cases?

 

Okay. Perhaps I started the confusion by using the word "wrong". I was merely quoting the dealer service rep. I assumed he meant inferior plugs, or plugs that were later determined to be out of performance specs. At any rate, the knock is gone, and performance is better than ever. Yet, what is also surprising is that the plugs I bought at the parts store a couple of weeks ago were also the "wrong" plugs. Seems as if the parts system is also out of whack. I got a refund.
On the brake issue, Ford is responding to accelerated brake wear problems by determining the rate of wear over time, and replacing parts accordingly. My rotors at 26,000 mi. have the appearance of rotors of much higher mileage, and most all of my driving is highway. Call it warranty, call it whatever. I call it great!

 

The main thing is the dealer responded in a professional maner & satisfied you,the customer.