Tune up results in broken spark plugs and a huge repair bill
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Joined: May 2005
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From: highlands ranch, co
Originally Posted by DRIVINAK
Was wondering if anyone out there might know if this defective spark plug issue might be related to the following issues occuring with my 05 f150. During normal driving on the highway, and normal acceleration to 65 or 70, if I encounter a more than average incline on a hill, the engine seems to be missing a few beats just after the transmission shifts from drive to overdrive. This problem doesn't happen if I'm under full throttle, only normal acceleration.This can also happen if engine rpm's are at their lowest in overdrive prior to the computer telling the transmission to shift down to drive. Noticed this while the cruise control was set between 65 to70 or even at 55 mph.The dealership has replaced injectors, spark plugs, and the coils for cylinders 2 and 5 when the engine was missing real bad, but has not fixed to problem 100%. Any help or ideas you guys can give me would be a great help because the dealership can't even get the computer to generate any codes on this. By the way, thanks to the guy who let us all know about all of those parts that are still covered for 80,000 mile under warranty, might have to talk to my dealer rep about that. Doug. Palmer, Alaska
have transmission power flushed- sounds like converter lock up problem, my trany was shifting wierd until i had it flushed
Last edited by FF301; Feb 26, 2008 at 07:10 PM.
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From: In the Sticks,Ky.
Was at the dealer yesterday and thought I would run the plug issue by the service manager. They do acknowledge the problem and have some experience with them. Said the powertrain warranty didnt apply to the plugs so guess what?? If the heads have to be pulled I pay not Ford.
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From: London, ON Canada
that is such BS.. how can they say the plugs are not part of the power train warranty. If the plugs don't work then just how do they think the power is created to go to the wheels..magic fairy dust???
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Joplin MO
I think before you jump in on the 14th page of a thread like this, you need to read all the preceeding posts.
Plugs are only covered under the powertrain warranty if they are defective. The main topic of this thread is who is responsible for BREAKAGE during removal during routine service due to a basic design issue. They are not breaking because they are defective, they are breaking because they get stuck in the heads due to carbon buildup, requiring a specialized removal process which not all technicians are aware of or choose to follow, all due to a crappy head design and a 2 piece plug that is not SUPPOSED to separate, but often does.
Plugs are only covered under the powertrain warranty if they are defective. The main topic of this thread is who is responsible for BREAKAGE during removal during routine service due to a basic design issue. They are not breaking because they are defective, they are breaking because they get stuck in the heads due to carbon buildup, requiring a specialized removal process which not all technicians are aware of or choose to follow, all due to a crappy head design and a 2 piece plug that is not SUPPOSED to separate, but often does.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
I think that the only way that FoMoCo will step up and take accountability is if a class-action suit is brought against them.
How/where to begin with that, I have absolutely no idea!
How/where to begin with that, I have absolutely no idea!
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From: London, ON Canada
Originally Posted by glc
I think before you jump in on the 14th page of a thread like this, you need to read all the preceeding posts.
Well I think you should not assume that ppl dont read all the pages before assuming they didn't.
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From: In the Sticks,Ky.
Originally Posted by bamorris2
I think that the only way that FoMoCo will step up and take accountability is if a class-action suit is brought against them.
How/where to begin with that, I have absolutely no idea!
How/where to begin with that, I have absolutely no idea!
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Adrian Michigan
Spark plugs are covered 3\36 only. No other warranty applies to spark plugs. Not emissions and not powertrain. No electrical components are covered by the powertrain warranty. The only way the plugs are covered within 3/36 is if the plug has a defect as far as driveability.
Henry
Henry
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Manitoba, Canada
Originally Posted by hillbilly4u
The ones that are gonna have to start this thing are the 04 & ups that have reached the plug change interval.I tried but they're not gonna talk to an 07 owner when I dont have a problem yet.If they could get something started then the others could join in and give the issue some more clout.If not you're just gonna have to pay the 3 grand if they cant get them out. If you still want to be a Ford owner???This thread has gotten very long and gotten alot of views but as of yet there is no idea from anyone yet how to start.
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From: CA
Fuging Ford.
1) If you leave the plugs in until the manual tells you they need to be changed they could break and you flip the bill.
2)You pay to have them changed while your truck is under warranty as to avoid breakage, they still break, you flip the bill.
Un bee leave able.
1) If you leave the plugs in until the manual tells you they need to be changed they could break and you flip the bill.
2)You pay to have them changed while your truck is under warranty as to avoid breakage, they still break, you flip the bill.
Un bee leave able.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 816
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From: Indianapolis, area
Originally Posted by Buzzz
Fuging Ford.
1) If you leave the plugs in until the manual tells you they need to be changed they could break and you flip the bill.
2)You pay to have them changed while your truck is under warranty as to avoid breakage, they still break, you flip the bill.
Un bee leave able.
1) If you leave the plugs in until the manual tells you they need to be changed they could break and you flip the bill.
2)You pay to have them changed while your truck is under warranty as to avoid breakage, they still break, you flip the bill.
Un bee leave able.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: CA
Originally Posted by dkstone05
I think it depends on the dealer. The one I'm going to said as long as the truck is still under the bumper to bumper warranty and they break the plugs I would not have to pay a penny. But this is only what the service manager said I have had first hand experince with this statement yet. The plugs are going to be changed as soon as I get my hands on the Champion plugs.
Others here have been told you pay regardless of warranty. Catch 22.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: PA
It's a messed up situation for the dealers and owners IMO...Ford issues the TSB so if something does happen then they can lay the blame back at the Tech/Dealer for "not following the procedure" The dealers don't want to have to absorb the cost knowing that Ford may kick the claim back making them liable for the bill so they try to pass it back to the customer ....that's BS in itself since it is not the customers fault they bought a truck with a crap plug/cylinder head design. I've been fortunate and haven't had any troubles pulling them out however I take my time doing it even it it means I will lose time on the job...the PM-3 seems to work really well for busting up the carbon however having the proper amount of soak time is critical. That is where a lot of the Techs are going wrong I think...I'd rather lose a few tenths than have to explain a snapped off plug.