Top Issue- 02-05 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Coils COP

[Hawkeye]

I took my 2005 T-Bird to my Ford dealership to have it checked out, the results were 3 bad coils. I had them replace all coils and spark plugs. It was expensive but I got a 24 month guarantee good at any Ford or Lincoln dealer. They gave me the 5 good coils and spark plugs for spares. MY BIRD RUNS LIKE NEW!

 

[biddle]

It was expensive but I got a 24 month guarantee good at any Ford or Lincoln dealer.

It is only 116.00 to replace all the Coils/Plugs/Valve Cover Gasket if you do it yourself using the parts in post #1

 

[stevedaphotoman]

I think you answered your own question here. Best case scenario, when it was discovered oil was getting into your plugs, everything in post #1 should have been addressed- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...-05-ford-thunderbird-ignition-coils-cop.5040/

Rather than going down rabbit holes and waiting for computer codes, why not fix what was already discovered? As my post says " Just by replacing these components, you may be able to bring new life to your engine!" If it was my car I would have already replaced all the plugs, coils and valve cover gasket which can all be done at once.<

I wish I was mechanically inclined for such work like this... I know enough to be very dangerous! There is one thing I learned here, if you buy one of these cars or any older vintage car be prepared to work on them yourself to save money / or satisfy a need for a hobby that involves hard work and keen knowledge, or be prepared to support your cool ride and have someone else work on it.. The biggest issue is who and how do you find someone to work on it.. In some cases you can work on it yourself but are you the most qualified to do so.. I have seen another 2004 Tbird at this independent shop that I been using just recently.. They are honest and reasonable. They took care of my power steering pump when that died, and also my A/C when that just needed a charge. They are right around the corner from my house which is also a plus. But after telling the mechanic about the coil issue / valve cover issue etc. from the forum, , he said if they were bad they should trigger a code. That is the main reason he went down stream to the exhausts side. He said he would put his faith in the older Motorcraft coil-pack than a cheaper aftermarket set.

As Hawkeye said, Ford gives a 24 month warranty. I will give my Ford dealer a call and see what they say.. I had a few Mercury's over my life time and had a great Lincoln Mercury dealership whos service department was excellent. When Ford dropped Mercury, I couldn't see me driving a Lincoln at that point of my life. I may give them a call also.. I guess I am shopping around for a honest service center who can fix the issues. I will let you know how it all goes..

 

[biddle]

I will give my Ford dealer a call and see what they say. Ford gives a 24 month warranty

If it's like the dealer here, they will say bring it in and they will charge you 125.00 for a basic diagnosis. You also have to use Motorcraft parts for the 24 month warranty. One Motorcraft ignition coil costs more than all 8 aftermarket coils. I would venture to guess you could pay a regular mechanic to do the job 3 times for what it costs once at the dealership.

They should trigger a code

*Should* is the keyword there! You said your 2002 only has 21k, miles which means you likely don't drive it a lot.

A/C when that just needed a charge.

A/C systems are closed systems. They shouldn't need to be "charged", so you probably have a leak somewhere, even if very small. They should put dye in the refrigerant and then use a UV light to find the leak.

 

[stevedaphotoman]

A/C systems are closed systems. They shouldn't need to be "charged", so you probably have a leak somewhere, even if very small. They should put dye in the refrigerant and then use a UV light to find the leak.

They did do a due test and found no leaks.. They just topped off the system.. I think any A/C system will leak some over 19 years.. I think it took 1/2 lbs last year..

Just stopped down to the Ford Dealer.. It was $900 for all the parts i.e. 8 motorcraft COP's, valve cover gaskets, and plugs.. Labor was about 5 hours at $113.00 per hour. Of course it may not take all 8 COP's and plugs. I will see how it plays out or should I say pays out.. Yes it's a lot of money.. If it was a 2002 Ford focus it would be headed to the metal compactor.

 

[biddle]

They did do a due test and found no leaks.. They just topped off the system.. I think any A/C system will leak some over 19 years.

If you do research, unless there is a leak somewhere, it should not need any refrigerant. It is not consumed like gasoline. A/C units don't need topped off and there are people with well built refrigerators that work for decades.

Of course it may not take all 8 COP's and plugs.

Unless you are on a tight budget, they should all be changed while everything is opened up as many others will tell you. As @Hawkeye mentioned, they gave him back the good ones to use as spares. Back when these were covered by warranty, Ford would only pay to fix the one fouled out and people were constantly in/out of the dealership getting COPS changed out.

 

[HunttheJunt]

Where exactly is the cowl seal located? I ordered one off ebay via the link and could not find where it goes. I replaced the wiper seal easily enough.
Thanks

 

[JoeMacFQV]

Hi. Perhaps this should be its own thread, but it seems so related I'm asking here. I'm replacing my 2002 TBird's coils and decided to do plugs based on this thread. They are 17mm and require a deep socket (which I didn't have) so bought a 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch socket. Both sockets are too thick to fit the hole. I've not seen 1/4" deep 17mm sockets, nor anywhere a mention of a special socket for this task. What am I missing ? (I have the cover off and COP off, plug clearly visible... just can't a socket small enough into the shaft/hole to get to the plug).

 

[biddle]

Hi. Perhaps this should be its own thread, but it seems so related I'm asking here. I'm replacing my 2002 TBird's coils and decided to do plugs based on this

Did you read the previous posts in this thread? Here is page 1 with some install tips, and no you don't need a new thread. This was the right place.

Top Issue- 02-05 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Coils COP

2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS have a widely known issue with Ignition coils going bad and also fouling out spark plugs causing misfires . Just by replacing these components, you may be able to bring new life to your engine!At the time of this post, 59.30 for an entire set of...

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

 

[JoeMacFQV]

Did you read the previous posts in this thread? Here is page 1 with some install tips, and no you don't need a new thread. This was the right place.

Top Issue- 02-05 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Coils COP

2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS have a widely known issue with Ignition coils going bad and also fouling out spark plugs causing misfires . Just by replacing these components, you may be able to bring new life to your engine!At the time of this post, 59.30 for an entire set of...

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

Thanks for the quick reply. I took a new plug and it didn't fit any of my existing spark plug sockets, so being a Jaguar based engine I tried metric and found the 17mm fit and said OK. Trying again this morning though and the standard 5/8" socket fits the plug and the hole.

 

[stevedaphotoman]

I just got my bird back from the Ford dealer. I took it on a quick run this morning and it is running smooth as silk.. No hesitation or bucking.. That's after replacing the (8) coil pack all 8 plugs and the 2 valve cover gaskets. I did get 7 of the COP's back. They found PO 303 cylinder 3 misfire.. Both Injector flow test and compression test passed.. They found oil leak in pug wells 5 and 6.. I had them rep[lace all the COPs plugs and both valve cover gaskets.. Hopefully this will cover me for a "bunch" of more years..

 

[D'Miles]

Has anyone had experience with any of the following COP components:
Spectra Premium C619 Ignition Coils ( fit and reliability)
Denso 671-8166 Coil-on Plug Boot (fit and capability with other listed components)
NGK 5464 Iridium IX Spark Plugs ( are they good for COP ignitions)

Also, Is this a good combination of components for normal driving in moderate climates ( Oregon) for my garage queen?

I am about to do a complete swap out at 48K miles on my 2002 Thunderbird and your input would be very helpful and thank you
D'Miles

 

[biddle]

Has anyone had experience with any of the following COP components:
Spectra Premium C619 Ignition Coils ( fit and reliability)
Denso 671-8166 Coil-on Plug Boot (fit and capability with other listed components)
NGK 5464 Iridium IX Spark Plugs ( are they good for COP ignitions)

Also, Is this a good combination of components for normal driving in moderate climates ( Oregon) for my garage queen?

I am about to do a complete swap out at 48K miles on my 2002 Thunderbird and your input would be very helpful and thank you
D'Miles

What is used by most members is in post #1 https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...-05-ford-thunderbird-ignition-coils-cop.5040/
There's no point in pursuing other options, either by the motorcraft COPS or the ones listed in post one which have numerous 5 star reviews.

 

[Jeffr]

Hello tbird owners,
Yesterday my wife and I were on a joy ride and after our tur through the countryside e were going to get back on the highway on the on ramp and lost all power to the gas pedal. Car was still running but very eratic any clues to what the cause could be. We had to be towed home.

 

[tbird]

Hello tbird owners,
Yesterday my wife and I were on a joy ride and after our tur through the countryside e were going to get back on the highway on the on ramp and lost all power to the gas pedal. Car was still running but very eratic any clues to what the cause could be. We had to be towed home.

See post #1- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...-05-ford-thunderbird-ignition-coils-cop.5040/

 

[sscharfman]

Hi guys ! What is the difference between coil and COPS ?

Also, the link for the coils that fits ''better'' (the AD Autoparts I think), showed that they are not in stock anymore ? Anyone as another link to order those coils ? Thank you !!!

No difference. COPS is just an abbreviation for Coil On Plug.

 

[2004FordThunderbird]

Wondering if anyone can comment on this....

I just replaced the spark plugs and coils in my 2004 T-Bird with 63,000 miles (Incidentally, I had to also replace the coils about 5,000 miles/4years ago).

The spark plug wells on the #4 and #8 plugs were filled with very fine dust, which I blew out with the compressor. The covers were securely in place so I dont see how dust can accumulate in those wells. Anyone else encounter this? Any idea where this could be coming from?

Thanks!

Hello tbird owners,
Yesterday my wife and I were on a joy ride and after our tur through the countryside e were going to get back on the highway on the on ramp and lost all power to the gas pedal. Car was still running but very eratic any clues to what the cause could be. We had to be towed home.

Yep. Exact same thing happened to me on the NJ Turnpike. A coil went bad. Car lost power, backfiring. This is a widely known issue. COPs go bad, and often fouls the plug(s) as well. I just had to replace all 8 of mine which was the 2nd time in 4 years and after adding about 5,000 miles. Once replaced engine runs smooth as silk again.

 

[D'Miles]

Hello, this will likely be the valve cover gaskets. They get less flexible with the extreme heat of the engine. There are o-rings around each of the spark plugs which will be the source of the leak. New valve cover gasket set is the only answer,not expensive but a bit of labour involved, particularly on the driver's side and involves the fuel line to be depressurized and split at the connection above the valve cover. Try Rock Auto where you have a choice of gasket brands. I've just done mine on both sides. Good opportunity to replace the o-ring at the base of the oil filler tube too. It's not a hard job, just a bit hard to get to some bolts. Good luck Ian

Are the Valve Cover Gaskets for the driver side and the passenger side the same gasket?
Thanks

 

[tbird.blue]

Are the Valve Cover Gaskets for the driver side and the passenger side the same gasket?
Thanks

Hi, no they are not the same, but it is obvious which one fits on which side.

 

[jsword47]

My car started mis firing during a heavy rain. After a lot of labor i replaced the plugs and ignition coils. The car continued to mis fire. It had to be towed in. Garage said three of the eight ignition coils were bad. I had paid $44 for the set...Lesson learned. Car's good now. COPS.