Top Issue- 02-05 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Coils COP

[bayfeet]

Bought ena coils and ngk plugs based on the link. Was not throwing any codes but the car seemed to be sluggish. Tough getting bottom 7mm bolts near firewall on both sides. What a difference! I guess after 20 years the plugs and coils were tired. Acceleration will snap your head back now. Thanks for all the info!

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[schaben]

this why the 02 to 05 always having to change coil and spark plugs

 

[biddle]

this why the 02 to 05 always having to change coil and spark plugs

Only the people that fail to fix the underlying issue causing the spark plugs & COPS to fail suffer from this. Read post #1

Thread 'Top Issue- 02-05 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Coils COP'

Dec 22, 2016

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 Ignition Coils! Can't beat that! If you have a 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird I would buy these just to have on hand because of the history of these going bad! Don't forget to order 8 spark plugs too because the coils foul them out!

Many people have had success with the coils above...

• tbird
• 2002 2003 2004 2005 coils condensation cops engine coils ford thunderbird
• Replies: 144
• Forum: 2002 - 2005 Retro Ford Thunderbird

• 

 

[H-Town 02 T-Bird]

I just bought my 2002 bird this fall my mechanic said the one on the second bank went bad because of a small oil leak in the valve cover gasket. so I had him replace plugs and both gaskets.He said that will take care of it.

This is true. Our 02 with 34K miles started sputtering. Didn't look for a code, just took it to an old friend who's a Ford man. They found a leak in the gasket which was causing the problem in cylinder 5. He replaced the gasket, the coil and plug. It was thundering once again. I'll get some time in the new year and go ahead with the other bank. This time gasket, coil packs, and spark plugs all the way around.

 

[Edzooom]

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 Ignition Coils! Can't beat that! If you have a 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird I would buy these just to have on hand because of the history of these going bad! Don't forget to order 8 spark plugs too because the coils foul them out!

Many people have had success with the coils above, but if you are looking for a brand name check out the Denson and NGK Coils. Click here to buy them on eBay.
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UPDATE April 2020
Here is the link for the updated part as of 04/2020 that fits better with the valve cover- https://amzn.to/31CezPd previously everyone was ordering parts galaxy which works, but is a tight fit. You can also get NGK and Denso name-brand ignition coils here.

There is a post below with installation instructions- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...hunderbird-ignition-coils-cop.5040/post-35040

Important- You may also have a problem with your cowl seal, wiper seal or valve cover gasket, which is causing the coils to fail! You can read more about that in this post. If you have coils problems after a few days/weeks/months it's likely not the coil, but an additional problem.


What you need to buy
1- Ignition Coils (Amazon Purchase Link)
2- 8 Spark Plugs (Amazon Purchase Link)
3- Dielectric grease (Amazon Purchase Link)
4- Valve Cover Gasket (Amazon Purchase Link) (EBay Purchase Link) (optional but highly recommended while doing the job)
5- If you need the deep & shallow 7mm sockets, here is a pack with both (Amazon Purchase Link) Also, this 1/4" swivel socket will help you get to the one hard to reach. Note: 1/4" drive makes the job easier! Some owners have reported this tool is also good for reaching the back one- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BTTCW3Q?tag=thunderbirdforum-20
6- This type 7mm wrench will make the job easier



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I found, that out of all them that the NGK coils had the highest heat index of all the other coils I researched, with heavier coils and stronger epoxy and better construction than the rest of them.