Dreaded Water in the Spark Plug Wells, Advice Sought

[birdaconda]

Hi All, First post here. I took my 2019 Ranger in to the dealer today because of misfires on 1 and 4. I changed the spark plugs already and it was ok for a while but when I got up past 60 and tried to punch it, it kicked back. So I decided to take it in. Turns out it is the water issue and I need to have the boots in one and four replaced too. This is something I can do myself instead of spending the 900 the dealer wants to charge me, which includes the engine cover.

So I called Ford and they gave me the run around that it is up to the dealer or not to cover under warranty, while the dealer said it is not covered under the original Power Train warranty, I am still under. I did see the memo Ford sent out here about the water issue and I sent that to the dealer, but the dealer says it isn't covered under power train.

So my question is what should I do next? Has anyone had any experience in succeeding in getting this covered under the original 60k warranty? If so, how long did it take to break the impasse? I cannot be without my truck for long and I am wondering if I am better off just fixing it myself. Thanks in advance for any advice!

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[rang19ca]

You could find out what the parts cost before you do anything else. It will be cheaper to do the work yourself. Some dealers can be difficult to work with. Hope you get it sorted out.

 

[airline tech]

The wording on the TSB is not really clear - but as stated in the TSB the New Vehicle Limited Warranty = Bumper To Bumper - 3yr - 36k, but However if the have the extended warranty it is covered, but then again this TSB only lists parts as the Engine Cover itself, even though it directs to correct any Misfire codes, it does not clearly state that ALL is actually covered at Zero cost to customer.

I would personally just replace both COPs and install the cover- DIY
Less hassle and headache from Ford

 

[9zero1790]

i hate to say this but -- ford and ford dealers will not honor basic warranty stuff in my experience unless a forced recall or something happens. like the airbag issues. the water in the plugs is 100% fords fault. they know it. the dealer knows it. its a bad design they didnt test enough to find out water was going to run into the engine. the engine cover is a band aid for a wound that needs stitches. then to cut corners ford stopped putting them on most of the 5g trucks... along with a list of other items. i would suggest getting the parts your self and fix it yourself and then never ever buy a ford again. your warranty has zero meaning / value unless you are one of the lucky folks who have a dealer that actually does warranty work without a dry cluster hump of trouble. my trucks under the full warranty and after trying three different dealers and ford customer care ive realized my warranty is non existent. then decided my only option is fix myself or pay my mechanic to do it. piss on ford, piss on ford dealers. i know - sounds crazy as i currently own two fords... but ford will never ever get my money again for a new ford nor will its dealers. i will state for the record here i like my 5g truck a lot. but it has problems. the same problems as other members in some cases lol. however, the 5g trucks have no where near the quality or durability of the 4g trucks. not even close. ill be driving the 4g ranger when the 5g is being gutted for parts.

 

[mtsoxfan]

What is the $900 for? Isn't the water issue that water collects around plug and rusts? You said you changed the plugs...

 

[airline tech]

Yes he replaced the plugs but the water in the wells also damaged the COPs, so I am guessing that 900 covers replacing the COPs and installing the cover , parts & labor.
So without checking on the price of the parts, they are greatly gouging on the labor- it should take 30 minutes or less to R&R both COP’s and install cover and that is being gracious with the time.

 

[Conman50]

I assume you're changing all plugs? You can do just the rusty ones abd the boots. From what I saw on mine, water did not go high enough to damage the COP. So we replaced the water damaged boot. I bought the cover myself for $176 and am going to install it myself and try to waterproof the spark plugs and engine better

 

[airline tech]

I assume you're changing all plugs? You can do just the rusty ones abd the boots. From what I saw on mine, water did not go high enough to damage the COP. So we replaced the water damaged boot. I bought the cover myself for $176 and am going to install it myself and try to waterproof the spark plugs and engine better

I thought I read in the manual, the COP and Boot were an assembly, the Boot was not separate.

 

[Techcargt]

When I changed my spark plugs I replaced the boots at the same time just for insurance . No water intrusion was found . I also used some dielectric grease on both the inside and outside of the boots ,and a very small amount of anti-seize on the threads when changed out . Took about 1 hour for the work.

 

[airline tech]

Well, I guess I needed to look deeper into it, it turns out the boots are indeed a separate part and can, if needed be replaced separately.
$13.00 for the Boot
$76.00 for the Coil/Boot Assembly

This is my first vehicle with COP's and the manuals lead you to believe that it is an assembly.
Hey, I learned something today

I still think for water intrusion, issue it would be wise to just replace the whole assembly.

 

[seasprite]

Well, I guess I needed to look deeper into it, it turns out the boots are indeed a separate part and can, if needed be replaced separately.
$13.00 for the Boot
$76.00 for the Coil/Boot Assembly

This is my first vehicle with COP's and the manuals lead you to believe that it is an assembly.
Hey, I learned something today

I still think for water intrusion, issue it would be wise to just replace the whole assembly.

I think the spring wire contactor is captured in the boot and sold as an assembly with the boot. Noticed this when I put antiseize on the plug threads last year after this issue came up on other peoples trucks.

 

[EAC83]

I would think if the engine is misfiring, the cause of the misfire should be covered under powertrain warranty unless an animal chewed a wire or something of that nature. The cause comes from a rain/car wash water leak that ford knows about. Shorty after buying my Ranger I discovered this issue and used silicone and flex tape to stop the water from leaking onto the top of the engine. I haven’t had this issue at all since but a quick test pouring water down the front windshield will show you quickly if you have the leak . I hate dealing with my local dealer . Last time I dealt with them they gave me a very hard time . I had to escalate my situation to the owner of the dealership before they took me seriously. Probably less headache to just fix yourself .

 

[birdaconda]

Hi All, Thanks for all of the replies. From hearing what you all are saying, I am going to change the boots out myself for less than 125$ from NAPA. Having taken off all the boots and the plugs and replacing the plugs, I cannot imagine why the labor would be so high. So they are indeed gouging me-- no surprise there. I want to stand on principle here, but I decided I don't want the headache that would ensue from it, when I can do it for less then 200$ total. What a nightmare. Ford should be ashamed of themselves, pure and simple, for not having a recall on this. Oh well, live and learn. Loved my 4G Rangers, but this is the last dime Ford sees from me.

 

[Okinawa Joe]

Well, I guess I needed to look deeper into it, it turns out the boots are indeed a separate part and can, if needed be replaced separately.
$13.00 for the Boot
$76.00 for the Coil/Boot Assembly

This is my first vehicle with COP's and the manuals lead you to believe that it is an assembly.
Hey, I learned something today

I still think for water intrusion, issue it would be wise to just replace the whole assembly.

Every time I would tune a 4.6 or 5.4 or V10 I'd remove the boots off the coil packs and wash them in dawn and water and thoroughly dry them. Plugs will also arc out and misfire with dust. Those engines were famous for it. And if I didn't like them replacement boots, Standard ignition, around $30 back in the day. Probably about right for a four banger. Haven't had the issue on my 22 but it's garaged. I will at some point pull them and theck them though.

 

[Saucy]

Aren't there preventative steps documented somewhere? I think I've heard of a 'pool noodle' mod, and some feedback around the forums where users are saying that buying the engine cover alone is no guarantee it will prevent this from happening.

Just looking to see what others are doing, that haven't been through the TSB. I've asked the same question on a similar thread, but I'm just digging for more insight. Is this so common that it will definitely happen, just a matter of when?

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