Automotive Forums

Hi all,
I first took my Ford 2000 E250 Econoline van (~30,000 miles) to a recommended local mechanic because it started "missing" when going up hills at freeway speeds and the check engine light would flash on and off occasionally.  The local mechanic suspected that I needed an ignition coil replaced, but he couldn't tell which one because the computer didn't have a record of the failure.  My local mechanic recommend that I drive it around some more and bring it back when the check engine light comes on again.

Well after driving it around town and up short hills (< 1 mile, I don't live near any mountain passes), I haven't been able to get the check engine light to go on again.  But on Friday, I'm planning to go on a 800 mile trip that crosses 2 mountain passes.  So I took it to a local Ford dealer hoping they could better diagnose the problem.
The ford dealer agreed that the ignition coil and boot need to be replaced, but instead of replacing just one, they are recommending replacing all 8 of them. They said after 5 - 6 years it's common for the engine coils to need replacement and I would be better off replacing all of them instead of just one.

Is this true, or are they being "overly aggressive."  My past experiences with auto dealer service departments has been mixed, so I'm fairly paranoid.

Thanks for any suggestions!
--Sandy  

Sandy ask them which one is missing and take it back to your local mechanic for his opinion. You've already paid for diagnostics I'm assuming. For myself I Would replace the one missing. It's hard to work on the econolies due to removal of dog house and so on it's cramped. So they're probably trying to charge you to replace all eight to add on some time or they are not possitive which one to replace.  

these coils are very common failures...you can tell usually which one since the reason they fail is corrosion on the coil were the spring makes contact.  if i take them out and see that more than 2 have corrosion i will reccomend all 2 due to the failure rate but the decision is allways up to you

Nick
ASE Master Auto Technician, L1  
ASE Master Auto Technician, L1, ASE Certified Service Consultant, ASE Certified Parts Specialist, Chrysler Certified Service Manager/Technician

Hello Sandy!  We have had the exact same problem with our 2002 FORD Escape..replaced all 6 plugs. The diagnostics code read the # 4 cylinder was misfiring. I have 80,000 mi. now, and this has gone on for 20,000 mi. Now we have been told that it is most likely vacuum lines, or the EGR or the PCV valve. I'm sorry this probably doesn't help you much. We're about at our wits end! I DO love my ESCAPE! Good Luck!