Not too mechanically inclined, do you think I could replace my own coils (V6)

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iamyourdemize

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My coils need to be replaced. I haven't done much with a car other than changing the oil and air filters and stuff. I scanned the instructions on this board and apparently the 6 cylinder engines are more work.

Think I can handle it? How long will it take? Anyone have any suggestions on where to buy them. Probably going to get the Motorcrafts.

Thanks guys!
 
If its just the coils? Yes, you can do it. Very easy. Almost same as replacing spark plugs.
However, if you find oil in the plug wells, then you have a much larger job...involving very tight spaces near the firewall. Can be "challenging".

I used coils from ebay. Been fine for two years now. $160 or so for all 8. (I have the V8). MUCH cheaper than the dealership.
 
V6 involves taking the intake manifold off. If you're not that mechanically inclined, I probably wouldn't tackle it unless you like messing with things.
 
NYC LS8 said:
V6 involves taking the intake manifold off. If you're not that mechanically inclined, I probably wouldn't tackle it unless you like messing with things.
Click to expand...

I do have time to kill, won't be employed 2 weeks from now. :(

How much does the dealer typically charge to replace them? Can I buy the parts and then have them put them in? Do they allow that?
 
here's the scoop

just did my V6, its not that hard, just time consuming and you need to be patient and methodical, lay out all bolts in the same pattern that they are removed. while you're there, you might as well replace the valve cover gaskets too and PCV valve if you have one and upper manifold gasket. You don't want to go back later and do it again. I started on a Friday afternoon, removing everything I needed too, then Saturday morning put everything back together.
 
iamyourdemize said:
My coils need to be replaced. I haven't done much with a car other than changing the oil and air filters and stuff. I scanned the instructions on this board and apparently the 6 cylinder engines are more work.

Think I can handle it? How long will it take? Anyone have any suggestions on where to buy them. Probably going to get the Motorcrafts.

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...



what year is it? i say DIY
 
I have the V6 (2002); it was about 4 hours all in and moving at a slow and deliberate pace. The driver's side are a breeze but the passenger side is more difficult due to the removal of the upper intake. Scour this board for tips. A couple of things I learned:

Back all bolts out slowly and deliberately (I broke a couple taking them off because I am stupid. IE, don't be.)
You don't need to drain the coolant system
You don't need to disconnect all the throttle linkage
Use your digital camera and take pictures of stuff you move around (before you move it). Seems like some of that stuff is obvious until you go back to put it on:)

I would definitely do the valve cover gaskets while there (careful with bolts here too).

That PCV is a mofo even when everything is off but I was able to get to it in the four hours noted above (and vcgaskets too). This also requires the removal of the lower manifold which was the most dissassembly I have ever performed on an engine but it is definitely doable job for the shadetree guy. Just give yourself a good half a day. That baby will purr like new when you are finished too!

Let us know how it goes...
 
or the plastic tupperware type container from your local corner chinese food joint
 
This is not an easy process to remove the upper manifold to get to the coils on the passenger side. If you are not mechanically inclined I would make certain that you have someone that can come over and give you some advice. There are some pipes and such that are difficult to remove and just removing the manifold can be intimidating. Plus there are some tight places at the back of the manifold that are difficult to get at and you need the right tools. If you do not have much mechanical experience don't even think of doing this without seeing the shop manual for this.

That being said, if you do this you most likely also have valve cover gaskets that are bad and should be replaced. Also there is an EGR elbow below the lower manifold that should be replaced too, as long as the top of the motor is apart. Think twice and prepare before you consider doing this.

Good luck.
 
GOOD LUCK with your project. Coils can be had from Amazon( ABC Auto) WiX for about 220. Change the PVC and elbow while your at it. Check all other hoses while your at it. Max at Five STAR is as good a source for parts as everything is OEM with these cars unfortunetly. Please post your results.
 
REDBED said:
GOOD LUCK with your project. Coils can be had from Amazon( ABC Auto) WiX for about 220. Change the PVC and elbow while your at it. Check all other hoses while your at it. Max at Five STAR is as good a source for parts as everything is OEM with these cars unfortunetly. Please post your results.
Click to expand...

Yeah, PCV not EGR, that is what I meant!
 
The procedure is listed under the tech articles at the top the page. GOOD LUCK
 
iamyourdemize said:
I do have time to kill, won't be employed 2 weeks from now. :(

How much does the dealer typically charge to replace them? Can I buy the parts and then have them put them in? Do they allow that?
Click to expand...

Dont even think about bringing this car to dealer for this. Find a good local shop that will let you buy the parts. I have one and labor is $92.00 an hour. Im lucky as they are able to work on the 04/v6
 
How about the part where you remove the shock/firewall brace? Out of 7 bolts, close to half of them break upon removal, is this a job for someone with admitted lack of mechanical skills? I have heard about some folks not removing that brace, but clearance is pretty limited if you leave all that cowling and brace in place. I wouldn't encourage this job to be done by a rookie level mechanic, although it would be a great accomplishment. Good luck with your project, either way you play it.
 
I recently had to change out two of the coils on a 04 V6, which wound up being the ones under the intake. They were the first two if you were looking at them, facing the car. I got them both out, including the spark plugs and reinstalled the new ones without taking the intake off.

I didn't take a good look, but it seemed like i could also get the third one out, without removing the intake. I think there is enough room by the firefall to get the job done. I will worry about that one though, when it decides to go. And no, i don't have small hands.

I must say it was time consuming. Took about an hour to change out both spark plugs and the coils.
 
REDBED said:
Dont even think about bringing this car to dealer for this. Find a good local shop that will let you buy the parts. I have one and labor is $92.00 an hour. Im lucky as they are able to work on the 04/v6
Click to expand...

Might try that. I was just reading some other posts on coil replacements at the dealership and the prices they were charged were insane.

Ha, half of you guys are saying do it and the other half scare me.:eek:
 
That's how I learned to work on cars - just taking mine apart and fixing them. If you have confidence in yourself, you can do it. Just take your time, document what went where and you should be fine. I say this because I will never pay dealer prices to have anything fixed. if it's not covered under a warranty, the car will never see the dealer's lift.
 
On my V8, given enough time and patience, Im guessing I COULD have gotten to those drivers side bolts back by the firewall and near that cramped brake booster area, but after 3 hours of finagling and having my lower back sore as hell, with cut up knuckles? It was actually worth it to me..to give up and have the dealer do it. $700 was my total bill..but at that point, I didnt care. I'd end up making more money.
I often justify things like that by saying to myself "hey, when I die thats just $700 less to my heirs. " LOL.
 
Just give it a try. You said yourself you will have the time. This was one of the most daunting tasks I have ever performed on a car and it all worked just as described in this forum.

And for the record, I am an accountant so if I can do it...

Oh yeah, as the guy noted above, it would be a good time to do your plugs too!
 
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