Replacing Coils (COPs) on the 2001 F-150 4.6
03-19-2011, 11:28 AM
#1
Replacing Coils (COPs) on the 2001 F-150 4.6
Hey,
There are a number of you that posted threads regarding misfirings and EGR related engine codes. I was chasing the dreaded P0401 (EGR flow insufficient) also and came to a revelation. I checked the EGR valve (held 15 in. of pressure), EGR solenoid, DPFE sensor and vacuum lines and everything was in working order. I then realized there was more to the problem.
What I didn't understand was there was no misfire codes registering. I noticed that when I pressed the gas pedal abruptly, there was a slight hesitation. When driving under a load, the vehicle shuttered and hesitated between 1500 - 2000 RPM. Since the vehicle had over 120,000 miles, I replaced the boots and spark plugs. However, the problem persisted. I spoke to a Ford technician and he informed me that this may be the sign of a bad coil. So I did a little research and found that coils can range from $60 - $150 each, depending on the brand. I checked eBay and hit the mother load! I bought 8 coils for $115, S&H included (see pictures for part numbers).
SOLD!
You may ask "Why don't you just test them all and buy one instead of all eight"? I personally felt the investment was worth it since the truck was 10 years old. Besides, the amount of time it took to check each one would have been the same as simply replacing them all. I began replacing the driver side coils first because they were the toughest due to the fuel rails (I just loosened the rails and was able to replace coils #7 and #8 a bit easier). It took about an hour and a half because I lost a socket that I needed. After replacing the coils, the truck ran like a sewing machine again. I cleared code P0401 and it has been back.
I assume that you can have a coil misfire and not get a misfire code because the voltage was not enough to throw a code. Not sure why the EGR codes came on, but they're gone now and that's what counts. Tell me it this helped.
There are a number of you that posted threads regarding misfirings and EGR related engine codes. I was chasing the dreaded P0401 (EGR flow insufficient) also and came to a revelation. I checked the EGR valve (held 15 in. of pressure), EGR solenoid, DPFE sensor and vacuum lines and everything was in working order. I then realized there was more to the problem.
What I didn't understand was there was no misfire codes registering. I noticed that when I pressed the gas pedal abruptly, there was a slight hesitation. When driving under a load, the vehicle shuttered and hesitated between 1500 - 2000 RPM. Since the vehicle had over 120,000 miles, I replaced the boots and spark plugs. However, the problem persisted. I spoke to a Ford technician and he informed me that this may be the sign of a bad coil. So I did a little research and found that coils can range from $60 - $150 each, depending on the brand. I checked eBay and hit the mother load! I bought 8 coils for $115, S&H included (see pictures for part numbers).
SOLD!
You may ask "Why don't you just test them all and buy one instead of all eight"? I personally felt the investment was worth it since the truck was 10 years old. Besides, the amount of time it took to check each one would have been the same as simply replacing them all. I began replacing the driver side coils first because they were the toughest due to the fuel rails (I just loosened the rails and was able to replace coils #7 and #8 a bit easier). It took about an hour and a half because I lost a socket that I needed. After replacing the coils, the truck ran like a sewing machine again. I cleared code P0401 and it has been back.
I assume that you can have a coil misfire and not get a misfire code because the voltage was not enough to throw a code. Not sure why the EGR codes came on, but they're gone now and that's what counts. Tell me it this helped.
03-19-2011, 04:24 PM
#2
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There's alot of different brands on ebay how do you know which ones to order, lol. I need a set for my 2003 F-150 5.4 engine. Which ones did you get ? Did you call and order them or just order straight thru ebay. I don't know if mine will take the same one as the 4.6 ?
Thanks
Rodney
Thanks
Rodney
03-19-2011, 05:37 PM
#3
Rodman,
I simply did a search for "4.6l COP" and "2001 Ford F150" and got this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT
It gave a description of the vehicle it was for and I ordered it. Got them in three days and they fit just fine. I think they are the same as your engine, but I would check with AutoZone or Advance Auto to see if the 4.6 and 5.4 carry the same coils. Let me know how it goes.
I simply did a search for "4.6l COP" and "2001 Ford F150" and got this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT
It gave a description of the vehicle it was for and I ordered it. Got them in three days and they fit just fine. I think they are the same as your engine, but I would check with AutoZone or Advance Auto to see if the 4.6 and 5.4 carry the same coils. Let me know how it goes.
03-20-2011, 08:10 PM
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Well bud, i order me a set.....I just hate a deal this good, it usually means problems...the cheapest ones i had found before these were 40 each..I hope they hold up, they sure are a pain in the *** to change...thanks...fatman
03-20-2011, 08:42 PM
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hey guys,
ive been in the process of replacing mine for the past few months
i replaced two that threw a "cylinder misfire" code and ive replace four others as my schedule and budget allow
ive been buying "accel" brand from advance auto; theyre $35 a head and theyre yellow so i like the flair they add under the hood
just wanted to throw that out there
ive been in the process of replacing mine for the past few months
i replaced two that threw a "cylinder misfire" code and ive replace four others as my schedule and budget allow
ive been buying "accel" brand from advance auto; theyre $35 a head and theyre yellow so i like the flair they add under the hood
just wanted to throw that out there
03-21-2011, 03:47 PM
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03-21-2011, 07:06 PM
#8
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hey guys,
ive been in the process of replacing mine for the past few months
i replaced two that threw a "cylinder misfire" code and ive replace four others as my schedule and budget allow
ive been buying "accel" brand from advance auto; theyre $35 a head and theyre yellow so i like the flair they add under the hood
just wanted to throw that out there
ive been in the process of replacing mine for the past few months
i replaced two that threw a "cylinder misfire" code and ive replace four others as my schedule and budget allow
ive been buying "accel" brand from advance auto; theyre $35 a head and theyre yellow so i like the flair they add under the hood
just wanted to throw that out there
03-21-2011, 07:19 PM
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I just ordered the Accel brand off of Amazon for my 2002 4.6L XLT. All 8 were brand new for under $180.00. The reviews looked good, but they aren't made in the U.S.
Also, the same product was online at different sites for $40-$55 a piece, so looking around helped.
GL w those ones you ordered.
Also, the same product was online at different sites for $40-$55 a piece, so looking around helped.
GL w those ones you ordered.
03-21-2011, 07:26 PM
#10
Global automotive has reliable Gama COPs on ebay for $85 for a set of 8. Many have used these with sucess. Accels have a fairly high failure rate compared to Motorcraft and Gama. Not to say Accels won't work, just more chance to fail earlier.