I have an '02 F250 with the 5.4L that I am trying to drive until the wheels fall off. There seems to be a problem with the ignition. Over the years of maintenance removing the coil over/spark plug, some of the plastic tabs that secure the wiring harness socket to the coil over have broken. I have used different things to keep the sockets attached and can get it to run pretty good but then out of nowhere, it starts missing and running bad. It does not overheat, there is no smoke. Should I be using dielectric grease in those sockets? Can that part of the wiring harness be replaced? Or are there any other ideas on why I have this intermittent miss?

 

Maybe before the wheels fall off, you could have the vehicle checked for any codes or misfires in the memory. That could help narrow it down to which cyl if applicable, or cyls.

If those connections at the coils are loose ,it could cause that.

Sometimes you might see a carbon /spark track on the plug or inside the coil boot, look for that too.

 

Thanks for replying. Was told codes can't be checked because of no communication to the port inside the truck. Have to try it old school. Saw a previous thread about fuel injector problems and I'll check those also. The issue seems electrical, just dropping a cylinder or two, and not all the time. Haven't heard about that carbon track thing. Will check. Thanks again.

Tony

 

Do you know if those socket ends that attach to the coil overs are available, and can be spliced into the existing wiring harness?

 

If you get the correct plugs they should be able to be replaced .
You can usually tell if the connectors inside the plug have been spread..
Most plugs allow the push on connectors to be pulled out from the back of the plug if you are careful and have the right tools.
That would probably be considered a special procedure, but is easy to do with the right tools.and the connectors could be repaired or replaced.Otherwise you would need to replace the entire plug..