Expensive misfire....

[rodeo02]

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I just paid my local ford dealership to change out the original spark plugs and ignition wires on my 2001 windstar 3.8L @ 73Kmi. A HORRIBLE misfire cropped up on a cold start after the van sat for a few days. No prior symptoms what so ever. Was snowy and ugly out.... I dropped it straight off at my local ford dealer since I have 2Kmi left on my extended (crappy)warranty. Long story short? $354 for new plugs and wires. Dealers first attempt was over $500:

Diagnostic fee to tell me I am running on 4cyl= 89.00
New set of OEM motorcraft ignition wires = 200.00
Labor to install wires = 69.00
New set of OEM plugs = 40.00
Labor to install plugs = 59.00
Fuel injector service = 69.00

Total = $526 + tax!

A little *conversation* got the price down some. Supposedly they used copper plugs as opposed to the OEM platinums. This was per the recommendation of the service writter (to keep the cost down). He said that's what they recommend as replacements. Also to save over $100, they were going to use ignition wires from carquest. Thing is- they say motorcraft on them & look just like OEM. Only difference is they have 90deg boots on the plug ends as opposed to the straight boots my originals had. Of course I skipped the injector cleaning, and got them to reduce the diag fee to $59. $354 and she runs like a top. Bottom line? No brainer, but you will save major cash doing this yourself! They did do a nice job routing those new wires though!

Joel