HELP!!!....Cops problem?

[Lonestar]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

Thanks Bill! Dot and I were just discussing the old vs new part number a day, or two ago.
Do you have the old vs new part #'s for the valve cover gaskets?

No, sorry... I have had no reason to do so. However, if I needed gaskets I would not waste my time nor money on OEM. FilPro is the only way to go for engine gaskets.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

No, sorry... I have had no reason to do so. However, if I needed gaskets I would not waste my time nor money on OEM. FilPro is the only way to go for engine gaskets.

Funny you'd mention this because I was surfing the whole COP thing in a Lincoln LS forum yesterday, trying to get a more in depth appreciation this whole situation, and you have a lot of people who'd agree with you over there on the superiority of Fel Pro's offerings for this engine.

[knorcross]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

OK I just bought an 02 a few months ago - and I saw someone say "fortunately its not an 02" ?!?!?!?!
ShouldI be doing soemthing? it has 22k miles

[MerlotBlue]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

OK I just bought an 02 a few months ago - and I saw someone say "fortunately its not an 02" ?!?!?!?!
ShouldI be doing soemthing? it has 22k miles

Maybe!
But don't get too worried.

We own an '02 also. The car in the shop is an '04. Neither car up until now has ever shown a problem.

Our '02 with twice the mileage is still running like a CHAMP!!

I'd imagine the post you read is referring to the idea that for what-ever reason Ford has neglected the '02s..........the 100,000 10 year coil coverage is proving to be a mixed blessing for me anyway.


So here's what might be a controversial opinion....

Here I am without my COVERED car for 4 days ......they will put one coil in it and I'll wonder how long before the next one goes out of service.

I'm starting to wonder if this is really an advantage over the '02s.


If you can do your own work.....this really isn't an especially big problem.

Lonestar referenced a site where you can pick up new Motorcraft coils for $44 a piece. Put 8 on a shelf and when the engine inevitably shows a "skip" that won't go away it's probably time to swap out at least 4 at a time if not all of 'em.

We've gotten 7 years and 53,000miles and still counting out of the set in the '02 ......wasn't so lucky with the '04 but...... really 26,000 miles and 5 years now.

I'm choosing to look at this as a PIA that is part of T-Bird ownership.

Right now if our '02 were to present with the problem tomorrow......a couple hours of my time and approximately $400 worth of coils, maybe less from if sourced from Lonestar's site ........get's us back to day one again.

$400/ 7 years = just over $50/ year in expense over this........call me crazy for looking at it this way......

But that's just one tank of gas last summer!

[Sweet T]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

OK I just bought an 02 a few months ago - and I saw someone say "fortunately its not an 02" ?!?!?!?!
ShouldI be doing soemthing? it has 22k miles

Seal the windshield cowl.

[Meowgal]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

No problems so far (thank goodness), but where do I get this "letter" so I can have in my glove box, JIC.

[NebraskaBird]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

I am so thankful for this web site:sun:, note to self make another donation to Thunderbirdnest web site.
I have a 04 with about 42,000 miles.
My bird does not have the snap:flames: it use to I think it may be COP or am I just paranoid?? My other question is normally how long does it take for a Ford shop to fix the COPs? ? by the way I do not like term bad Cop see my personal information)
Do most dealerships have COPs in stocK??
Thanks

[MerlotBlue]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

No problems so far (thank goodness), but where do I get this "letter" so I can have in my glove box, JIC.

Mine was mailed to me directly from Ford last June.

The line that may explain why you have or have not received the letter is on the backside.

"If you no longer own this vehicle, and have an address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner.

You received this notice because our records, which are based primarily on state registration and Title Data, indicate that you are the current owner. As soon as we receive updated state registration data, we will revise our records"

I take this to explain why some folks didn't receive their own copy. If you're the second owner and Ford doesn't have you as the current owner as of the time they sent the letters out......then your letter no doubt went to the last owner of the car.

This DOES NOT mean you aren't covered.

The letter clearly states this is completely transferable. Rest assured.......your car presents the problem and you are good to go.

That said.......be forewarned. Ford only covers the diagnosis if there is a bad coil.......if something else is behind the problem you get stuck with the bill for the diagnosis.

The relevant program numbers here are:

07M07 and 07N09

The first is for the coils and the second is some upgrading of gaskets and windshield wiper motor bracket seal.

I wouldn't worry much about having or not having the letter on hand. Not in these days of computerized record keeping. You bring the car in with a miss it's covered ..... they will find the program for you.

[SixPac]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

Carolyn,

You don't have to actually possess the letter to be covered. The service department at the dealership will pull up the OASIS Report on your Bird. This report shows that your Bird is covered. They can print you out a letter if you want one.

[Fordguy]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

Are all 2002 thru 2005 T-Birds covered?

[5bird7]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

Just 2003 to 2005 T'birds, Douglas.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

Are all 2002 thru 2005 T-Birds covered?

As others have already said....unfortunately, no.

I have my own plan for our '02 though.

Part NumberPart TypePrice EACore EAQuantityTotal2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD 3.9L 242cid V8 FI (A)MOTORCRAFTDG529Ignition Coil $44.79 x 8 = $358.32 ShippingGround (FedEx or UPS) $9.06 Order Total $367.38



On it's way to my door as of this morning!

Should the '02 develop the same problem I will have 'em on hand.

I figure diagnosis alone is going to run the cost of 4 COPs at this price anyway.

So.......what I'll do is take that 50/50 shot.......replace 4.......hope for the best. If that doesn't do it then out go the 4 on the other side and it's delivery day in '02 once again.

Right now no small part of the reason I'm buying 'em ahead of time is in the idea that despite the fact this relatively simple fix ........ the wait to get a single darn coil for the '04 has my car laid up for a few days while they wait for a part that isn't always kept in stock.

Well, that and the fact this price seems pretty tough to beat.

[bwlewis]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

Steve, invest in an OBD II code reader available from most parts stores. Someone posted the sodes for each individual cop elsewhere.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

Steve, invest in an OBD II code reader available from most parts stores. Someone posted the sodes for each individual cop elsewhere.

I've got one, thing is though.......the code didn't show up on the '04 and honestly.......I'm unwilling to live with a car that misses consistently.

Obviously I'd swap out just the one that throws a code but absent that code?

This seems like an alternative plan.

[ArgonV]

Re: HELP!!!....Cops problem?

If you are not getting a code, simply remove the COP covers, take out the COPs and reinstall them. Take note as to which COP wells have oil and/or water. If there is no water and/or oil, after placing them back you will probably get a code.