COPS question

[flusher]

When did Ford start using the coil-on-plug system (COPS) in the F-series truck ignitions? I've had two of these modules go bad on my 2001 F150 (5.4L Triton), one at 55000 miles the other around 65000 miles. Cost each time was about $225.

I'm looking to trade that 01 F150 for a used F350 DRW to handle a 20-ft GN tiltbed trailer (parade tractor hauling). I'd like to avoid the COPS headache, if possible.

 

[tractorsanmore]

I think it was in 1997 and the new ( for the time ) body style in the f150 . You'll have to get a diesel or go back to a 97 or older f350 to avoid the c.o.p. 351 or 460

 

[Big Bri]

i think it started in 1997 on the f150, on all my 4.6's the last driver side plug coil pack has always gone out at around 75 to 110k miles

the 97 f250 and f350 would not have the coil pack that didn't start till 99 (no 98 models)


if you go with a diesel you won't have to worry about it.
good luck

 

[flusher]

i think it started in 1997 on the f150, on all my 4.6's the last driver side plug coil pack has always gone out at around 75 to 110k miles

the 97 f250 and f350 would not have the coil pack that didn't start till 99 (no 98 models)


if you go with a diesel you won't have to worry about it.
good luck

I'm headin' in that direction. Don't know what I'll end up with. But the looking is fun.

 

[ToadHill]

I have a 97 F150 with the 4L V6 and it has regular plug wires.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Why did it cost so much? I have had tons of F-150's, ok about 6 since 1997 and all 5.4L, and never had one fail but to be honest I traded them all before 45,000 miles. My Brother-N-Law had one go out on a truck he bought off my dad. It think it was at around 70,000 miles and I remember it was the last one near the exhaust. From what I have read its the first to go. I fixed it and think the part was under $50 at Auto Zone.

Chris

 

[flusher]

Why did it cost so much? I have had tons of F-150's, ok about 6 since 1997 and all 5.4L, and never had one fail but to be honest I traded them all before 45,000 miles. My Brother-N-Law had one go out on a truck he bought off my dad. It think it was at around 70,000 miles and I remember it was the last one near the exhaust. From what I have read its the first to go. I fixed it and think the part was under $50 at Auto Zone.

Chris

Had the work done at dealers' shops. First time it happened, I had no clue what was wrong--didn't even know about COPS then. Second time I was out of town and didn't want to do the wrenching myself.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Had the work done at dealers' shops. First time it happened, I had no clue what was wrong--didn't even know about COPS then. Second time I was out of town and didn't want to do the wrenching myself.

If the truck is getting some miles and you depend on it you may just want to get a spare. Takes all of 15 minutes to change.

Chris

 

[Marlowe]

My V-10 has ten of them. I've changed 3 so far at a cost of $58 apiece. I changed out number nine a couple of years ago. I can't imagine a more awkward place to put a coil, or a plug for that matter. In the grand scheme of things though they are a pretty good idea and they hold up fairly well. They eliminate such problematic parts as the rotor and distributor cap, not to mention all those wires running to the plugs.

 

[wkpoor]

My FIL's full size Ford passenger van has had all the coils changed and a few more than once. I really know nothing about it so I'm learning here. I know it has got into his wallet pretty good since he has it worked on. Also this van and the one before, both Ford, have the what I call the dreaded idle problem where they idle reall high right after start and don't want to settle down for a while. It is a 4.6.

 

[flusher]

If the truck is getting some miles and you depend on it you may just want to get a spare. Takes all of 15 minutes to change.

Chris

Thanks. That's reassuring if I end up with a 1-ton F-series gasser for my towing vehicle.

 

[ScottAR]

All 5.4s had COPs. Only the earlier 4.6 had plug wires. They changed
over to the COP in 99 or maybe 2000. I'm with the others, get an extra
and an extra spark plug and put them with your other supplies.

 

[tractordriver]

I'm headin' in that direction. Don't know what I'll end up with. But the looking is fun.

Diesels have a whole another set of much more expensive problems. Try to stay with a 7.3 less power than 6.0 but cheaper and more reliable.

 

[Mike120]

I've got 212K miles on my '01 F-150 and have had 2 of them go out. Considering that's the only thing that's ever gone wrong with the truck, I'm not complaining.