Q&A

 Journeyman

This vehicle should be equipped with a 4.6L V-8 engine with coil on plug ignition. What that means is that it does not have spark plug wires. In place of the wires are individual ignition coils on each spark plug and the boots for the coils are replaceable. To remove the plugs you must disconnect the ignition coils, remove the screws (with 7mm heads) that hold the coils in place then remove the coils. The rubber boots can stick, you should try twisting the coil assembly as you are removing it. you will need an extension with a spark plug socket to remove the plugs. Since it appears to be your first try at this, do one cylinder at a time as not to switch the coil connectors, if you accidentally switch the connectors, it will cause the check engine light to flash and then stay on constantly. You will need to have a technician clear the codes with a scan tool. You might put some lubricant on the threads of the new spark plugs to prevent damage to the cylinder head threads. DO NOT over tighten the spark plugs. Once you are done, start the motor to make sure it runs smoothly, if it is rougher than before you replaced the plug you have made an error. I always recommend using Motorcraft spark plugs for Ford vehicles. The spark plug boots are available in the aftermarket and are not as critical. Good luck.

 Rookie

its surprisingly easy. First find the OVAL cover ON THE VAVLE COVER. There are two screws. Remove them and pull off the oval cover. Do not remove the valve cover by mistake.

Once open you will see the 4 rubber boots that have the plugs way down inside. There are no spark plug wires but a coil for each plug. Removing these carefully so as not to pull the coil wires out or break them. The boot is snug with a very long tube inside that reaches down to the plugs which are about 6 inches down. Do one at a time. Apply medium and steady up pressure until they release.

You'll need a 5/8 socket, a 6 in extension, and a 3 inch extension. not a 9 in extension. Have a good long reach magnet as well in case your socket cant hold on to the plug. Removing the Plug: place the socket on the 6 inch extender and drop it into the well. once seated on the plug put on the 3 inch and then attach the socket. Do it this way because some of the plugs are blocked and you will just find this the easy way. Replacing with a New Plug: When replacing the plug just drop the plug in the hole ignition side down. Then place the socket on the 6 inch extension and drop it into the whole. Once you hand thread the plug attach the 3 inch and then attach the wrench. Trust me on dropping the plug into the whole. Especially when your working the firewall side. If you try putting it in the socket and then into the whole you may loose the plug into the engine cavity(i did the first time).

Thats it. Good luck.