1999 Ford Expedition

Defect. CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk. FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Risk. SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.

Risk. THE TRAILER HITCH COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE (4X4), 17" CHROME STEEL WHEELS. THE CLAMP LOAD CAN BE LOST ON THE WHEEL LUGS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WHEEL CONTACT AREA WITH THE HUB. IN SOME CASES, THE CONTACT AREA CAN DEFORM, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF LUG NUT TORQUE.

Risk. LOSS OF LUG NUT TORQUE CAN CAUSE VIBRATION OR SEPARATION OF A WHEEL AND TIRE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RE-TORQUE THE WHEEL LUGS TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS AND ALSO INSTALL A LABEL THAT SPECIFIES THAT THE WHEEL LUGS BE TORQUED TO 110 LB-FT ANY TIME THE WHEEL IS REMOVED.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY THE SUPPLIER DURING MANUFACTURING, ALLOWING LEAKAGE.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FUEL LINE ASSEMBLIES.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MISSING OR PARTIALLY INSTALLED RETAINER CLIP THAT HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM.

Risk. INCREASED BRAKE STOPPING DISTANCE CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES TO SEE IF THE RETAINER CLIP WAS INSTALLED, AND REPAIR, IF NECESSARY.

Consumers alleged that when it rained or snowed, water leaked into the vehicle around the windshield.moisture flowing through the seal that surrounds the front windshield follows a path through the seal into the generic electronic module (gem) and fuse box, and may cause the electrical components in the vehicle to malfunction.overall, the number of reports alleging wiper failures and lighting failures is relatively small.in reviewing a large sample of the 1503 complaints for windshield leaks, odi's analysis reveals that 0.04% of the total vehicle population reported improper windshield wiper …

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 FORD vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in …

Odi has received 39 reports alleging that water leaks around the windshield causing electrical failures, including but not limited to the windshield wipers and the headlamps.FORD reports that water entering the vehicle can wet the power distribution box (pdb) and the generic electronic module (gem).these components control various electrical systems in the vehicle.this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis, ea05015, to allow further investigation of the issue and to assess the nature of the potential safety consequence.

Ea05-005 is closed with FORD?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.FORD is also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.FORD has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation is closed.odi believes that the …

This investigation was opened on september 27, 1999 based on five consumer reports alleging that some of the eight hitch mounting bolts either became loose or came completely out of its retaining plate.one of the complaints indicated that while towig a trailer the hitch actually separated from the frame on the passenger's side of the vehicle when the four mounting bolts on that side came completely out. This allowed the hitch and trailer to contact the road surface.in its response to the agency, FORD provided information regarding nine additional reports of loose or missing bolts, two of …

SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE

WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT

USE OF STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST STUDS IN SERVICE FOR 5.4L 2V ENGINE. *TT

INTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE - NON-COMMANDED EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE) FLOW. *TT

ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04.

REMOTE OIL FILTER ADAPTOR REPLACEMENT - NEW SERVICE PART. *TT

After I put it in park and turned the engine off the truck started to roll back and it didn't stop until it hit the curb across the street.

MY CAR HAS BEEN OVER HEATING AND HAVING PROBLEMS SINCE I FIRST BOUGHT IT. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO KEEP FIXING IT AFTER I JUST BOUGHT IT. SOMEONE TOLD ME TO CHECK IF IT HAD A RECALL AND SURE ENOUGH IT DOES! I CHECKED ON THE DMV WEBSITE TODAY.

THE SHIFT LINKAGE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN TO THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT WORK DUE TO SEVERAL KINKS IN THE CABLE. I CANT GET THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION DUE TO THIS NOR CAN I EVEN DRIVE MY VEHICLES BECAUSE IT WONT HO INTO GEAR. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME STOPPING AT A STORE WHEN THIS OCCURRED. HAD TO LEAVE MY TRUCK IN THE PARKING LOT WITH THE KEYS ATUUCK IN OT.

SPARK PLUGS BLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY WHILE DRIVING

BOUGHT A 99 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 4X4 ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. TODAY 1/30/18 WAS DRIVING AND STARTED TO HEAR CLICKING NOISE UNDER DASH THE WINDSHIELD FLUID LIGHT AND 4X4 LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AS THE SAME TIME AS IT FLASHED I HARD THE CLICKING NOISE THE RADIO THEN TURNED OFF AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING ALSO FAN BLOWER WILL WORK WITH THE TRUCK IS SHUT OFF. LAST WEEK I HAD SHUT MY FORD EXPO OFF I WENT TO RESTART IT ABOUT A HALF HOUR LATER AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP. THE TRUCK FINILY STARTED ABOUT A HOUR LATER.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE NEAR THE CONTACT'S GARAGE, A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED TO THE FAILURE DUE TO THE ALARM SOUNDING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND REMAINED PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 06E056000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 98V312000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE POLICE BELIEVED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH TWO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND A HOSE BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. A PASSENGER WHO WAS SEATED IN AN UNKNOWN LOCATION SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIGHT KNEE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

I WAS SITTING AT MC DONALDS GETTING FOOD FOR MY SON, WHEN A LOUD POP COME FROM UNDER MY HOOD THEN MY TRUCK STARTED TO SMELL FUNNY. SOME CARS WERE IN FRONT OF ME SO THEY LET ME OUT. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE AND CALLED A FEW PEOPLE THAT COULD TELL ME WHAT WAS GOIN ON. A MAN COME AND LOOKED AT IT THAT WORKED ON CARS A CROSSED THE STREET TOLD ME THAT IT BLOWED A SPARK PLUG I NEVER HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THAT. IT HAD COME COMPLETELY OUT. THERE WAS OIL ON IT. I HAD TO HAVE IT REDONE SO ANOTHER SPARK PLUG COULD BE PUT IN THERE AND NOW IT HAS DON IT AGAIN. THE SAME ONE NUMBER 2. SPARK PLUG. THIS IS CRAZY I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP FIXIN THIS TRUCK OVER AND OVER. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE WHEN IT BLEW THE SPARK PLUG AND I DONO WANT TO GO THOUGH THIS AGAIN. YALL KNOW THAT THIS IS A DEFAULT IN THESES VEHICLES BUT UR NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE TO USE MY TRUCK TO GO TO THE DOCTORS. AND I CAN'T GO IF IT STAYS BROKE DOWN. YALL NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM ....

I HAVE HAD 2 DIFFERENT SPARK PLUGS EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN AND HAD A HELI COIL INSTALLED. I HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE SECOND INSTANCE YET. THERE WAS A 2 YEAR TIME SPAN BETWEEN THE EVENTS. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS AT LOW SPEED GOING THROUGH TOWN. THE SECOND TIME I WAS ON THE FREEWAY.

A SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT OF THE ENGINE. I PURCHASED A DORMAN KIT TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE FAR FROM HOME FOR CONCERN THAT ANOTHER SPARK PLUG MAY BLOW OUT OF THE ENGINE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD HAVE MADE THE ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEADS NOT HAVING THICK ENOUGH MATERIAL TO HOLD SPARK PLUGS IN THE THREADS A RECALL.

DOME LIGHTS, RUNNING LIGHTS, DOOR AJAR LAMP, ODOMETER LAMP, DOOR AJAR AUDIBLE ACTIVATING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE IN MOTION ON A STREET OR HIGHWAY. SOMETIMES STAYING ON AFTER VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. COMING ON AT ANYTIME AFTER VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND STATIONARY, CAUSING A DEAD BATTERY LEAVING DRIVER, FAMILY AND OCCUPANTS STRANDED.

SPARE TIRE FELL OFF. THE TINY (1/8") STEEL CABLE THAT HELD SPARE IN PLACE UNDER THE TRUCK BODY FAILED ALLOWING HUGE SPARE TIRE TO DROP TO ROAD. FORTUNATELY, THIS HAPPEN AS I WAS PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY AFTER A 2000 MILE TRIP. HAD THIS OCCURRED ON I95 IN 75MPH / BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES. A WEB SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON AND SHOULD THE SUBJECT OF A SAFETY RECALL.

THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD WHILE I HAS JUST PULLED OUT ACCELERATING UP A SMALL INCLINE. I WAS GOING THROUGH A MAJOR INTERSECTION WITH MY SON. THERE WAS A STUTTER, THEN KNOCKING SOUND, LESS POWER, AND STRANGE ODOR.

#8 CYLINDER BLEW THE SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE HOLE WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,033.

MY EXPEDITION STARTED ACTING LIKE IT WAS STARVING FOR FUEL MISFIRING LOSS OF POWER AND THERE'S A TICKING SOUND CONING FROM UNDER THE DASH BOARD THE DOOR LOCK UNLOCK THE LIGHTS FLICKER AND HORN BEEPS BY ITS SELF I PARKED IT AND A COUPLE DAYS LATER IT WOULDNT IT TRYING TO CRANK BUT ITS SOUND I DONT BELIEVE BATTERY IS DEAD IF IT WAS THEN LIGHTS WOULDN'T COME ON NOW AND AGAIN ALSO WHEN I USE MY KEY RING LOCK TO LOCK THE DOOR THERE'S A CLUNK CLUCK SOUND I'VE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH LAMONT THAT'S MY EXPEDITIONS NAME AND NOBODY KNOWS LAST REPAIR SHOP HAD IT 9 DAYS TOTAL ON THE 7TH DAY I CALLED THEM THEY SAID THEY HAD NO IDEA AND ON THE 9TH I WENT IN AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW MOTOR COSTING 2600 AND CHARGING ME 220 TO TELL ME THAT. THE SHOP BEFORE THAT COST ME 350 SAYING THE TRUCK ITSELF WERE THE PLUGS GO IN WAS STRIPPED AND THEY NEEDED A SPECIAL TOOL. ANY HOW I BELIEVE IT WOULD BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL CATCH ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND YOU DONT KNOW WHAT IT WILL DO NEXT IT ALSO DIES WHILE DRIVING IT ..

1999 FORD EXPEDITION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BLOWN SPARK PLUGS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT THE CYLINDER#8. *JB UPDATED 09/21/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND EVENTUALLY STALLED. UPDATED 09/24/15*JB

AFTER PICKING UP LAUNDRY, ON MY WAY TO STAPLES ALL OF THE SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD POP, THEN A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. I PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF TRUCK. TURNED IT BACK ON THEN HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. GOT THE TRUCK HOME OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED SPARK PLUG OUT OF ENGINE ATTACHED TO A DAMAGED COIL. I TRIED TO PUT IN NEW SPARK PLUG BUT IT WOULD NOT SCREW IN, THE THREADS IN CYLINDER HEAD WERE STRIPPED. FOUND OUT IT WOULD COST A LOT OF MONEY TO GET CYLINDER HEAD RETHREADED. WROTE TO FORD CORPORATE THEY ASKED ME FOR VIN NAME AND BASIC INFO. I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS COMMON IN TRITON ENGINES. IT IS A DESIGNER FLAW IN FORD. FORD KNEW ABOUT IT FOR YEARS NOW. SPARK PLUG BLOWS OUT FOR NO REASON. AFTER SPARK PLUG POPS OUT A STRONG SMELL OF GAS COMES OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE TO EXPLODE. THIS HAPPENS IN FORD TRITON ENGINES. THIS IS UNSAFE.

AFTER PICKING UP MY LAUNDRY, I HEADED TO STAPLES WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS SO I PULLED OVER TURNED OFF TRUCK. I STARTED AGAIN AND IT WAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND. I GOT HOME CHECKED TRUCK ENGINE. I NOTICED MY COIL PACK OUT AND SPARK PLUG ATTACHED TO IT. I TRIED TO PUT SPARK PLUG BUT THE THREADS WERE ALL STRIPED. I CHECKED THE INSIDE OF CYLINDER HEAD COULD NOT SEE TRIED TO PUT IN A NEW SPARK PLUG BUT I CAN TURN AND TURN AND THE SPARK PLUG WOULD NOT SCREW IN. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHEN SPARK PLUG BLOWS OUT YOU HAVE ALL THE ODOR OF GAS COMING OUT AND THAT ONE SPARK CAN CAUSE ENGINE TO BLOW UP. I CONTACTED FORD ALL THEY TOOK WAS MY VIN NUMBER AND NAME NEVER HEARD FROM THEM AGAIN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD TOWARD THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED. HOWEVER, THE FIRE DID NOT EXTINGUISH RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE EXPLODING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

APPEARS WHEN IT RAINS, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. TOOK SAME TO A LOCAL SHOP THAT SPECIALIZE IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND ADVISED THEY WERE AWARE OF WINDSHIELD LEAKAGE. THEY ADVISED THEY DID NOT SEE ANY EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE. VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN SEVERAL MONTHS WITH NO ISSUES, BUT APPEARS TO OCCUR WHEN THERE IS A HEAVY RAIN. UPON REVIEWING OTHER POST, IT APPEARS THIS IS A LONGER EXISTING PROBLEM WITH THE YEAR AND MAKE VEHICLE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BOLTS FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND BOLTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

AS I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, THERE WAS A LOUD BLOW OUT AS I WAS GOING 60 MILES PER HOUR. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME THAT I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE COILS IN THIS TRUCK AND THIS TIME THE ACTUAL SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE LEAVING A OPEN HOLE THAT COULD IGNITE A FIRE. I HAVE NOW SPENT OVER $3600 ON REPAIRS JUST TO FIND OUT WITH DOING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH THAT FORD KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND HAS BEEN BLAMING THE CONSUMER FOR TIGHTENING THE SPARK PLUGS TO TIGHT AND OTHER BULL THAT THEY COME UP WITH AND NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CHEAP ALUMINUM PLUGS AND PLUG WIRES IN THEIR VEHICLE. THIS EFFECT CARS AND TRUCK WITH THIS ENGINE SINCE 1999 AND GOES THROUGH VEHICLES OF 2008. A 9 YEAR PROBLEM AND THE FORD CORPORATION DID NOT DO A RECALL. THIS WILL EFFECT IF I WILL BE BUYING ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE FOR SURE. *TR

CHANGED HEATER CORE IN THE FRONT ALONG WITH THE BLEND DOOR HEAT LASTED FOR UP TO 3 DAYS AND GOT NOTHING BUT COLD AIR IN THE FRONT OF MY TRUCK BLOWING OUT STILL HAVE HEAT IN THE BACK THIS IS CRAZY IT IS TO COLD FOR THIS AND I SPENT MY LAST ON FIXING MY HEAT TO ONLY RESULT IN IT GOING BACK OUT THREE DAYS LATER PEOPLE ARE TELLING ME IT MIGHT BE THE HEATER BOX MOTOR I JUST WANT HEAT I'M TIRED OF SHIVERING WHILE I DRIVE . *TR

I HAVE HAD SPARK PLUGS BLOW TWICE IN THIS ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE LAST TIME IN JANUARY 2014 THAT I HAVEN'T HAD THE MONEY TO FIX THIS TIME. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND FORD HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THEIR DESIGN. IT IS A WONDER THAT MORE PEOPLE HAVEN'T GOTTEN HURT FROM THIS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

BLEW OUT 3 SPARK PLUGS ALREADY. NOW I NEED TO GET THE ENGINE FIXED AND SPEND 50% OF THE TRUCKS VALUE, BECAUSE FORD ROLLED OUT A FAULTY DESIGN AND WONT OWN UP. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS BLOW OUT UNTIL I PURCHASED A FORD, AND I'VE OWNED SOO MANY OTHER CARS THAT NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY FORD! *TR

SPARK PLUG EJECTED RESULTING IN FIRE. INJURED HAND PUTTING OUT SAID FIRE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUSE BOX AND GEM MODULE MULTI-FUNCTION FAILED DUE TO A WATER LEAK FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,084.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE GEAR INDICATED IT WAS IN REVERSE AND WHEN PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE GEAR INDICATED IT WAS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE DETACHED FROM THE BRACKET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON A RURAL ROAD THE SPARE TIRE FELL OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, ONTO THE ROAD. I DISCOVERED THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE UNDER THE VEHICLE HAD BROKEN. *JS

1999 FORD EXPEDITION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NON-DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING AN ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCIDENT LEFT HIM PARALYZED ON ONE SIDE. *JB UPDATED 06/23/14

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FLAMES SPREAD RAPIDLY AND BURNED A PORTION OF THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

PULLING OUT OF A CONVENIENCE STORE WE HEARD A FUNNY SOUND AND MADE IT TO A PARKING LOT OF A RESTAURANT. HAD TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO BE TOWED HOME. FOUND OUT IT WAS SPARK PLUG THAT HAD BLOWN OUT. IT STRIPPED THE THREADS AND IS NOW GOING TO COST A LOT TO GET IT FIXED, NOT TO MENTION THE TOWING. *TR

THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN IN NORMAL OPERATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM BECAME INEFFECTIVE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BRAKE SHOP WHERE THE BRAKE LINE ON THE FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE DOOR WAS FOUND TO BE CORRODED THROUGH AND LEAKING. THE BRAKE SHOP FOUND ALL METAL BRAKE LINES CORRODED AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL DROPPED AND CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED AND THEN FLIPPED OVER. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 225,000.

I HAVE THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM. WHILE VEHICLE IS OFF THE HEATER BLOWERS WILL TURN ON AND RUN BATTERY DOWN. WHILE DRIVING 4X4, WASHER LIGHTS, POWER WINDOWS, RADIO, INTERIOR LIGHTS ALL TURN OFF AND ON. RADIO WORKS WHILE IN PARK BUT, POWERS DOWN WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT IN GEAR. HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH WATER GETTING IN AND RUNNING DOWN DRIVERS SIDE. APPEARS ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2008 JUST STARTED HAVING THESE ISSUES WITHIN THE PAST YEAR STARTED OUT SLOW BUT ARE GETTING WORST AND MORE FREQUENT. NOW MY VEHICLE AFTER JUMP STARTING IT I HEAR A ELECTRICAL NOISE COMING FROM MY STARTER, IT SHUTS THE CAR OFF AND KILLS THE BATTERY. THE CAR WILL ONLY RUN FOR TEN SECONDS OR SO BEFORE IT REPEATS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TRAILING ARMS ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

VEHICLE RAN PERFECT DURING THE DAY. STOPPED FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR AROUND 9 PM, WENT TO RESTART THE ENGINE AROUND 10 PM, HEARD A LOUD "POP" FOLLOWED BY VERY LOUD FLAPPING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AS THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN BUT VERY ROUGH (SOUNDED LIKE "BLAP, BLAP, BLAP......"). ON INVESTIGATION, FOUND #6 SPARK PLUG HAD BEEN BLOWN COMPLETELY OUT LAYING ON THE TOP OF THE MANIFOLD AND THE COIL BROKEN OFF ITS MOUNT. THE SPARK PLUG WAS NOT BROKEN, BUT THE THREADS LOOKED A LITTLE ROUNDED, BUT OTHERWISE OK. TRIED TO REINSTALL THE PLUG, BUT IT NEVER WOULD SEAT AND WHEN PULLED OUT VERTICALLY IT FELT LIKE THE THREADS WERE STRIPPED IN THE HEAD. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IN WICHITA. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.

THE ODOMETER WAS ROLLED BACK BY THE DEALER FOREMAN MOTORS INC. IN MELBOURNE, FL. THE VEHICLE WAS LISTED FOR SALE BY THEM FOR $3995. CARFAX.COM HAS THE LAST REPORTED MILEAGE AT 241,000 ON JUNE 15, 2012. THE ODOMETER WAS ROLLED BACK TO 212,000. NOW THE ENGINE IS GONE AFTER ONLY DRIVING IT FOR 200 MILES. *TR

HERE IS MY PROBLEM: ABOUT A MONTH AGO, MY 99 EXPEDITION BEGAN TO MAKE A "CLUNKING" NOISE WHILE MAKING SHARP TURNS (LIKE INTO PARKING SPACES). IT IS NOT JUST A NOISE - YOU CAN FEEL IT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT MAKES THE WHOLE TRUCK JERK AROUND. IT IS ALMOST LIKE MY FRONT WHEELS ARE DRIVING OVER GOLF BALL-SIZED ROCKS. THE PROBLEM STARTED VERY SUDDENLY, AND IT IS SOMEWHAT INTERMITTENT - BUT IT IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT AS TIME GOES ON. I HAD IT IN TO THE FORD GARAGE TWICE NOW, AND IT JUST DOES NOT WANT TO ACT UP WHEN A TECHNICIAN IN THE VEHICLE. SINCE I CAN'T ALWAYS MAKE IT HAPPEN, I AM INCLINED TO BELIEVE THAT IT IS NOT A MECHANICAL PROBLEM (LIKE A U-JOINT OR CV JOINT). IT IS EITHER REALLY BAD OR NON-EXISTENT. ALSO, I DO NOT NOTICE ANY MAJOR SYMPTOMS WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE, ALTHOUGH I SOMETIMES DO HEAR A HIGH-PITCHED WHINE FROM THE FRONT END WHILE TRAVELING ABOVE 40 MPH. THIS NOISE IS ALSO INTERMITTENT, AND IT SOUNDS SOMEWHAT LIKE A WHEEL BEARING GOING OUT (THEY CHECKED OUT OK). WHEN I FIRST EXPERIENCED THE JUMPY FRONT END WHILE TAKING CORNERS, I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT THAT THE TRUCK HAD BEEN SWITCHED INTO 4WD. THE JERKY, CLUNKY BEHAVIOR OF THE FRONT END IS NEARLY IDENTICAL TO HOW THE TRUCK ACTS WHEN YOU RUN IN 4WD ON DRY PAVEMENT. I HAVE PUT THE TRUCK INTO 4WD TO TEST THIS THEORY, AND THE PROBLEM IS SIMILAR, BUT MUCH WORSE WHEN I FORCE THE TRANSFER CASE INTO 4WD. ONE OF THE MOST NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCES IS HOW THE TRUCK ACTS WHEN I FIRST START TO MOVE. IN 4WD, THE

I BOUGHT THIS USED 1999 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4L AND NOTICED A KNOCKING FIRST TIME AND SAW THAT THE #3 SPARK PLUG HAD COME UNSCREWED FROM INSIDE, THEN AS I REPLACED IT THE #4 CAME UNSCREWED, RE SCREWED IT BACK IN AND NOW THE OBD II CODES CAME UP THE SPARK PLUG WAS NO LONGER GOOD, AS I HAVE WANTED TO CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS ALL NEW I AM UNABLE TO SCREW BACK IN A NEW SPARK PLUG IN #4 SPARK PLUG HOLE. I DIDN'T KNOW THAT SPARK PLUGS COULD UNSCREW ON THEIR OWN TILL NOW. I BELIEVE FORD IF THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE THEY SHOULD REPAIR AT THEIR OWN COST FOR SOMETHING THEY KNEW WOULD HAPPEN. *TR

PARKED VEHICLE NOT RUNNING NO RECENT WORK DONE TRUCK JUST STARTED ON FIRE,UNDER THE HOOD AROUND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AREA.VEHICLE HAD THE FORD SAFETY RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. *TR

MY HUSBAND AND I RETURNED FROM OUR DAUGHTERS HOUSE AROUND 6PM, ALMOST 8PM WE HEARD 2 LOUD BOOMS AND THEN WE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES JUST IN THE FRONT AND SHORTLY AFTER THE TIRES POPPED. THE SUV WAS THEN BLAZING HIGH AT THIS TIME,THEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP. AFTER SITTING DOWN AND THINKING A MINUTE WE REMEMBERED THE RECALL CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH ISSUE WITH FORD WHICH A LOT OF PEOPLE REPORTED FIRES HAPPENING. SO NOW WE WONDERING IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. WE WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO INVESTIGATE THIS, WE ARE VERY OLD AND THIS WAS OUR ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A VEHICLE THAT RUNS PERFECTLY FINE AND HAD BEEN OFF A COUPLE HOURS CAN BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE FRONT , I COULD UNDERSTAND MAYBE IF WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE GAS TANK BUT I'M BAFFLED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME! *TR

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION EQUIPPED WITH AN EVENFLO INFANT CHILD SEAT, MODEL 3021805, MANUFACTURED IN 2/1/2012. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE CAR SEAT HARNESS FRACTURED LEAVING THE BABY UNSECURED. THE BABY OCCUPYING THE CAR SEAT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE CHILD SEATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK MUSCLES. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAR SEAT WAS NOT REPLACED. PM *TR

CRANKED THE TRUCK TO DRIVE AND MOTOR BEGAN TO KNOCK AND WHITE SMOKE BEGAN TO POUR OUT. ENGINE LOCKED UP. *TR

TRUCK PARKED, NOT DROVE FOR THREE DAYS, ALARM WENT OFF AND TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES IN MOTOR AREA, TRUCK TOTAL LOSS, FOUND OUT AFTER FIRE THEY HAD RECALL ON CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, WOULD'VE BEEN NICE TO KNOW, SO I'M SURE SEVERAL PEOPLE UNAWARE.CAR COMPANY NEED TO REALIZE CARS IS HOW THEY MAKE THERE MONEY AND OUR CARS ARE THE WAY WE PAY THEM. *TR

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MAINTAIN STEADY SPEED ON LEVEL ROAD NUMBER 3 SPARKPLUG BLEW OUT BREAKING COIL AND DROPPING SPARKPLUG ON THE ROAD. ORIGINAL SPARKPLUGS HAD NEVER BEEN CHANGED. *TR