Needing to replace the spark plugs and coil plugs in your 1999-2004 Ford Lighting? Today, we'll be taking you through the process of replacing the coil-on plugs and spark plugs in a second-generation 1999-2004 Ford Lightning. Today, we'll be working on a 1999 Lightning with relatively low miles, around 55,000-56,000. The owner of this truck wants to ensure its performance by installing fresh Motorcraft platinum plugs and Motorcraft coil-on plugs, considering the truck's age. Follow along as we walk you through each step and provide you with a complete tool list to make this maintenance job much easier.
Since this job is more in-depth, we invite you follow along with the steps provided below and the video at the top of the page to get a visual of each step.
Tool List
Compressed Air
Spark Plug Gapping Tool
Anti-seize
Dielectric Grease
Wire Brush
Microfiber Towels & Brake Clean
Long-reach Magnet
1/4" - 7mm Deep, Shallow, Swiveling Sockets
1/4" Extensions - 3", 6", & 12"
3/8" Flex Ratchet or Close-ratio Ratchet
3/8" Extensions - 3", 6", 6" Wobble, & 12"
3/8" Swiveling Adapter
5/8" Spark Plug Socket (Long-reach recommended)
- 1/4" Socket Set
- 3/8" Socket Set
Torque Specs
- Spark Plug: 13-14 lb-ft w/ Anti-seize
- Coil Pack Bolt: 89 lb-in
Prepare the Work Area
- Before you start, properly gap your spark plugs to .042-.046 (Stock Applications)
- Place a fender mat over the fender to protect it.
- Use compressed air to blow away any dirt and debris from around the coil packs.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Replace Coils on Plugs and Spark Plugs - Passenger Side (Cylinders 1-4)
- Remove the solenoid cover
- Start with cylinder one and disconnect the coil-on-plug electrical connection.
- Remove the retaining bolt with a seven-millimeter deep socket and a 6" regular extension.
- Take out the coil pack from the cylinder head and blow out the spark plug hole with compressed air.
- Use a 5/8 spark plug socket, a 6" wobble extension, and a 6" regular extension with a 3/8 drive socket wrench to remove the spark plug.
- Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the new spark plug and install it by hand.
- Torque the spark plug to 13-14 pound-feet.
- Apply dielectric grease to the end of the coil pack and a thin film to the boot's outside area that makes contact with the cylinder head.
- Reinstall the coil pack and tighten the retaining bolt to 89 pound inches.
- Reconnect the electrical connection.
- Repeat this process for cylinders 2, 3, and 4, following the tool combinations mentioned.
- Cylinder 3 will require a 7mm shallow socket and a 3” regular extension for the coil pack retaining bolt. You will use a 6” wobble extension and a 3” regular extension for the spark plug.
- Cylinder 4 will require the removal of the PCV valve from the grommet in the valve cover (you can push this over out of the way). Cylinder 4 will require a 7mm shallow socket and a 3” regular extension for the coil pack retaining bolt. You will use a 6” wobble extension and a 3” regular extension for the spark plug.
Replace Coils on Plugs and Spark Plugs - Driver's Side (Cylinders 5-8)
- Before starting on this side, move any components blocking access to the coils and spark plugs.
- Remove the intake tube and air box for additional working room.
- Disconnect the intake tube clamp, vacuum hoses, mass airflow connection, air box lid clamps, and inlet air temperature sensor connection.
- Pull the intake tube away from the throttle body and remove it.
- Dislodge the lower pegs from the air box grommets and pull the lower section of the air box away from the fender to remove it.
- Move any other components obstructing access to the coils and spark plugs. This will include the evap hose connected to the side of the supercharger plenum, disconnect the EVR solenoid connection and vacuum hoses. Remove the 2 hoses from the underside of the DPFE sensor and position them out of the way. Place a microfiber towel in the throttle body and cover any vacuum hoses with tape.
- For cylinders 5 & 6, use a 7mm deep socket, 6” extension and 3” extension for the coil pack bolt. Use a 3” extension, 6” wobble extension, and a 6” regular extension for the spark plug.
- For cylinder 7, use a seven-millimeter swiveling socket and a 12" extension to remove the coil pack bolt. Use a 12” regular extension and a 6” regular extension to remove the spark plug.
- For cylinder 8, use a seven-millimeter swiveling socket and a 3" extension to remove the coil pack bolt. Use a 6” extension, swiveling adaptor, and a 12” extension for the spark plug.
Reassemble and Test
- Reconnect and reposition any components that were moved on the driver's side.
- Reinstall the air box and its associated components.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable.
- Start the truck to test the replaced coils on plugs and spark plugs.
