I have a 2006 XLT with a 5.4 and 54,000 miles. When I had my last oil change, they also told me I needed to do a transmition flush. Is this something I should be looking into at this point or are they just trying to make extra $ off of me? Also, at what point should I get a "tune-up?" I have heard of issues with misfires and had my first about a week ago. (Check engine light came on etc...) I have read that it may be a good idea to have my plugs changed before a greater problem is encountered. Is this accurate as well?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

Welcome to the site.

I guess you don't have a maintenance schedule?

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

 

Thanks. That maint. schedule helps. I will look through it more later. I did notice that it made no mention of changing plugs until around 100,000 miles. It may be an oversight on my part and I will look again, but it seems like a long time.

 

I believe the 100k is correct.

I also recall there is a major issue with the plugs breaking off when they are removed, but I don't know if your MY is one of the problems or not.

Here's some good reading...

http://www.f150online.com/forums/200...ark-plugs.html

http://www.f150online.com/forums/v8-...f150-5-4l.html

 

I too have heard of the plugs breaking off when removed. I have talked to a few people about doing the plug change on my own, and all have told me to have it done by a trusted mechanic as the plugs are easily broken and create a costly problem. Thanks for the reading material and for your assistance.

 

A lot of guys have done it themselves, but they used a special plug extraction tool.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/200...lug+extraction

http://www.f150online.com/forums/v8-...my-5-4-3v.html

 

I did my own plugs actually.Only one broke off.If you are mechanically inclined and have the rotunda kit Incas one or more break,you will be fine.Just take your time and if while your doing it,you hear a screeching sound,stop and back it off easy minimizing the risk of breaking the plugs in two.Now tho if you can get a great price on the plug change including removal of broken ones say in the price range of 400-500,then go for it.

Now as far as the tranny flush,take into account allot of conditions,allot of stop and going driving,off-roading in dusty environment,off-roading in mud/water that sort of thing.I have talked to allot of mechs and the general idea was for around 60k if you do allot of off-roading in the mud like i do.Also consult your manual as a helping tool.Also good rule of thumb is if you do off-roading like i do,change out your rear end fluid as well before the specified date in the manual

 

About the plugs: The dealer will do the plug change for about $350 and said they will take care of broken ones, if they should happen. So I was thinking of going that route.

About the trans oil: Thanks for the advice about all that. I don't do any offroading with this truck. I had ATV's and was constantly changing the diff and engine oil after taking them swimming. As for the truck, I don't drive in a lot of dust, but I do a lot of stop and go driving and pull a 5,000 lb boat frequently during the summer months. From what you said and from other things that I have read, it may not be a bad idea to just get it done and not really have to worry about it. Again, thanks for your help and advice.