2006 Mercury Mountaineer Premier AWD V8 - Service

[Hotwire]

I am about to take my Mountaineer in for service at my local dealer. I have been hearing a ticking noise (posted video in another thread) coming from both valve covers. The vehicle currently has 84,000 miles on it. Is there anything else I should have them check while the vehicle is in for service?

I have had the problem with the water leak at the overhead console from the sunroof. However, it only happened when it's parked front pointing up hill during rain. It doesn't happen when the front is parked pointing down hill. That tells me it must be the drains that are near the back of the sunroof, if there are any.

Other than that, I have had no problems so far. Of course the power running boards do not work. One side does a little bit, and the other is completely locked up and I cannot get the motor/shaft to budge.

I'm not sure how the vehicle was maintained before I purchased it at 83,000 miles, so that may play a part in deciding what you recommend me have the dealer check.

Thanks!

 

[paulyjsob]

If you're not sure what the service history is, I'd look into changing your transmission fluid. Also, at 84k miles, it's probably time to think about changing your plugs. Also, have all your fluids checked (power steering, brake, etc.)

 

[Hotwire]

Just got the truck back this week. The ticking noise is gone! They replaced the hydrualic lifters and rockers on the left side of the engine. I also had them do quite a few other things:

- Flush/replace brake and power steering fluid
- Check transmission and differential fluids (they were fine)
- Replace serpentine belt
- Reflash computer with updates (there were quite a few since the last update)
- Clean throttle body/fuel injectors and injection system
- Replace plugs
- Replace both valve cover gaskets


The vehicle runs great with no issues. I was really happy with the quality of service received from my local dealer.

 

[thebrakeman]

How much did they charge for the plugs?

 

[Hotwire]

I want to say it was right at $250-300. However, I know how bad of a job it can be, so it was worth it to me!

 

[willied]

When I got my plugs changed it was $138, but then again they also charged me that much to reconnect the rear defrost wire.

 

[thebrakeman]

I think the trick is to find a dealer that will give you a range of cost, depending on how many they break. But most probably want to do this as quickly as possible, so if they break, they break, and they just charge you for the special tool (which I hear only works for so many plugs before it's wore out).

 

[Hotwire]

The plugs were quite expensive if I remember correctly. They weren't just $5.00 a piece, they were quite a bit more. So plugs alone were probably $100.00. Labor was about $150.00. I don't mind paying that.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Hey- great service and repairs done well are worth the $. I really think of it this way- if I can afford it at the time, and if I was going to spend a weekend messing around with the car, and I can have everything done for $500 and know that if something is wrong they'll make it right, it's worth it to me- that's what I'd pay for one month on a new car. Especially with those plugs- one broken plug will ruin your weekend and for what it ends up costing in time and $ to fix- not worth doing it, IMHO. For what you had done, your Mounty will run a long time before you have to put any more major money into it.

Those power running boards are a pain- I don't know anyone that hasn't had some issues (on any make or model of vehicle) up here in Michigan. Cool gadget, but...

 

[swetrid]

Spark plugs are like $20 a piece at the dealership.

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

Spark plugs are like $20 a piece at the dealership.

Confirmed in the low $20+ range (don't go after market) each. Luckily I have a Ford mechanic friend that does my repairs on the side

 

[V8power]

Power Running Boards

Use Deep Creep Spray (same as Sea Foam but in a spray) on the running boards. Last winter here in Iowa was pretty bad and they stopped working.

I tried different lubricants but nothing worked until I used the Deep Creep - they worked like new the rest of the winter and still do today, never had a problem since.