How much does a 60,000 mile tune up cost for a 2004 Mach 1?

[Reimann]

And could needing said tune up cause the check engine light to come on? It's mileage is currently at about 58,500.

Oh, and flaming me for asking newb questions is fine just please answer the newb questions first

 

[wmburns]

Not having a tune done will not cause a check engine light to come on. The check engine light is indicating there is a problem.

Go to your local autoparts store and have the codes read. Post the complete DTC codes. This will give us something to go on.

 

[ChillPhatCat]

It's probably a harmless emissions issue (going by the most common causes to throw an check engine light), but get the codes scanned soon as possible in case it is indicating something worse.

 

[Midnight2V]

As far as a tune up is concerned, changing the plugs and fuel filter along with the oil is about all that happens. As easy as changing plugs in a 2V is, a 4V is even easier. The check engine light is probably a O2 sensor.

A dealership will charge a lot more than its worth for the tune up. Except for disconnecting the fuel filter, there is nothing to a tune up that can't be done with hand tools in your driveway. There is a special disconnect tool that costs about $12 at the local parts store for the fuel filter. Let us know if we can help.

 

[Reimann]

Can an Autozone check the codes? I know Pep Boys can but there isn't one near here. I know Sears can't.

The light keeps coming on and going off. It seemed to be running rough yesterday but fine today. I'm going to get it checked out. The last thing I need is to get stranded somewhere.

I'm not so sure about doing the tune up myself. I did a tune up once when I had a '91 Mustang and it was a bitch. I broke one of the distributor wires and had to have a friend drive me to a store to exchange it for a new one. I also remember that we need special tools to get the plugs out. How many spark plugs are in an '04 Mach 1 anyway?

Thanks the help (and lack of flaming)!

 

[wmburns]

Yes Autozone will check codes. I think almost any autoparts store would do it. In addition, a budget code reader cost less than $80 at Sears.

The flashing check engine light means that a misfire is occuring. Suspect an ignition or spark plug problem.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Prob a bad cop or fouled plug easy fix.

 

[twogts4us]

Plugs are easy on the DOHC (even easier than the SOHC). Remove the coil cover, pull the COP off, and remove the plug. You'll need socket extensions as the plug wells are deep, but chging plugs on these mod motors is much easier than with the older cam in block motors. Since these are aluminum heads, you should dab a bit of anti-seize on the threads of each plug. (Pick this up at any auto parts store). Also of note - the DOHC COPs are not held in by a 7mm bolt like the SOHC COPs are. Finally, you should blow out the plug well with compressed air (buy a can of it if you don't have a compressor) after removing the COP and before removing the plug. And DO NOT overtighten the plugs. There have been many debates about using a torque wrench for these, but I (and many others) have never had an issue with turning it finger tight then cinching it down with a little twist, using minimal force.
The Mach 1 engine has COPs - Coil On Plug technology - a single coil for each plug. There is no distributor, no plug wires...it's very basic. It uses 8 spark plugs.
Chging the fuel filter is very easy as well. As mentioned above, you do need a special tool, but it's pretty inexpensive. The first time you chg it, it will take you probably an hour...the 2nd time, it'll be more like 10-15 mins.
You should really consider doing these basic maintenance tasks yourself - save money and learn a little about your hot rod. A good resource for the fuel filter change (and the plug change, although this webpage deals with a SOHC...just realize that you have to remove your COP covers (2 small bolts) to gain access to the COPs) is BULLITT Archive Home Page - Many of us out here on StangNet have used this excellent resource.
Best of Luck!

 

[Reimann]

Went to an O'Reilly Autoparts store and they were unable to test it since the light was currently off. They suggested keeping an eye on the light and on my gas mileage and seeing if I get worse fuel efficiency than normal. If the problem persists or if I am getting worse efficiency to take it to a full service station and pay them to extract the codes from the computer.

 

[Midnight2V]

If they said they couldn't check the codes because the light wasn't on, then they were blowing smoke. Any code reader can check code history. The computer archives all codes until they are erased. If they did that to me, that store would have received a complaint on that individual at the very least. At worst, they would have permanently lost my business. Just my two cents.

 

[Rusty67]

Not sure what the interval looks like but the front accessory drive belt on mine at 80,000 REALLY needed to be replaced. Might want to get that done as well. Its EASY. Took me 15 minutes.

 

[wmburns]

Went to an O'Reilly Autoparts store and they were unable to test it since the light was currently off. They suggested keeping an eye on the light and on my gas mileage and seeing if I get worse fuel efficiency than normal. If the problem persists or if I am getting worse efficiency to take it to a full service station and pay them to extract the codes from the computer.

+1 on the advice. Any time the check engine light comes on, the results are stored as a "pending" code. Pending codes can be down loaded as well as "active" codes.