Sorry, didn't mean to send that out, just curious, I bought an 03 prius, with 166k miles, now has 182kmiles still runs great, but dealer told me at the last oil change that the spark plugs have never been replaced. I just did the serpentine belt, and am ready to replace the transaxle fluid, just wondering if the plugs are going to be a problem to remove, and what is the proper plug to put back in.
Yes, the spark plugs may be difficult to remove. I recommend that you exercise caution when removing them. If you find that a plug does not easily come out, you may want to squirt a little penetrating oil into the spark plug well and let sit overnight. Not much though, no need to flood the spark plug hole. The correct spark plug is listed in your owner's manual, either NGK or Denso iridium spark plugs. Do not install a lesser substitute. (I've also posted the model numbers numerous times here, in the event you don't have access to the manual.)
Thanks, I bought the iridium NGK's today will try to replace them on Monday, my day off, also replacing the transaxle fluid at the same time. Ordered the gasket today, Toyota dealer said it would be in Saturday. Now have a new problem, no audio on the radio/cassette/cd player, just wondering if anyone else has experianced this issue. Radio seems to be tuning the stations ok, just lost audio.
A very good idea to remove the transaxle drain pan as you replace the transaxle ATF. I think you'll be unpleasantly surprised by the amount of black muck that has accumulated on the little rectangular magnet (which will look like a garden slug with all of the accumulated debris) and the pan. Regarding the audio problem, if the radio is getting 12V power yet there's no output at any of the speakers then the fault is likely within the radio. You might check the wiring harness connectors to the radio to ensure they are properly inserted.
Got a call today from the dealer, the gasket didn't come in so transaxle fluid change will be delayed until the gasket shows up at the dealership.
Plug change went well, first few turns with the ratchet were kinda scarey but after a shot of penetrating oil and a short wait all came out ok. My plug wrench was old and wouldn't grip the plugs, so I used a piece of 5/16 fuel line to lift them out of the wells and to start the new plugs into their holes. That was a great tip, thanks Patrick. All new NGK's were gapped at .043 and the old plugs were at .046 for the ones on the ends and .045 for the 2 in the middle, they didn't look to bad for 182k miles.:cheer2:
Glad to hear that job was successfully completed. BTW, since the plug gap spec is 1.0 to 1.1 mm, my practice is to set the gap of new spark plugs at 1.0 mm (or 0.039") since the gap will increase over time.
It'25k miles or so will regap as needed. s not really that hard to pull the plugs on the gen 1 so if it makes it another
Actually, it is not recommended to re-gap used iridium spark plugs. The concern is that the side electrode may weaken and break off while the spark plug is installed. Hence, the plug should be gapped when new, then the gap should be left alone from that point forward. When the gap enlarges beyond spec then the plug should be discarded.
WOW! What a differance a set of spark plug makes. Milage increased dramatically, I had ni idea that the plugs had never been replaced until told by the dealer. Went from 42.5 mpg to 49 mpg. Would have replaced the plugs much sooner had I realized they had never been changed.
Just replaced the plugs on my '02 with 111,000 miles today. Came out very easily and did not look too bad. Total job took about 20 minutes. Here are some pictures of the old plugs.
