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What spark plugs should I use?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Woodworker, Feb 13, 2010.

  1. Woodworker

    Woodworker New Member

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    I need to change the spark plugs in my '04 Prius. Should I use the Toyota replacements or is there a better choice? Can I just got to Autozone and get a set there?
     
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Or use the correct Denso iridium spark plug, SK16R11.

    The plugs should cost ~$12 each at your Toyota dealer's parts counter. I doubt that a discount auto parts store will carry the NGK or Denso plugs, but you can call ahead and find out.
     
  4. ETP

    ETP 2021 Prime(Limit),24 Venza Limit,B52-D,G,F,H

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  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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  6. jrmason

    jrmason New Member

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    Has anybody tried the Pulstar plugs? I their ads they use a Pruis and state that they bump gas mileage up 5mpg. Pretty expensive for plugs something like $50 for the set. Curiosity has gotten the best of me.
     
  7. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Q. If Toyota could increase the MPG of a Prius by 5 MPG for only $50, why didn't they come stock on all Prius?
    A. Because it doesn't work.

    You paid $22,000 to $27,000 for a Prius rated at 48 MPG, if Toyota could have sold you a Prius rated at 53 MPG for $50 more, they would have to be incompetent not to have. I am deeply suspicious of miracle cures that would only work if the manufacturer did not to know anything about the car they just made.
     
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  8. Onesysofadown

    Onesysofadown New Member

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    Yea add E3 plugs to that list. Wish I would have never bothered, because as mentioned on other posts the plugs installed were chosen in relation to the proportions of the motor. Believe me when I say that Toyota did their homework and made sure they were proud of what they were turning in. To think those plugs could have fried my ignition coils, according to service tech at dealership. They may work good in power equipment and off road vehicles, but not in my Prius!
     
  9. jreed

    jreed Member

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    Just wanted to chime in and say I bought four of the NGK spark plugs from Advance Auto for ~$7/each plus tax and installed them about a month ago. They have been working fine and I have no regrets! It was the best bargain I could find at the time. Sometimes Advance has a 10 or 20% discount coupon if you order online and pick up locally, which could save even more.
     
  10. halpos4

    halpos4 "Taxi"!

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  11. Ryanpl

    Ryanpl Active Member

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    Amazon has the NGK (4996) IFR5T11 for $7.73 a piece with free shipping. If you have Amazon Prime you get free 2 day shipping anywhere in US.
     
  12. kohnen

    kohnen Grumpy, Cranky Senior Member

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    If you buy 4 of them, you qualify for free super-saver shipping anyway.