Hi there, I had a 120k mile service done on Sunday at 130k miles actual usage. The only problem is that I don't see "spark plugs" mentioned anywhere on my invoice! Is there some code I should be looking for? How do I know if they actually replaced them? The car doesn't seem to be performing any differently. Thanks!
First look in the "parts" section of the invoice. Then call the dealer to clarify the omission. (did you use a Toyota dealer?) I would only have the dealer change the plugs. Since they have been in the block for 7 Years and 130k miles. They may be frozen in place and require expert to remove.
It's unlikely you will notice a difference in performance. At 120k my plugs were in good condition so there was no difference for me.
They probably didn't replace them. Its not so much to increase performance but to get them out of that head at that mileage without them being seized and either stripping it out or breaking it off. I plan on pulling mine out at 50K. for a cleaning and some anti seize. I have used a trick for many many years. You can buy a can of Freeze spray online. Bench techs use it to find intermittent electronic circuits. On a cold engine find a cardboard tube that fits around the sparkplug isolating it from surrounding metal, and then spray fs down that tube onto the sp. Freeze it. The sp metal shrinks in the threaded hole and it usually comes right out with no drama. This freezespray trick works on any stuck bolt too. Used this for years. If you can, spray PB Blaster down there too but it has to soak for a few days without driving it. That can't hurt.
Yeah I did use a Toyota dealer, Nalley Toyota in Alpharetta, GA....and thought I was getting the best car care for my money. Obviously I was wrong. I'm pretty sure if they actually replaced them, it would show up on my invoice, due to the fact that they must have some sort of inventory control that way. I'm going to call my service manager and find out. I agree that at the very least, the old ones need to be pulled out... Thanks all!
kevinhnc, Have you ever head of Japanese Automotive Professional Services? I have a few buddies that live down in the Alpharetta area and they take their Toyotas to this independent garage. They've had nothing but good things to say about them so unless you're adamant about servicing your Prius exclusively at the dealership then I'd recommend checking them out On a related note, have you guys had difficulties tracking down spark plugs for your Prius? I've called up my local Toyota dealer and they always seem to be out of spark plugs for our models. Additionally, even such discounted OEM Toyota parts sites like toyotapartseast.com do not carry Prius spark plugs..(or at least they're on special order) What's the deal with that? *Jerry Seinfeld voice*
Get spark plugs on Amazon. HID headlight bulbs too, for that matter. Also, did they do your PCV valve during the service? That was also due at 120K. Did they drain and refill the inverter and engine cooling loops? Maybe we should go back to the beginning. Just what services exactly did they give you? And assuming that you have a 2007 or older, did they, or have they in the recent past, replace your inverter cooling pump for free? And have you ever had your transaxle fluid changed?
Actually yep, they did replace my PCV valve and drained the inverter and cooling loops. And I did take mine in for the pump replacement a while back. The only thing I can think of that they might have not done was the spark plug. What's making more angry is that my service representative isn't even returning my calls! Thanks again all.
