Changing the spark plugs without taking off wiper blades on 2010 Prius.

I guess if you had the correct swivel socket extensions that you could remove the plugs without removing the wiper motor and cowl.

There is just no way to do this with straight socket extensions plus the length of the spark plug.

I would still suspect the dealer because that cap is not likely to come off by itself.

 

I’m not even sure you can get the coil out without removing the windshield wiper cowling .

 

the customer is always right. (except at car dealers)

 

What did you disassemble before you decided to take it to the dealer? By chance, did you remove the wiper arm nuts...and forgot to put them back? Never the less, even if you forgot, the dealer mechanic should have noticed they were missing. I mean, come on!

 

Well, don't know about the Prius but I've had the arm nut covers disappear on other Toyotas.

I changed the spark plugs on the Gen 2 without removing the wipers stuff but I've not tried it yet on the Gen 3.

 

I'm pretty sure they are lying.

It is relatively easy to disconnect the coil and try to pull it out. As you pull up on the coil the top hits the cowl well before the bottom extension of the coil is any where near clear of the spark plug well. I've tried it, lol.

Maybe start by talking to that service writer again, ask her if she can pass you onto the Service Manager.

@NutzAboutBolts video pinned at top of the 3rd gen sub-forum on spark place change is the video to watch, and maybe he can comment too.

^ In the video, it takes a LOT of wrenching to get to the spark plugs, and there is no way in hell they would do this if there was ANY other way, lol.

I believe the part is item #4 here, sells for $4.15:

Wiper & Washer Components for 2010 Toyota Prius | Toyota Parts

For the parts writer (or more likely, the mechanic) to choose a tact like this over a $4 item is a little foolhardy. Yeah, start by talking to the service manager. I'd suspect the service writer is just taking the mechanic at face value, the lies originate with the mechanic.

OTOH, maybe the mechanic can demonstrate how to remove the coils sans cowl removal? But I really doubt it.

 

Home Depot sells water heater anode rods shaped like this, in case the ceiling over your water heater is too low to stick the new one straight in (if you're replacing one, the old one is probably enough gone to just bend as you're pulling it out).

Too bad you can't get Gen 3 ignitors made that way.



-Chap

 

Along the same line, take some video if they can demonstrate how to do the job without removing the windshield wiper cowling.

Be from Missouri and ask them to show you .

 

Ease of maintenance seems to take a back seat more-and-more, with each generation of cars. That they couldn't come up with a little more clearance for those coil to come out without tearing the car half-apart, is very frustrating.

 

But if you consider the frequency the windshield wiper cowling needs to be removed, it was probably part of the design decision .

 

Our 06 civic was similar, cowl needed to come off to check the valve clearance, and/or change plugs. And to remove the engine block coolant bolt. The latter was the mandatory for decent coolant drain: quarts came out. I guess the trend to steeply raked, aerodynamic windshields.

With the Prius, pretty much mandatory too, for the mandatory EGR cleaning lol.

Wrangler...

 

Unfortunately, styling takes precedence over serviceability. It’s not uncommon on some SUV vehicles to have to remove the body for engine replacement.

 

John, I have replaced the spark plugs on my Gen3 prius. There is absolutely no way to remove the coil packs and plugs without removing the cowl assembly. To get the cowl assembly off I do not see a way to do it without removing the wiper arms.
BTW I actually think getting to the plugs and coil packs is fairly easy and straightforward. I worked for GM for 16 years and they did some very stupid things that made maintenance a PITA. The first time I did my plugs at 192K miles I think it took me 15 minutes to get the cowl assembly off. Once removed getting to the coils and plugs was a piece of cake. I will be faster when I replace them again at 400K.

 

Your Plugs lasted to 192K miles?

 

My first plug change was at 223667 miles.
They could have gone another 100k or so.
Plugs @ 223667 miles | PriusChat

 

I followed @NutzAboutBolts's video on spark plug replacement. Took me about 30 minutes to do. One thing that will speed things up is a power drill with an extension. MUCH faster and easier!

 

The one thing that hangs me up, is that little plastic piece at the corner of the windshield. Oh, and some of the #*$@!! cable clips.

I guess we just talk among ourselves till OP gets more info. I was a little presumptive to say they were lying, more like they're probably lying, lol. Who knows. I'm hoping he follows up on this, updates the thread with their explanation.

There's a ridiculously strong circumstantial evidence case going here: spark plugs changed, wiper elbow cap missing... And the dang thing costs all of $4 to replace, let's just say they didn't choose their battles wisely.

 

Has anyone tried jacking up the Prius to move the engine down so you can get to the plugs? (without removing all the crap) Check Youtube for a video about it by a guy called StanleyCip. I may try it this weekend when I get my nre plugs.