Spark plug wires

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Stripedshrimp, Dec 19, 2022.

  1. Stripedshrimp

    Stripedshrimp New Member

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    I changed my spark plugs last summer but just realized that I didn't change my wires. Has anyone done this? It seems complicated. It looks like the wires are part of a wire harness. Any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks.
     
  2. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    What problem would that solve?
     
  3. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    All Prius cars have a direct ignition system (distributorless ignition), with a separate ignition coil for each cylinder. The spark plug caps are part of the ignition coil assemblies, so there aren’t high-voltage spark plug wires like those in conventional or transistorized ignition systems of older design.
    Indeed, the wires to the ignition coil assemblies are part of the engine wire harness. Unless there’s a problem that can’t be repaired using the methods described in the Electrical Wiring Diagram (more info), there should be no need for replacement.
     
  4. Stripedshrimp

    Stripedshrimp New Member

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    No problem really, I am just focusing on preventative maintenance.
     
  5. Stripedshrimp

    Stripedshrimp New Member

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    Wow ok thank you!

    This is the info I was looking for.
     
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  6. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Replacing that wiring harness would be very expensive, a lot of work. and unlikely to prevent any future problem. Best to leave it alone. The biggest threat some people face regarding the engine wiring is rodents chewing on it.
     
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  7. Sohag

    Sohag New Member

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    Hi everyone,

    I need some advice regarding a problem with my 2019 Toyota Prius (75k miles). Recently, during a full service, I replaced the spark plugs for the first time. Before this, I had done several services but hadn’t changed the spark plugs. My combined MPG used to be around 67, but after changing the spark plugs, it dropped significantly to about 55 MPG.

    There’s no error on the dashboard, but I’ve noticed something unusual. When accelerating sharply at speeds of 20-30 mph, the car feels a bit shaky, like it’s producing less power. I checked the spark plugs, and they’re fine—they were purchased from a Toyota dealership.

    However, I did notice that when the mechanic was replacing the spark plugs, he struggled a bit to put the connectors back in and removed a small red rubber piece from the connectors. I’m wondering if this could be causing an issue, possibly leading to a misfire in one of the cylinders.

    I’m completely clueless at this point. Could the connector issue be the root cause, or could something else be wrong? Any advice from the experts here would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks in advance!