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Do I need replace spark plugs?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Tapash, Jun 3, 2019.

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  1. Tapash

    Tapash Junior Member

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    I am running my Prius at 114,000 miles now. I have noticed any significant problem in starting the car so far. But my local garage suggested that I change the spark plug along with service with him. I am a bit unsure if I should listen to his advice because he didn't check a thing before advising this. Can anyone advice please what problem I could run into if I do not change the spark plugs now? or what are the symptoms to identify problems with spark plug? Thanks
     
  2. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Spark plugs are due at 120,000 miles. If he's going to be accessing that area for something else, there's no harm in changing them a little early. But I wouldn't do it early just for the fun of it.

    Screen Shot 2019-06-03 at 10.30.04 AM.png
     
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  3. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    He wants the $$$$ now. He doesn't want to wait 6k miles/6months more.

    Just get it done at 120K or a little later.

    For peace of mind, look at the pictures of my post when the plugs were changed at 120,631miles.
    Spark Plug pictures after 120,631 miles | PriusChat

    In the USA, CARB emission States say to change the same plug at 150k miles. Technically, you can go 30k miles more. But easier to just get it changed some time at or after 120k miles.
     
    #3 exstudent, Jun 3, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 3, 2019
  4. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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  5. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    But I wouldn't do it early just for the fun of it.
    He wants the $$$$ now. He doesn't want to wait 6k miles/6months more.
    He’s afraid that your cat will be stolen before then and you will sell the car.


    You guys are feeling pretty frisky today....
     
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  6. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

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    It's that time. At the 120K service get them swapped out. The problem with older plugs is that the electrodes wear, and as the plug gets older the spark gap increases. At some point, this leads to a sufficiently weak spark that you see performance differences. I have yet to change a spark plug at the manufacturer's specified interval that had an in-spec gap.

    As cheap as spark plugs are, and as easy as they are to replace, I typically change them earlier than recommended.
     
  7. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    This sentence is oddly worded. It would make the most sense if you forgot the negative: "I have not noticed any significant problem in starting the car so far."

    if you have noticed, starting issues, he is on the right track, (Symptoms of Bad or Failing Spark Plugs - Autoblog) if you have NOT noticed starting issues, the mechanic is just behind on his boat payments and want your money.
     
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  8. johnjohnchu

    johnjohnchu Active Member

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    I typically would replace PCV valve ($3 item) during spark plug replacement since they are located in same general area. My mileage actually went down a little bit after recent replacement. Do not know the cause.