1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Quick question about spark plugs and spark plug wires

Discussion in 'Other Cars' started by Rybold, Sep 30, 2011.

  1. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2008
    2,760
    322
    3
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    I'm getting my spark plugs replaced tomorrow. I searched Google and on Yahoo Answers some people are saying the spark plug wires should be replaced when spark plugs are replaced. Does anyone have any knowledge or preference on this? Thanks!

    -2004 Corolla, 179,900 miles, never had a single problem with the car.
    (my car has Toyota Iridium spark plugs and I think they are the originals (I need to check my maintenance records)

    Thanks! :)

    (if this is in the wrong forum, moderators, please transfer this to correct forum. thanks)
     
    #1 Rybold, Sep 30, 2011
  2. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2007
    7,512
    1,185
    0
    Location:
    Carmichael, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    I think your Corolla is new enough to use Coil on Plug technology. My GF's 2001 Avalon uses coil on plug and so does the Prius. If so, you do not have any spark plug wires.
     
    #2 dogfriend, Sep 30, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  3. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2006
    22,123
    11,563
    0
    Location:
    eastern Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    If it is coil on plug, there are boots to replace. At least I plan to do so on the HHR soon. I figure the environment of an engine bay isn't the most hospitable to rubber and plastics, and it's simpler to replace everything at once even if it isn't required.

    Replacing actual wires would be almost a must though. In addition to the engine heat you have the high current running through them and the insulation will degrade over time. If it does, it can affect drivability. There's an easy test for them by watching for arcing in the dark.
     
    #3 Trollbait, Sep 30, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  4. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2004
    13,439
    640
    0
    Location:
    Winnipeg Manitoba
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    no wires as coil on plug

    Boots should be fine. A dab of high temp silicone on the boot won't hurt

    If the wire harness is pooched that is a pricey repair
     
    #4 jayman, Sep 30, 2011
  5. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2008
    2,760
    322
    3
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Thanks All ! Turns out it uses a coil instead of spark plug wires. :)
     
    #5 Rybold, Oct 1, 2011
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)