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Socket turns loose on spark plug head

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Gabriel Teixeira, Dec 31, 2015.

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  1. Gabriel Teixeira

    Gabriel Teixeira Junior Member

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    I'm trying to replace the spark plugs of my 2006 Prius, but the deep well 5/8 socket attached to a 2 in extender just turns loose, as if it does not fit in the top of the spark plug. I tried also 3/4 and 13/16 but those don't even fit in the spark plug well. I tried in another spark plug to the same result. Does someone had the same problem to replace to spark plugs?
     
    #1 Gabriel Teixeira, Dec 31, 2015
  2. 48mpg

    48mpg Member

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    Ive never had a problem but if your socket has a rubber insert make sure its pushed all the way to the bottom or remove it but you will need some way to pull the plug from the hole once its lose ..if that does not work Im not sure what to tell you, changing plugs is pretty straight forward
     
    #2 48mpg, Dec 31, 2015
  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    My Gen 3 spark plugs took a 9/16" socket. I had to go find a deep swivel socket with magnet. Found one at Auto Zone on third try.
     
    #3 jdcollins5, Dec 31, 2015
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Moved to the proper gen 2 sub forum from the Prius v sub forums...

    If ya'll see a thread in the wrong forum, report it; the report we saw for this thread was from someone who didn't even reply here. Thanks.
     
    #4 Paradox, Dec 31, 2015
  5. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    Sounds like you're trying to change them without removing the wipers and cowling, it's worth it to remove them, only takes a minute and gives you a better view into the cylindrical hole you're dealing with, and do remember to have either a magnet or rubber grommet type device to extract the loosened plug, and keep everything clean. It's worth getting the correct plugs so as not to repeat the process frequently.
     
    #5 Lucifer, Dec 31, 2015
  6. Gabriel Teixeira

    Gabriel Teixeira Junior Member

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    I realized my mistake of using a socket without the rubber insert, so the top of the spark plug would touch the end of the well of the socket before the hexagonal socket mated to the spark plug. Just went to AutoZone to buy the proper socket and replaced the spark plugs. First time I ever did it and worked like a charm! Thank for all your help!
     
    #6 Gabriel Teixeira, Dec 31, 2015
    bisco likes this.
  7. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    That had to be a deeper socket, too, since the rubber grommet doesn't reduce the socket depth.
     
    #7 Air_Boss, Jan 1, 2016
  8. EZW1

    EZW1 Active Member

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    Also make sure you hand-thread the spark plug back into its hole before tightening. I've hear of people cross-threading the plug and its the engine head that cross-threads since its made of aluminum.
     
    #8 EZW1, Jan 4, 2016
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