Anybody let the dealer change tne spark plugs

Spark plugs should take about 45 minutes to change on a 1GR-FE, they're due every 50,000 KM. Pretty straight forward. I think we're charging around $160 or so before tax now that shop rate has gone up or is that after tax can't remember I'll ask the boss tomorrow when I'm putting in my remote start.

I've been doing 5,000 KM oil changes with full synthetic using the proper Toyota filter because ECP Platinum Plan. Though I'll be doing the same once my free oil changes are done as well.

As far as diff/t-case oil and transmission fluid, all those are getting changed with the spark plugs at 50,000 KM, it's early for the transmission but for the cost of the fluid and my time it's worth it.

 

Went to the dealer got 6- plugs denso K20HR-U11 for my 2013 they said 39 bucks i said i dont want the iridium they said these are not im like isnt that high price for regular plugs they said thats what they cost im like dam at least use some lube on me.

 

Now that I have the internet, I search Google (Ebay, Amazon...etc), and call ahead to the dealership or local auto parts store if they don't have prices online to get the lowest price.

 

Ebay has the best price at 25 bucks for 6 but you got to pay shipping, that makes them around 5 bucks a plug, i dont know where these guys are finding them for under 3 bucks but ive not seen any, oh well i can afford 40 bucks i guess lol makes doing it your self that much more important in the financial aspect of it

 

I agree and the money you save can also be spent on tools + the satisfaction knowing no one else will treat your truck as well as you will.

 

I ended up ordering this spark plug socket from Advanced Auto Parts for $10.99 - 25% discount = $8.24 and had it shipped to the store, so no sales tax either. I hope this will solve the socket getting stuck inside next time.

$16 GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket - 80546

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014ZVSVK/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

 

@Markcal You only need the spark plug socket to thread in the plug. Once the threads engage, you can use a regular 5/8th's deep socket to finish the job. Same thing was happening to me; when I pulled up the extension, the plug socket remained on the plug. By installing the socket just enough to hold the plug, I got it threaded then pulled it out and used a regular deep socket to finish. Just dry fit the deep socket to make sure you don't crush the plug.

 

I like the magnetized socket with a swivel, so for $8.24, it's worth the investment to me.

 

You made the price jump to 11.64, but I put it on my wishlist so my fam can get it for my birthday.

 

I used the link EatSleepTacos posted here but found a lower price ordering this spark plug socket from Advanced Auto Parts for $10.99 - 25% discount.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...tic-swivel-spark-plug-socket-80546/25984192-P

 

Do it yourself. If you take your time you can do it in an hour. After you have done it a few times, you can get it done in as little as 30 minutes if you start out with your new plugs gapped and all your tools laid out. It is about as easy a maintenance item as there is next to changing your oil.

 

Do the spark plug caps need to be twisted to get off after removing the bolt or do they just pull straight off

 

I would recommend watching a few 2nd generation spark plug changes on YouTube. Just do as docbrown has stated and leave enough time so you aren't rushed and you will be fine.

 

Should be able to pull straight off. Might have to wiggle them a bit, but they should come off pretty easily.

 

Called them today and got a more realistic 249$ quote from the service advisor. Asked that they note this on my account. Still might get the socket extensions and so on to do it myself. On the fence as I'm paranoid about screwing up and bunging up the threads or something.

 

Did you ask if they wanted you to bend over before or after the work was done?

 

I bet after the first plug you will be surprised how easy it is. Plus you will gain confidence and save money! Go for it!

 

I think the key for me in any repair job is to leave extra time, when I'm not in a rush it seems twice as easy, along with gathering all the information you can too. I agree with you about the confidence and the feeling you get knowing you did it yourself, no mechanic will ever treat your Tacoma as well as you will.

 

This type of work is easy, especially on 2nd Gens. An important thing to do when removing/installing the plugs is to keep the socket as square to hexagon shell as possible. Also, use a ratchet with a longer handle, as it gives you more torque when removing the stubborn plugs. Also, a proper torque wrench wouldn't hurt either.

 

Oakland Toyota is doing mine for 114$, half the quote from Freeman in sonoma. I woould do myself but that seems a fair price to pay for now.