Spark Plug Replacement

I bought my taco used with 54k miles about 2 years ago. I don't know if they replaced the spark plugs since then- it doesn't say anything on the CarFax report about it. I'm now at 89k miles, and notice that the acceleration is not as strong/responsive. I have to really press down on the gas for it to actually go go.

Could this be a sign that spark plugs need to be replaced?

 

The spark plugs are generally a 60k item, so by your metric you should have swapped them already. It’s not out of the question, but for 89k they probably aren’t bad. They should be replaced though. I would look into the throttle body/filter and make sure they are clean. Also, run some fuel injector cleaner though the tank and every oil change. You may have gotten a bad tank of gas with water in it.

It’s probably way overdue for a trans drain/fill (no flush) and differential changes too. Check the sticky threads for the maintenance schedule and get on it.

 

They're past due, so it couldn't hurt from a maintenance standpoint.
I am not sayin I fully believe the 60k mile factory recommendation, but clearly you are well past that, and it's time anyways.

 

I gotta do mine soon.... just hit 100k with originals

 

For poor acceleration, I would also look into the Fuel Pump Recall. You are covered for 10 years regardless of mileage.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10236191-9999.pdf

 

I heard the spark plug change in these is a b*tch

 

I did mine in a hour at 50k

 

It’s not all that bad. There’s one or more plugs on the driver’s side that take a little work to get out but with the right combination of patience and flexibility, you can do it. I think the official procedure calls for removing the plenum (maybe something else??) to access the plug(s) and then replacing the gasket. I can verify that it is not necessary to do this. I think I found a video on youtube that I followed. Good luck.

 

It’s not bad at all. Was worse doing them in our old V6 Acura with transverse mounted engine. Those rear plugs were buried. If you have a 3/8” ratchet and lots of extensions with a swivel it’s an easy job.