Iridium Plugs/Tranny service

[kai920]

Anyone heard of the dealership recommending Iridium 120k mile plugs being changed around 90k? This was recommended for some reason even though manual states 120k service and all he could tell me was its recommended.

How about tranny flush and refill. They are recommending this also, but its not in the manual. I also don't tow which is when it comes recommended. Have 90,700 miles.

At what mileage should a fuel injector cleaning be done, if at all?

Thx!!!

 

[ClockWork]

If you're doing the 90k service which includes the WP and TB, you might as well do the plugs. Your transmission should be serviced with a fluid exchange machine and not a flush. There is a proper procedure that must be completed at operating temperature to get all 16 quarts of WS fluid out of the transmission and torque converter. It will be expensive but it's the correct way to go about doing it.

 

[kai920]

If you're doing the 90k service which includes the WP and TB, you might as well do the plugs. Your transmission should be serviced with a fluid exchange machine and not a flush. There is a proper procedure that must be completed at operating temperature to get all 16 quarts of WS fluid out of the transmission and torque converter. It will be expensive but it's the correct way to go about doing it.

If they are good until 120k then "might as well do the plugs" translates to me, "might as well waste the money." I want to know if its needed or not. Nor would I waste the money on paying someone to do it, so it really doesn't matter if the 90k maintenance is being done. BTW, my stealership charges $210 for the plug change out($11 per plug).

Thanks for the info on the proper procedure for the tranny fluid exchange. Unfortunately, it doesn't answer the question of "should" it be done.

Also, they told me the fluid should be changed, he mentioned something about color. However, there are no signs of them checking the fluid, or even removing the plug to check. They based a diff fluid exchange on the same notion, however, I am certain the plugs were not removed. There are paint marks on them and they still line up, as well as being covered with dirt and dust, that obviously would have been removed a little if they put a wrench on the plug.

 

[ClockWork]

Yes you should do the transmission if you intend on keeping it. No you don't have to do the plugs until 120k as stated.

Don't cheap out. Get OEM components.

 

[kai920]

From what I understand OE is either NGK or Denso. Are the NGK Laser Iridium ok? P/N IFR6T11? They are listed on NGKs website as OE.

 

[4RunnerFan]

Don't forget that the service advisors at dealerships are often professional salespeople. It is their job to sell and upsell. If you doubt their recommendations, try a different dealership if one isn't too far away.

Some folks get the OEM parts online or from the dealer and then take their T4Rs to an independent garage or do the work themselves. Others don't want anyone else but a Toyota factory-trained technician at the dealer working on their T4R. In the end, it's whatever floats your boat that really matters.

 

[blaniac22]

When the dealer (or any mechanic) says they did something or checked something, and it doesn't appear it was accomplished, I challenge them on it. Not in a an accusational way, but just to let them know I know enough that they won't (easily) pull one over on me. That's why, at a minimum, I research as much as I can about a job before I take it in.

About the plugs. By all means if you can and intend to do the work yourself at 120K, then do it yourself when the time comes. Sometimes, taking care of it all at one time is a matter of convenience (saves a second trip later) and some people opt to do it early if they don't intend to do themselves. Of course the dealer wants to get as much out of you as they can while they have your truck. I don't really fault them for that. I do however question how they checked things when evidence supports they didn't.

I believe NGK or Denso are OEM plugs - my V6 had 3 of each on each side. I went all Denso. Others on the board with V8 experience or who have changed these out more may favor one or the other, but going with either is a fine choice.

The transmission isn't something I'd mess with, and would pay the money to have it done right.

 

[MikeInNH]

Both of those services can be performed at a independent for probably less then 1/2 the dealer price.

Even though the tranny comes with the WS (World Standard) lifetime transmission fluid...it's really a good idea to change it anyways. I change mine about every 50k miles. If you only plan on keeping the truck 100k miles then I wouldn't worry about it.

As for the plugs...Yea they will probably last 120k miles.....but....you really don't want to wait until the plugs start to fail or drastically degrade to replace them. You'll notice lower performance and gas mileage. 90k might be too soon....But I'd consider replacing them before 120k miles though. NGK and Denso plugs are the OEM plugs for Toyota. You can usually buy them at auto parts store for less the half what the dealer sells them for. They are the EXACT SAME PLUG....so why spend double the price for the same part. Replacing plugs is NOT rocket science...No need to go to the dealer and spend $100/hr when you can have it done at a good independent for $60/hr.

 

[4RunnerFan]

Not sure about others here, but I found the dealer's price for spark plugs was quite reasonable.

 

[ClockWork]

Not sure about others here, but I found the dealer's price for spark plugs was quite reasonable.

I paid around $8 a plug for the Denso's at my dealer. That's nothing every 100k miles. Less than a take of gas.

 

[MikeInNH]

I paid around $8 a plug for the Denso's at my dealer. That's nothing every 100k miles. Less than a take of gas.

And I got mine for $4.75 on line.