PLEASE HELP - Spark Plug Problems

P

Pwholloway27

New member
So I took my car to a shop after it was acting up and I couldnt figure out what was wrong with it. They said I needed 6 new spark plugs and wires, and then a new fuel filter too. They wanted $930 for that so I drove it home from the shop and parked it at my house to do it myself. I went to NAPA and they originally sold me some Bosch Spark plugs, with wires and boots, and I installed those. But when I went to start up the car, it wouldn't start unless I had my foot on the floor, and even when that happened, the car couldn't drop below 1400 rpms without stalling out. I then looked at the Bosch spark plugs and realized they were single ground, so I went back to NAPA and got the NGKs (those things are pricey) and put them in today. Put everything back together, started it back up, and the 4Runner is still doing the same thing. What have I done wrong? I need my car to work, and don't really want to take it to a shop because they charge an arm and a leg. Please help me

Thanks

2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 3.4L V6
 
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So plugs ( BKR5EKPB-11 4302 NGK Laser Platinum Spark Plugs ) are about $40 for 6
Wire set (NGK (4412) TE66 Wire Set) $30 tops
Fuel filter is usually around $25 but $40 absolute max.

So about $110 worth of parts at the most and they wanted $800+ to do about 1 hour of work?

I agree with everyone else sounds like a wire mixup.

I also would find a different place to take your truck.

That should have cost you about $185 to have it done at a reputable mechanic counting the parts.
 
$930? Damn, I'm in the wrong business. Make sure wires are routed properly and that the wires and coil packs are seated properly.

Where are you located? (I'm on my phone). If you're local I'll look at it for you.
 
These engines run properly ONLY with the factory spec dual electrode plug. I agree that the Bosch plugs aren't the problem here. As the other reply stated, you messed something up. There are only three wires, so it won't be difficult to figure out. Also be sure that the connectors are properly seated in the coils. Also look over all the vacuum hoses, etc to see if something was inadvertently disconnected.
 
Jungoes said:
I don't have dual electrode plugs in my 4runner, and have no problems,

can you define " properly only " ?? :thumb3:
Click to expand...

Dude, are you serious? I've heard of people running the single electrode plugs. But by accident, not on purpose. I wouldn't ever do it. I just don't understand the logic. If something clearly states to put dual electrode, then do it. The engineers at Toyota are a heck of a lot smarter than you. Its like having the manual say to use a certain weight oil and using something completely different. :/
 
Nunyabiz said:
So plugs ( BKR5EKPB-11 4302 NGK Laser Platinum Spark Plugs ) are about $40 for 6
Wire set (NGK (4412) TE66 Wire Set) $30 tops
Fuel filter is usually around $25 but $40 absolute max.

So about $110 worth of parts at the most and they wanted $800+ to do about 1 hour of work?

I agree with everyone else sounds like a wire mixup.

I also would find a different place to take your truck.

That should have cost you about $185 to have it done at a reputable mechanic counting the parts.
Click to expand...


x10 million. Holy cow they are trying to rip you 5 new buttholes. A good shop would charge less than $200 for all that.

Like everyone said, check all your wires, check all your vacuum lines, and make sure you put the fuel filter on correctly and got the flare nuts seated right.

Once you get the truck running right, go back to the shop and tell them to give you a quote for spark plugs, wires and a fuel filter again. If they give you $900 again, laugh in their face, and tell them you are telling everyone you know to NEVER use their shop. Then tell them you are reporting them to your local tv station, and walk out the door with the $900 estimate for $150 worth of work in your hand.
 
Yeah I wouldnt ever go back to that place for any type of work. My brother in law got a rediculous estimate to replace his brakes in his eclipse and walked out. They did a free inspection on it and came up with he needed new everything. I called bs and fixed the problem for a third of the price. On top of that they took the pads off and put them back on backwards so it was metal on metal. To make a long story short, I dont trust any mechanics I dont know and hang out with. Precision auto care.. STAY AWAY FROM THEM!!

On that note how was the truck running after they looked at it?
 
Baja Runner said:
Dude, are you serious? I've heard of people running the single electrode plugs. But by accident, not on purpose. I wouldn't ever do it. I just don't understand the logic. If something clearly states to put dual electrode, then do it. The engineers at Toyota are a heck of a lot smarter than you. Its like having the manual say to use a certain weight oil and using something completely different. :/
Click to expand...

Dual prong plugs for extra plug life not performance, the single prong platinum plugs had over 30K on them with no issues. There are far superior automotive products developed over the last ten years to replace OEM. Better Metallurgy, testing, research and design. Spark plug design just happens to be one improvement.

I just question BS when people have no proven facts to back up BS, which is why i asked to "define properly". I'm not questioning any toyota engineers, I am an Engineer BTW and Its my choice, to use different plugs. If i wanted to use something different thats my choice.
I'll stick with my Bosch Platinums.
 
Single electrode platinums work just fine

I put single electrode platinum plugs in my 2000 4runner and it runs like a champ. I don't subscribe to the hype of dual or even quad pronged plugs. As long as you use a quality plug with the correct gap you shouldn't have a problem.

Just my experiences and thoughts.:flamethrwoer2:
 
There is a ground on the drivers side of the intake that more often than not, you need to swing outta the way or remove to get the front plug wire all the way out. If you forget to put it back on, nothing will work right.

Also, make sure you plugged the MAF back and tightened up the intake boot hose clamps, and that the intake boot didn't split.
 
Baja Runner said:
Dude, are you serious? I've heard of people running the single electrode plugs. But by accident, not on purpose. I wouldn't ever do it. I just don't understand the logic. If something clearly states to put dual electrode, then do it. The engineers at Toyota are a heck of a lot smarter than you. Its like having the manual say to use a certain weight oil and using something completely different. :/
Click to expand...

We really need to put this myth to rest. Watch this video

Multi-Ground Electrode spark plugs from NGK Spark Plugs

I'm running the Denso TT single ground plugs and on the first tank of gas got 8% improvement in fuel economy. The TT plugs are dual platinum/titanium tipped and are unique in the sense they are needle to needle, allowing the spark to expand faster with less quenching. I bought into the hype, but they are delivering on the hype. At $2 a plug it's a bargain.
 
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Definitely spend some time in the Tutorial and Documentation section of this forum. There is a lot of information on spark plugs. Everyone has mentioned checking the pairing of your wires, and I agree. For reference, here is the order:

If you are standing in front looking at the engine, the cylinders are numbered...
Firewall
5 6
3 4
1 2
Grille
...and paired by the wires as 1-4, 3-6, 5-2. The wires are different lengths and numbered so it would be hard to put them on wrong.

Good luck.
 
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