Plug Change - 2006 Vibe -110,000 Miles?

[Mr_Joe]

I'm just doing a few things before the Winter sets in. The Vibe is running fine but I thought it's about time for a plug change. I ordered 4 of the Denso Iridium plugs as per the owner's manual. Am I right on time, or to late with this change? It's the same engine as a Corolla around that time frame.

I've read where some say their plugs were trashed at 50k & others say they look fine at 100k. These are original plugs of course. I also worry about them sticking in position if not taken out after many years.

 

[qr25de]

It is common practice with most dealerships (good ones) to pull the plugs at shorter intervals, inspect them, apply anti-seize and reinstall them. I don't understand why people can't do this service for their car...it is certainly cheaper than a new cylinder head and you learn about how the motor is running (rich, lean) and so on.

You might be "too late" but in the future do the above service and you'll know when they need to be changed. You'll also become familiar with how they wear as they age. The OEM does apply anti-seize/lock to the threads so ensure your motor is cool and use constant pressure when breaking the "seat".

If you can provide pics, you will have redeemed yourself

.

 

[Trav]

I think you'll be fine, these Toyota plugs don't give much trouble if any removing them. I see a lot of OEM plugs go 100K+ and still fire okay, i wouldn't sweat it.

 

[Mark_Walk]

Probably would be a good time to change out the O2 sensor as well.

 

[Quest]

Originally Posted By: Mark_Walk
Probably would be a good time to change out the O2 sensor as well.


With pre-and-post cat O2 sensors constantly being monitored by the computer, I wouldn't bother with proactively replacing O2 sensors in this case (if I were you), knowing full well that it's going to throw the code if either 1 of the 2 starts to go south.

Why waste otherwise functional O2 sensors when it's not throwing a code?

Q.

 

[Trav]

I tend think like you do, at 100K toss the 02's just for the sake of efficiency and ease of removal in the salt belt but realistically they probably have a lot of usable life left in them.
Maybe 150-175K would be a good option on this car.

 

[Vikas]

Looking at the mileage, this car most likely have spent its life doing highway runs. I don't you need to worry about either spark plugs or O2 sensors.

- Vikas

 

[Mark_Walk]

Originally Posted By: Quest
Originally Posted By: Mark_Walk
Probably would be a good time to change out the O2 sensor as well.


With pre-and-post cat O2 sensors constantly being monitored by the computer, I wouldn't bother with proactively replacing O2 sensors in this case (if I were you), knowing full well that it's going to throw the code if either 1 of the 2 starts to go south.

Why waste otherwise functional O2 sensors when it's not throwing a code?

Q.


O2 sensors can get "lazy" over time. My Trailblazer did not throw a code but MPG's were down and tailpipe was more sooty looking than normal....basically running way too rich. Changed out sensor and MPG's immediately went up by 4 mpg. I could tell something was wrong with it, but NO code.

 

[Mark_Walk]

by the way, only need to change pre-cat sensor. It controls fuel trims. post-cat monitors cat efficiency only.

 

[MarkM66]

I change the plugs in my '04 Vibe about about 110k too. They actually looked pretty good, but I had already bought a new set, so in they went until 220k or more.

They came out and installed with ease, no worries.

I always re torque them after a week or so, and they needed it.

 

[KrisZ]

Change them, just be careful during removal.

 

[SteveSRT8]

yeah, usually the high quality plugs used in most vehicles will be ready by 100k miles or so. I have run them much farther, over 220k miles on an original set of AC Delco plats.

In a van used for money it is simple: if it ain't mis firing and throwing a code it's fine.

 

[Mr_Joe]

Thanks, Yes for the cost I'll just change them & be done. It has been running fine though.

 

[wander2039]

Changed them on my parents at 95k and definitely didn't need it based on the tips. Of course doesn't say anything about the internals. Didn't run any different or get better mpg. Of course they traded it shortly after. I bet those spark plugs would of lasted the life of the car.

 

[friendly_jacek]

110,000 miles could be a lot or not, depends how you drive. If hwy only, they will be good. if city only, they will be shot.

I replaced plugs in my corolla (same engine as yours) at 75,000 miles and the stock iridiums had some visible wear on ground strap. Mind you it was at least 50,000 miles of city driving at average speed of 20 MPH and that alone equals to 150,000 miles of hwy driving in engine hours.

Plugs were easy to replace, but I put some antisieze on new ones just in case.

 

[simple_gifts]

My OEM O2 sensors lasted 250K miles FWIW;

 

[mechtech2]

Is it too late? Too late for what?

 

[NateDN10]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Is it too late? Too late for what?

I think he's wondering if the plugs will be stuck in the head.

 

[ARB1977]

My front O2 sensor took a dive at 110K. Got a check engine light for the heating element... gas mileage didn't suffer. This was in the Tacoma.

 

[vssjim]

Originally Posted By: Mark_Walk
Probably would be a good time to change out the O2 sensor as well.


no 02 sensor in new cars Air Fuel Ratio sensors no reason to change unless it is malfunctioning ie: Mil light on.