Dealer Experience - Spark Plug Replacement
10-11-2004, 03:44 AM
#1
Dealer Experience - Spark Plug Replacement
Just wanted to share my dealer experience with everyone. Purchased my vehicle (02 Max SE) used with 26K miles (current 41k). I performed the 30K maintenance by myself a couple of months ago and wanted to change the spark plugs to complete the process. I know that the plugs are supposed to last at least until 100k (according to Nissan), but being old school and not comfortable having plugs in my vehicle for more than 30-40K, I decided to get them changed and took the car to the dealer for the work since I already knew from this forum that the rear plugs were a real pain to get to. They quoted me $129.95 and I said ok. An hour later they informed me that that the price would be $279 because they found out that they would have to take the manifold off to get to the rear plugs. I said to myself, duh, I know this, why do you think I brought it here in the first place. But the deal killer beside the cost was when they informed me that this would be the first time they ever changed the plugs on a 02 Maxima. I immediately said forget it and took my baby home. I laughed all the way home, but at the end I appreciated their honesty. Now I have to find a reputable shop that can get this done for me.
Pedro
Pedro
10-11-2004, 04:00 AM
#2
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 77
Doesn't the 2K2 still have the 3.0L engine? I thought the 3.5 (where you gotta lift the intake) didn't come in until 2K3. Either way you made the right decision. Gotta give them credit for being honest. Assuming you have the 3.0, reconsider giving it a try yourself. With a swivel socket the rear plugs are not tough and you will save a ton of $$.
10-11-2004, 05:41 AM
#4
2y2 and 2y3
Originally Posted by dvanorder
Doesn't the 2K2 still have the 3.0L engine? I thought the 3.5 (where you gotta lift the intake) didn't come in until 2K3. Either way you made the right decision. Gotta give them credit for being honest. Assuming you have the 3.0, reconsider giving it a try yourself. With a swivel socket the rear plugs are not tough and you will save a ton of $$.
Mmm I think 2y2 and 2y3 are called 5.5 gen and that means 3.5l vq35...
10-11-2004, 07:46 AM
#7
Maxima Pilot
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Posts: 1,467
Originally Posted by pruizgarcia
..........when they informed me that this would be the first time they ever changed the plugs on a 02 Maxima.......now I have to find a reputable shop that can get this done for me.
Since the advent of CDI and newer CDI + coil-on-plug ignition systems that essentially deliver a much higher-voltage spark with much less current and the newer, harder-tipped plugs, changing your plugs at 30k miles is waste of money as indeed, plugs will easily run into the 80k-100k mile range.
It's your cash...if you want to waste it, it's your decision.
10-11-2004, 08:10 AM
#8
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Mount Prospect, IL
Posts: 286
I jsut did my 2k maxima ones for the First time a week or 2 ago. car just hit 100k so it was time in my mind.
when I got them out, they ahd minor carbon build up but were in Great shape!
Personally, I would have made them do it for the origonal quoted price.
Greg
when I got them out, they ahd minor carbon build up but were in Great shape!
Personally, I would have made them do it for the origonal quoted price.
Greg
10-11-2004, 08:22 AM
#9
Originally Posted by Galo
Why?? Does'nt that seem to validate the fact that indeed, spark plugs do last a helluva longer than 30k miles?
Since the advent of CDI and newer CDI + coil-on-plug ignition systems that essentially deliver a much higher-voltage spark with much less current and the newer, harder-tipped plugs, changing your plugs at 30k miles is waste of money as indeed, plugs will easily run into the 80k-100k mile range.
It's your cash...if you want to waste it, it's your decision.
Since the advent of CDI and newer CDI + coil-on-plug ignition systems that essentially deliver a much higher-voltage spark with much less current and the newer, harder-tipped plugs, changing your plugs at 30k miles is waste of money as indeed, plugs will easily run into the 80k-100k mile range.
It's your cash...if you want to waste it, it's your decision.
The plugs aren't any good past 60K. You'll see if you keep them in longer than that...
10-11-2004, 08:28 AM
#10
Maxima Pilot
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Posts: 1,467
Originally Posted by Quicksilver
The plugs aren't any good past 60K. You'll see if you keep them in longer than that...
10-12-2004, 01:51 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 238
2k2 Spark plug debacle
I had mine changed recently and was questioned why; due to the fact that they last 100K. Car ran fine but I put 70K up to this point so I did 75K tuneup myself minus plugs. I asked what the cost for change would be they said $275 due to removing plenum. Got home recieved a flyer for $69 tuneup. Called up scheduled job next week. Arrived for $69 job 10min later tech walked in and said this job would cost an additional $130. Well I complained and he pointed that the coupon had a disclaimer. Well I said go ahead anyway. This is were my nitemare started. Car ran aweful and had to take the car back 3 times in the same day. The car was more sluggish than when I brought it in. The tech said it was a bad coil and that This car was known for this issue. Thanks for this forum because its a 2000 issue not a 2002 one. I came back a week later and the tech wanted me to leave it with him. I fought and said no please have the tech bump up the low idle speed and bump up my timing. The tech saw that my software version was at 12 and upgraded to 14. I believe that was the hesitation fix. Well now the car rides better than new and the tech wanted to push on me a $600 job for new coils I didn't need. A simple consult ll upgrade and the car pulls from low to high like a champ. If I didn't read this forum I would have gotten screwed by the dealership for something I did'nt need. Remember after sparks are changed a software upgrade may be needed. Be aware!!!
10-13-2004, 03:56 PM
#16
That is hilarious...
1. They probably havent seen a car that has reached that 100K mark hence they've never changed one.
2. If they havent done it... dont let your car be the guinea pig... I would've drove off just as fast as you.
3. They have no freaking clue what they're doing half of the time so wait until atleast 40k and try again. Your plugs should be fine.
On the 4th Gen 3.0VQ NGK Plats which are OEM last upto 60k
I wouldnt go over that mark in the 3.5.
And if your going to find a shop, make sure they're very reputable and trusthworthy... thats not an easy job any high school drop out can do. They should atleast have SOME knowledge on Nissans..
How about trying a different Nissan dealer?
BTW, I love that Burgundy/purplish color on your car
10-20-2004, 04:14 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
What do you think guys of the Denso Iridium spark plugs for $12.99 each at Autozone and $16 plus shipping at customenterprice? Some people say are the best and last over 100, 000 miles. By the way I was told to not to use Bosch spark plugs as per they are mostly for European/German cars and don't work properly on Japanese cars. Unfortunally I have those Bosh platinium 4 for about 40,000 and don't know if should wait for the 60,000 or replace to hopefully get more than 22 mpg.
10-20-2004, 06:03 PM
#19
I used them on my prior 99 Max SE and really liked them. Throttle response seemed better, but this was all a perception. It didn't make a difference on my gas mileage. On another note, I changed the plugs myself. Not that hard if you have the right tools. Just took my time and got with it.
Pedro
Pedro
10-20-2004, 09:14 PM
#20
Originally Posted by pruizgarcia
I used them on my prior 99 Max SE and really liked them. Throttle response seemed better, but this was all a perception. It didn't make a difference on my gas mileage. On another note, I changed the plugs myself. Not that hard if you have the right tools. Just took my time and got with it.
Pedro
Pedro
You on the otherhand, have to remove the plenum
10-21-2004, 11:09 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: California
Posts: 1,445
Hi Guys,
have you had abit of trouble removing the spark plaugs after almost 5 years (on the 2K) and 50,000+ miles ?
Just wondering whether the plugs may eize up a bit. An if they do, what do you do. Yoour comments and advice appreciated.
have you had abit of trouble removing the spark plaugs after almost 5 years (on the 2K) and 50,000+ miles ?
Just wondering whether the plugs may eize up a bit. An if they do, what do you do. Yoour comments and advice appreciated.
10-22-2004, 04:27 AM
#23
Had no problems getting them off. Just make sure you have the right tools and you should be fine. A little muscle is all that is needed. If they are original plugs from the factory, they should have been torque to spec. In my case, one rear bank plug was so loose, it came right off.
Pedro
Pedro
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