I was told that I need to replace my spark plugs. Does anyone know if only certain plugs can be used as a replacement? Would I have to replace them with high-end plugs?

 

That all depends on your definition of high end~
Our cars need good plugs that cost just under 7 bucks each- and last about 70 of the 100k miles they say
NGK Iridium IX the preferred by many here OR NGK Platinum

You can use Denso but they last about 30k and you have to replace them again- some savings! Leaning over the engine to do the rear plugs once was enough for me in this lifetime!

 

Thanks for your reply. They told me around $15 each. I kinda thought that was a lot for the plugs and didn't know if I would be okay spending less on a different plug. I have 190k miles on the car and wasn't to sure about throwing a lot of money into it and find out the car goes out on me in a month.

 

these cars are run forevers as long as you do a little maitenance
Dealer is a ripoff
go to kragen or similar for plugs- use the phone book

200K miles and the engines are like new inside- read here about seafoam and other things- look in the FAQ sections- we all love our TLs

 

It just seems when one thing goes, several go with it. I just replaced the a headlight bulb for the second time. My car was shaking and they replaced a coil. That stopped the extreme shaking, but it still shakes a litte. That is when they mentioned changing the plugs because their computer was telling them that it was misfiring. They gave me a list of maintence stuff that needed to be done that will cost around $900. I don't mind spending the money, but don't want to dump money into certain parts when something a little less does the job just as well. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

What would be the best spark plugs to get for a 2003 TL-S

 

NGK Iridiums are heavily favored for replacement spark plugs They are better than the OE Laser platinum plugs which for some odd reason cost more. By the way, Kragen Auto now has the NGK Iridiums for $5.49 each

 

same as above for the 03- type S has a different heat range so just tell parts guy what you drive- its simple
NGK Iridium IX or Platinum, under 7 bucks each at parts store everywhere

spence- I am guessing they want to do the 100,000 service again- water pump timing belt plugs etc right? you can do a lot of it yourself- like oil change- air filter stuff
A private shop will cost way less and probably do a better job

Since you are new here- have a look down the first page of gen2 thread list- read Seafoamed the Ol TL- thats the super inside the engine cleaner that fixes many things 6$ can
A bad coil is common prob- no sweat
A bad headlight bulb- should be replaced in pairs- many 00 01 02 cars are needing bulbs now- dont buy from dealer- twice the price of ebay Phillips 4300K bulbs- buy NEW only 65-80 per pair
If it burned out twice you have a bad ground- ballast or something

Welcome to the forum- once your baby is right- it will be the best car ever!

 

Thanks for the advice. A lot of great stuff in the forum. It is the 100k service stuff. Since my mirror broke a month ago, I am going to take the info I learned here and try to get it replaced by the manufacturer.

 

is there a specific part number if I want to buy these? or they are the same for all cars? and I just need to say I need the "NGK Iridiums"?

 

Tell the parts counter person what year and model of car you drive.
Tell them you want NGK Iridiums
They look up the correct plug
Canuks may use a different heat range plug the USA cars

 

NGK Iridiums FTW. Did mine not too long ago.

 

they should run about 7 bucks each= 45 for the set of 6 and buy the dollar pack of
anti sieze- you put it in a line up the threads-- and the plugs go in smoooooooth

Use a 9 inch extension to reach the rear plugs, make one from a 3 and 6 if you need too.
A rubber or magnetic tipped spark plug socket is the best kind, make your life easier

 

I was looking for some NGK Iridiums IX, but all i find is that you have to order online and pay for shipping and wait an all that. What auto parts store sells them, i dont think autozone does, i checked alrdy. Also I'm going to be doing a seafoam treatment, so should i switch out my sparkplugs after the first seafoam run, or change it out after the second seafoam run 2000 miles later??

 

Kragen Auto. They should have them in stock.

 

Long reach spark plug socket is very helpful here. No extensions needed. Also will help to auto align the plug because it fills the cavity, so you don't cross thread it.

 

Just did my spark plugs yesterday - I had a regular spark plug socket, then a 4" extension, and had to add another little screwdriver-bit extension to that, and turn it with a 1/4" drive socket, in order to get everything to reach. Thankfully the 4" extension didn't pop off of the socket, that would have been a real hassle.