I searched the forum, but I couldn't find a list of things I should replace on my girlfriends 2004 corolla auto. I want to do a tune up but am not sure what I should replace. I am quite experienced working on cars, i just dont know anything about this one other than that the oil has been changed and thats it. I'm going to do plugs, and air filter. I just want to know what else
Plugs and air filter are about it. But it shouldn't need plugs until 100,000 miles. I'd replace the transmission fluid while you're in there, but it probably works fine (depending on past history and use). There's not a whole lot to "maintain" anymore, with most any modern car. There are no distributors to adjust, no timing to set, no valves to adjust. It's "drive it and go".
I'd change all the filters (don't forget about the cabin filter), change the transmission fluid, and check all the brakes. Check the CV boots for any tearing, check the dampers for leaks. I wouldn't personally do the plugs yet. You might pull one and look at the condition. I'm sure it'll look good still.
Maybe not change the plugs, but it might be a good idea to break them loose and re-torque. I have read some horror stories about plugs sitting in an aluminum head for 100,000 miles and refusing to come out afterwards.
At 70000 miles, the belt will need to be replaced if it is original. I pull my plugs every 30000 or so and put a small dab of anti seize on the threads, then re torque. Tranny fluid change would be good too if not done yet. I always check brakes and rotate tires every 5000 or so. Cabin air filter is pretty much by use, i have found about once a year works for me. Pvc valve change and air filter change not a bad idea either. Otherwise, not alot to do on these. Good luck! I have an 05 and an 06 and love them both.
I dont like the idea of leaving plugs in for 100K either, especially since they dont put any type of anti-seize compound on the threads at the factory. The plugs might be ok for 100 K but they are usually worn down pretty good by about 70K anyway and the more the plugs are worn the harder the ignition coil has to work.
The plugs probably have a nickle coating on the threads, negating the need for anti-seize. Most quality plugs do these days. I had a '97 Cadillac with 145,000 miles on the original plugs. The ACDelco dual-plat plugs have a nickle coating that makes removing them pretty easy. I replaced all 8 spark plugs with no real change in engine performance. The original ones were worn, but far from non-serviceable.
100k miles on the stock iridium plugs SHOULD be pretty easy for these engines. Be very careful about removing the plugs just to apply anti-seize and re-install. It's easy to get anti-seize on the electrodes which will foul the plug.
I'd keep it simple and maintan it exactly as prescribed by Toyota. We trust the Toyota engineers with our lives by driving these cars in the first place; we should be able to trust them on prescribing a good spark plug change interval.
Don't think there is a chain driving the air conditioning, water pump, alternator, etc., George. Belt should be changed or checked regularly. I do trust the engineers, but they are the same bunch that engineered the frames on the tacomas and tundras, so they can be wrong too. If someone can't put anti-seize on a spark plug thread without greasing the electrode, they shouldn't be doing any maintenance themselves. I always assume people asking about maintainance have the ability to do the job, maybe a bit too much faith on my part? I also agree that if you bring your car in every 3500-5000 miles to the dealer, you will have a very good maintainance program, just not much money left.
If someone can't put anti-seize on a spark plug thread without greasing the electrode, they shouldn't be doing any maintenance themselves. I always assume people asking about maintainance have the ability to do the job, maybe a bit too much faith on my part?
This is exactly why some automakers recommend against pulling the plugs simply to apply anti-seize and re-torque. It's not necessary and can introduce other variables that may just make it worse.
If you like to do it yourself, by all means, proceed. But it's not recommended as a general maintenance item because it's not necessary and can lead to problems.
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