Spark Plug Inspection Cost

[chrishennig]

Howdy forum. I've been a happy vibe owner now for a couple years now.

Bought the car with around 60k, just passed 100k and decided to have some maintenance done, not knowing if it had ever been done.

Opted for new serp belt, trans flush, and cooling system service. Went to a shop I'd gone to before without problems. Guy at counter asked if I wanted the Fuel Injection maintenance as well? I ask how much that'll be and he says less than either the trans or cooling service. I say sure.

Then, I don't remember what I asked about the spark plugs, but I suppose I asked if they should be or could be checked...he agreed that it could be done. Didn't mention price. I didn't ask for a price.

The bill says "check spark plugs - give good visual inspection" and it ends up costing $68 for the labor?

My problem is I know nothing about cars. I was proud that I fixed some blower motor circuit thing by using this forum, ordering a part, and followed directions when my fan stopped blowing.

But when it comes to under the engine...I have no clue what's going on.

So my question is...should I have even asked to have the spark plugs inspected? Should the mechanic have said "they don't need inspected unless you're experiencing a problem" (I wasn't having a problems, just wanted to do maintenance)?? or is that a reasonable service for $68???

Thanks for help.

LLTV

[Raven]

You should have just replaced the spark plugs or done nothing. $68.00 to inspect the plugs is insane. You only need to take out one and check it, takes 2 minutes. Replacing all four should be that price including the plugs.
If you fixed your blower, you could easily change your own spark plugs.

[cptnsolo77]

- New serp belt and cooling system service. Good Idea.

- Next time just do a drain & refill on the trans not a flush. Not necessary and your getting up there in mileage where a flush can hurt the trans. Its cheaper & you can probably do it yourself

- Fuel injection service not necessary. Im at 180K, however i did use off the shelf fuel injector cleaners like seafoam. That reminds me, its that time of the year !

- At 100K is around where I changed out my plugs. I beleive the manual says change at 120K. Yeah, the price for just checking them is crazy. At that milegae the mechanic SHOULD have had the sense and honesty to change them out WHILE they were out...at 100K why would you put the old ones back in ??? No, that wasnt a resonable price at all. Next time you will know. I have been taken for a ride before