Bellevue_E55

When I look at the flexible service schedule info on the instrument cluster it shows that I need spark plugs and fuel filter

I only have 42k and car has been ion service 3.5 years.

When I look at service recommendations fuel filter shows 5 years 60,000 and spark plugs 100,000

CharlyE500

Last time I asked, they say the fuel filter can not be replace, it has to replace together with the fuel tank..... so never thought of changing it...

Jon2007E63P30

To your credit, you actually read the maint schedule booklet.

So, you question is a dammed good one. And I wish I could answer it, but I think if you follow the written manual you should be in good shape.

nick 55

Those maintenance items are time sensitive as well as mileage. Your car may be only 3.5 years old, but it is possible it sat in a lot somewhere for 7+ months before you purchased it. The maintenance counter starts down when the vehicle is produced, so it could technically be 4 years old, and the calculation will call for items early, instead of later. Hope that helps.

Nick

regor60

spark plugs is just wrong

Bellevue_E55

Car has never sat other than if it was produced in 2005 as it was sold in march 2006.

So thats why I am confused. It would be interesting to know if the computer is smart enough that it monitors the spark plug resistance and engine performance to determine if you need new plugs or is it all just time based and based on how hard you drive the car.

AZIPOD

I changed my plugs at 49k and the car drives a lot smoother. I also got better fuel economy, though that was only marginal.

I don't think the fuel filter was replaceable without removing the whole system. I got a quote a while ago, I think it's in the neighborhood of $500+ ? Maybe more.

CynCarvin32

all this lasts 100k miles for plugs, trans fluid etc is all bs. You can do that if you want to cut corners but simple logic says routine maintenance will keep the car running better. I cant remember the last time I waited for the car asked for any servicing. I dont think waiting 10+k miles between oil changes is a wise move on a motor costing 50k. Same goes for plugs and fuel filters. You should change the fuel filter around 50k miles.

AZIPOD

+1. My car drove A LOT better after replacing the plugs at 49k miles.

100k miles is A LOT of heat and spark cycles. 100k tune ups are all for marketing.

snacl500

I found a great DIY in the forum that replaced the valve cover gaskets. I guess if you are replacing the spark plugs, would it be wise to replace the valve cover gaskets? I does not seem to be much more work. A master mechanic mentioned that valve cover gaskets should be replaced every 50k as they tend to leak.

I recently did the recall on the car and the SA mentioned that the fuel filter was replaced in the recall. Any comments on that?

AZIPOD

+1

Bellevue_E55

Just took it in and the service advisor said plugs are not needed. He commented that my care also just had a brake fluid flush done before I bought it.

He said they did away with the flexible service as it was always recommending things at the wrong interval.

AZIPOD

I'm sure this very same SA will recommend 15k interval oil changes too....