Car is shaky and rev is dropping when driving

[somick]

Originally Posted by iflylo01

Just bought the spark plugs, but have a few questions before installing them tomorrow:

1. On the box, it says not to gap. The new spark plugs are around .041, but my owner's manual it says .043. Should I gap it to the manual's specifications or leave it as is? If I gap them and they are .001 off, will it affect engine performance?

Do not be aggressive when you measure the gap! As far as I know the electrodes are coated and you may damage the special coating.

Good luck,
Sam

[aleekat]

Make sure you start the plugs by hand. Aluminum easy to start cross threaded.

[iflylo01]

So I changed the spark plugs and the engine is still dropping RPMs when driving (but not at stops) and still jerky when driving. I guess I am going to tackle the throttle body tomorrow and try to clean it with throttle-body cleaner. Any advice for a first timer attacking this?

Any other reasons why my car is acting like this?

Thank you.

[Brian R.]

Test the engine coolant temperature sensor. Clean the EGR valve.

[somick]

Originally Posted by iflylo01

So I changed the spark plugs and the engine is still dropping RPMs when driving (but not at stops) and still jerky when driving. I guess I am going to tackle the throttle body tomorrow and try to clean it with throttle-body cleaner. Any advice for a first timer attacking this?

Any other reasons why my car is acting like this?

Thank you.

This may help:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/10...5-gen-6-a.html

Good luck,
Sam

[iflylo01]

Thank you for the info. Still depressed it wasn't the spark plugs. Dam waste $28 dollars for nothing.

[Stealthee]

I wouldn't call it a waste. Now you know they are new.

[iflylo01]

Originally Posted by Stealthee

I wouldn't call it a waste. Now you know they are new.

I'm too old, I don't look at it on the bright side anymore nor am I an optimist llol

[somick]

Originally Posted by iflylo01

Thank you for the info. Still depressed it wasn't the spark plugs. Dam waste $28 dollars for nothing.

You did not really waste it.

My 2004 Camry's manual calls for iridium plugs with 150000 miles replacement. I am pretty sure that your 2003 is similar.

If you want your vehicle to serve you well you need to maintain it. I am pretty sure that now you will get better MPG and better performance.


Good luck,
Sam

[Mike Gerber]

I just recently replaced the plugs on my 07 2AZ engine at 110,000 miles. There were no problems in my case. I think the manual said to inspect them at 120,000, but I took them out now and replaced them rather than put the old ones back in. At 120,000 I would be in the middle of another long Chicago winter, plus it's cheap insurance IMHO.

Mike