You Must Use Audi NGK Spark Plugs

[arawak420]

i changed the plugs in my car the other day with some bosch double platinum spark plugs, and my car ran like shit. It's a 96 passat VR6 Station Wagon. It was missing/idleing out time and real ruff. i didn't think anything about it and thought the plugs needed to get aclamated to the car in order to work like they are suppose to.

well today my check engine light came on and i went by the dealer to ask them why it came on after i just put fresh plugs in it. the mechanic asked,"did you use NGK Audi plugs." i told him i use the Bosch double pltainums from Pep Boys, and he says," thats your problem, you cant use no other plug other than NGK in order for it to run norml." i cleaned the old plugs off and cleaned them with a piece of sand paper. they wanted $13.00 a piece for 6 plugs. "holy shit $78.00 for the right plugs." plugs are gonna have to wait. he said the check engine light would go off in a day or 2.

so just so you guys know in the future to use manufacture plugs and not local automotive store kind.

[mchoss1970]

I'm not sure I believe the dealer on this one. I have used Bosch Platinum 4 plugs for years now in my '95 VR6. I wouldn't run any other plug. I'm not familiar with the Double Platinum, but do they need to be gapped. If so that could have been your problem. Off hand, I think the gap should be set at .031 but thats a best guess so find out for sure.Mike.

[00Psst]

Does sound like a gapping issue. The Bosch plugs shouldn't be a problem in the Passat at all. I've had them in mine now for almost 20k miles and no problems at all. I think the stealership is trying to sell you some plugs here.

[arawak420]

yeah maybe. i didnt check the gap cause the guy at Pep Boys said they were already gapped.

[Forge6644]

Funny, you should say somethign about the Bosche Doulbe platinums, I actually just found this forum becaus ei was looking for answers about the exact same thing. I recently got a 1997 Passat GLX, and having just got it i wanted to put some new stuff in the car, I got Bosche Double Platinum plugs and ever since Ive have stuttering, sputtering, and hesitation. It smells like im sending unburned gas through the exhaust telling me that Im not firing very well.

I didnt have the problem until I got the bosche doubles.

Anybody think the dealer could be right, or if Im just one of the few having the problem?

[mcrensha]

I heard the same thing, but I went to the local Auto parts store and bought some NGK iridium plugs for 5 something. They are the same plugs that came out of the car only they don't have the logo on them. Car runs fine. Don't pay the dealer cost.