i am getting ready to do a tuneup myself while im on vacation and i was wondering what do i all need to do a good tune-up...plus where would be a good place to get all the parts needed to do it with.

thanks
shawn

 

well the only tune up items youll need are spark plugs, unless your doing an oil change and maybe an air filter........for spark plugs go with the NGK iridium BUT get the ones for a Toyota Prius....theyre pretty much the same plug but just with a different gap.

 

ok ty i dont need any spark plug wires or anything like that....

 

Nope. The coils are on top of each plug- no wires to change unless a coil went bad. Only maintenance items are spark plug, fluid, and filter changes. Aside from tire rotations, everything else in the maintenance schedule is inspections for wear and to make sure your car isn't falling apart.

 

replace the PCV valve

 

Easy how to for the PCV... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAbGydNgaYk

If you are changing the air filter grab a can of MAF sensor cleaner and squirt down the MAF at the same time. One more quick thing to check would be your wiper blades and washer fluid it is going to start raining soon enough might as well make sure your ready.

 

ive got 78k miles on my box, when should any of these be replaced....spark plugs? pcv valve? fuel filter?

 

Plugs are due for sure! You can pull the PCV and give it a shake if it rattles it is fine but a new one is only around $8, fuel filter is in the gas tank and unless you have a reason to suspect a problem it's not due. A tranny oil change and filter if you are automatic would be a good idea as well. If you are under the car checkout the front sway bar endlinks for fun scroll to the bottom of this.. http://www.365motorwerks.com/news.aspx

 

yup yup. then looks like the plugs r gonna get swapped out. havent changed any of the fluids (except oil) so i should probably do those too. Im in a stick..soo. we'll see. as far as crawling under....i sit too low, an d cant get the darn jack under....oh well

 

Throw a couple 2x4's front tire then just drive up. Plenty of room to get a jack under then! Here is my ramps for getting the xB up the trailer ramps..


Use jack stands or grab a set of molded ramps if you are going to be under the car.