I haven't had the sparkplugs changed very recently, so I'm in the market for a "tuneup."

When I priced a "tuneup" at Sears, I was quoted $300 for new sparkplugs and ignition wires. This seems excessive, at least to me.

So here's my questions:

1 - What would be the definition of a "tuneup," i.e. what parts and services should be included?

2 - I have the dreaded tachometer doesn't work issue. I found a post on this forum which suggests changing the ignition coil (the resistor isn't sold separately). Is a new ignition coil part of a "tuneup?"

What I find when looking at advertisements for "suggested maintenance" is a lot of nothing for a lot of dollars, so any help here is welcome.

Thanks,

Rob

 

A few answers:

• The ignition coil is not usually included in a tune up, or at least I've never heard of it being done; often they last the life of the vehicle.
• I don't know about your 1996, but the manual for my 2001 says the plugs need changing every 105,000 miles; if that same recommendation holds true for the 1996 models, and if you still have the factory plugs and wires, then they're probably due, if not, you're most likely good to go for some time yet.
• The three-hundred dollar quote for plugs and wires shounds very high; does that include a new distributor cap and rotor, new filters, an oil change, a refresh of the transmission fluid (if you have an automatic transmission)?
• Has the timing belt on your engine been changed? If not you're way past due. If yes, has it been seven years since it was change? If yes, then it is due again.

 

1 - In the past, the tach starting working again. I would guess the price of a new coil and labor wouldn't be worth the money - am I correct here?

2 - I believe the plugs were changed at least twice over the last 18 years.

However, during a plug change, the tech found oil leaking into the sparkplug area, and changed the valve cover gasket as I recall. Should I have the sparkplugs checked, just to make sure no leaks?

3 - I believe $300 includes sparkplugs, wires, cap and rotor. Still sounds expensive, at least for my pocketbook.

4 - The timing belt was changed in 2005 at 80,000 miles. Since then, I've only driven 25,000 miles. The last time this cost $450, although it did include a new water pump.

Thanks,

Rob

 

For 1996 4-cyl I think the tachometer signal comes from the "ignitor" or ignition control module inside the distributor. Not usually part of a "tune-up" but it costs less than the coil anyway.

Factory plug wires seem to last forever, so consider getting them rather than something cheaper.

Even though your 1996 has fixed spark-timing from a crankshaft sensor, maybe that price "includes(?)" setting the spark timing.

And like Shipo says, find out if it includes some ATF or other things too.

And make sure you know how long it's been since the timing belt was changed. People don't include that in a "tune-up" but it's very important.

---
edit...
guess we were both typing at the same time

 

Jim:

I'm going for an oil change, so I'll try to get an exact estimate of what a tuneup costs and includes.

As for the timing belt issue, what should I do given my low yearly mileage, which I don't expect to change much?

Thanks,

Rob

 

The timing belt should be changed every 105,000 miles or 7 years, which ever comes first.

 

Attached are the recommended maintenance schedules for your 1996 Accord. There is a normal condition schedule and a severe condition schedule.

Places like Sears' tune-up are not exactly the same as Honda's recommended maintenance items. In addition, Honda automatic transmissions work better with Honda ATF.

 

I'll try to remember that... timing belt is called for more often back in 1996.

So you're overdue for a timing belt on years, not on miles. Some people let it go longer and get away with it, but how lucky do you feel??

 

Okay, so 1996 has a different maintenance schedule; not terribly surprising.

Regarding Spark Plugs and the Timing Belt, here's what I saw in those two pictures:

• The plugs are good for 30,000 miles or 24 months
• The Timing Belt is good for 96,000 miles with no time dependency (although I wouldn't go beyond seven years)

 

That's 96k kilometers for severe service.

"Normal" service is 90k miles or 72 months for timing belt on the first schedule.