Engine Service

[Sweetee]

I've seen several threads dealing with spark plug changes, etc. I know my Hemi has 16, but don't feel comfortable attempting this work when the time comes. I just received a coupon from my dealer offering this:

Engine Maintenance
Tune-Up
8-Cylinder Engine
$99.95
Spark plugs. Emissions component inspection. Idle speed and timing adjustment (if applicable). Air filter check. Some vehicles may be higher. Not applicable to diesel vehicles. Customer is responsible for local tax and Shop Supplies fee. Chrysler Group LLC vehicles only. ©2014 Chrysler Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, HEMI and Mopar are registered trademarks of Chrysler Group LLC. Offer Expires 4/30/2014

This seems like a good deal. Any thoughts? Thanks to any and all for their opinions!

 

[Wolfhound]

It seems like a good deal to me but keep in mind that they are going to charge double because of the 16 spark plugs.

 

[NYCruiser]

If they will do it for double that it is still a good deal.

 

[Sweetee]

That's kind of what I thought! However, the coupon doesn't specify 8 spark plugs!

 

[noclass]

It also says some vehicles may be higher

 

[Gecko]

I think you will qualify as a vehicle that will be higher. It's a straight forward job changing your spark plugs and on any other vehicle would take 5 min. But, because of the placement of some things in the engine such as the brake booster, it can be difficult to reach all 16 spark plugs in a hemi. I was a bit intimidated the first time I did mine because of all the reading I had done saying it was a *****. But, I didn't want to spend the $250 the dealership would charge to have it done when I knew I had a couple hours of time and could buy the spark plugs myself. After doing it, I now know I'll be doing it every time. It's not hard just annoying, because of placement.

 

[NYCruiser]

The good thing on the `14's is it only needs done at 100k miles. I think I'll wait until around 80K and just pay to have it done. If I had to do it every 30K, I would do it myself.

 

[Sweetee]

Reality

I stopped by the dealership today and mentioned the coupon I received. They said that it was a Chrysler/Ram promotion and that it wasn't the best example of "truth in advertising." The going rate at our dealership for a Hemi tune-up is $325. After hearing what was involved, I certainly can't dispute the cost. My service guy said it is recommended at 30K, but some go as far as 50-60K. I've only got 13K after 21 months, so it'll be another 2 years before I'm due. By then, I may summon the courage to do it myself. Regardless, maintenance is part of ownership, and as I hope to drive my "baby" for years to come, I'll go as scheduled rather than later. On a side note, I asked about the 3.6 in our T&C and he said 60K was required. I would assume that it is about the same for the 3.6 in the Rams too.

 

[chris*1989]

That's a good deal! My F-150 cost me $1100 for the same thing before I traded it in on a Ram.