Family members car got misfire check engine light is on




I'm currently exploring quotes for replacement parts and would appreciate your guidance. Specifically, I'm concerned about the potential consequences of not using OEM parts.

I’ve found non-OEM parts available at AutoZone. However, I’m wondering if opting for aftermarket parts could lead to issues down the line.

Below are the quotes I received:

• AutoZone (Non-OEM parts)
• OEM parts (including labor)

Would appreciate any insights or experiences you can share!



Parts and labor

 

Just don't get aftermarket coils, rest is fine. OEM Denso / Diamond coils are better than Denso aftermarket ones. That's a fair quote for the labour on rear plugs / coils too, a lot of shops charge big bucks to get to the rears as the intake and cowl have to come off for easier access on a 2GR-FE. On a 3MZ I got away with it, but I don't think it's feasible on our 3.5s

 

I would just replace the coil on #4, clear the codes and see if all is well, unless of course plugs have more then 120k miles on them. On the 2GR-FE for me at least, one misfiring cylinder can also affect the others due to the shared sensors per bank, and shared intake manifold. Lucky #4 is the front middle one, easy to change.

 

#1 -As mentioned price for labor seems fair ONLY if the mechainc is a known high quality mechanic (Firestone, Midas, or otherwise run away) needs to be someone familiar with Toyota
#2 - clear the codes see what happens. Often times codes can be an anomoloy not returning so this expense might be unnecessary
#3 - NEVER use generic aftermarket coils as you've posted here only Denso.

All parts can easily be sourced on Rock Auto. If you opt to go through with this I would recommend sourcing them from Rock auto rather than paying above retail through your mechanic, who is paying wholesale charging you above retail for the exact same parts. While back there replace the EGR valve (there shouldn't be any more labor involved to install it IF they are doing the rear plugs it takes less tahna minute to do), the EGR valve costs <$10 should be done at least every 100K miles

Good luck

 

@MattRX Thank you. That’s actually what we’re debating right now. This isn’t my car; it’s a family member’s who is a senior. Sometimes, they can be quite stubborn, but I’m working with them to find the best possible solution.

@Mesquite77 Thanks for the solid advice about changing the center coil and spark plugs. I really appreciate it. I’ll discuss all these options with the family.

@Leeper I can’t thank you enough for being straightforward and providing such solid points. It’s almost like you’ve already read our minds! 😂 As I’m typing this, I’m on a call with my uncle, and believe it or not, the car is currently at Midas!

Regarding the EGR valve (Part Number: 9091012204) $85 you mentioned: I agree with your suggestion. Replacing the EGR valve while they’re already working on the rear plugs makes sense, especially since it costs less than $100 and should be replaced at least every 100,000 miles. I’ll make sure to have it done as part of the overall service.

I noticed you mentioned ordering parts from RockAuto. The other shop that provided the quote also included a link to where they plan to buy the parts: https://parts.belllexusnorthscottsdale.com/
Here are the details they provided:

Spark Plugs (90919-01247): $14.01 each ×6 = $84.06
Ignition Coils (90919-A2013): $94.33 each ×6 = $565.98
Surge Tank Gaskets (17176P021): $9.70 each ×3 = $29.10
Total OEM Cost (including shipping): $679.14

Meanwhile, I checked on RockAuto, and with their discount code "309062300275400450" (valid until 8/22), my total is about $460.20 shipped. That’s just under $50 more than the aftermarket parts from AutoZone.

 

I did all that and replaced the spark plug boots and I still get that check engine light warning on the same cylinders. The 2008 RX is apparently known for this issue. Good Luck! Hope yours doesn’t come back.

 

Here's the most important/critical part of this whole thing... what gaurantee do they give you that this will solve the problem? You're betting/hoping that investing this money cures your issue... what if it does not? We've seen this play out often where customer take garabges word for their diagnosis, agrees to pay, gets the work done, and it resolves nothing. Get it in wiriting that yuo're willing to have this work done IF and only IF it resolves the issue... you ought not be the guinea-pig for them to guess what the problem is and you shoulder all the costs and risks.. if they are wrong they should not be rewarded. Get a gaurantee in writing.