Spark plug dilemma

JEANNIB2

MEMBER
2006 DODGE STRATUS
4 CYL

Have dodge stratus '06 SXT 4cyl. Had probs with engine powering down when using auto windows and AC. Dlrshp said previous fixer had installed plat plugs when doing tuni-up. Dlrshp said plat plugs not acceptable for my car. Dlrshp gave me old plugs. Went to prior fixer and told them of the finding and they informed me they'd certainly give me a refund but I HAD TO PROVE plat was not acceptable for my car. Went to Autozone & got printout of plugs. First line says "orig equip plug is copper" but does list many other type of plugs - some plat! How do I prove the dlrshp's case?

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 AT 11:05 PM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

Not sure how to "prove" it, but it is fairly common for the better platinum or split-fire plugs to not work well in some engines due to the location and angle of the plug within the combustion chamber. That will not cause the engine to stall which is what I think you mean by "powering down". Those better plugs will typically cause misfires that you often can't even feel but will be detected by the Engine Computer.

The first mechanic tried to sell you higher-quality parts than what came as original equipment. You're lucky the problem was just the wrong spark plugs. If you are angry that they tried to provide better service, the best thing you can do is never go back there.

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Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 AT 11:49 PM