I've been having very bad fuel efficiency and have asked a few places regarding the causes of it. I finally decided to change my spark plugs since many places recommended me and I don't know when the last time the spark plugs were changed since I bought this s2k used. Anyways, I'm not a mechanic person at all and I went to this autoshop recommended by my friend. I've done my oil change here before and I thought the place was fine (I'm just sick of autoshops that take call really high prices to those who don't know much about cars). Anyways today I changed my spark plugs and they charged me $100 total. They said the spark plug costs $24 each and these OEM spark plugs are pretty good. Anyone think the price they charged is too high?

Also, after installation, the guy at the counter recommended me to reset my ECU since I've been getting low fuel efficiency. I told him to do it for me but later it was interrupted by the mechanic person who said it is not necessary. I get into my car and while driving back to my home I noticed my radio doesn't work anymore displaying a msg "Code". I don't know the code and I'm not sure what I can do to solve the problem.

Helps would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

The spark plugs work you got done is rather pricey. You can pick up the oem spark plugs for around $12-14usd each and you can install them yourself in less than 10 mins using just a socket wrench. Resetting the ECU is a matter of removing a fuse or disconnecting the negative terminal on your battery. You can use the search feature for more details on spark plug installs and resetting the ecu and how it all works. Every time you reset the ecu you must re enter the code for your anti theft radio. There is an ID card with the code number that comes with the car when you first purchase it.

Spark plug change:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=110520

Resetting ECU:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=183490

 

Thanx for the prompt reply.

I feel bad for paying that much. I live in canada though... everything here is expensive as hell. I don't know... $100 for 4 spark plugs. I just hope my fuel efficiency will improve at least.

Well I spent a while searching on the forum about the radio code and I saw some ppl saying it could be in the compartment so I went to see and it was there. So radio problem is solved. Thanks a lot again.

 

100 canadian is not too bad- then again the exchange rate is even now.

They are not too hard to change, but if you are not experienced you can do a fair amount of damage.

And no need to reset your ECU. How many miles are on your car? You can also get better milage from running fuly synthetic oil, changing your fuel filter, and a new air filter. Also make sure your tires are at proper inflation.

 

Yea to be honest, I've never did anything to car before and I want to avoid any damages.

50k km so i guess that's about 31k miles.

The car is running synthetic oil. Not sure if fuel filter is changed. About air filter, I keep hearing K&N is really good. Is it really?

 

No prob. Before I do any work on my S I first check the DIY forums to see if it has already been documented. If it is beyond the scope of my technical skills or tools capability then I will take it to a shop. But for the most part the essential preventive maintenance stuff is in the DIY area. =)

I have a k&n filter and I notice no difference in performance. The important thing is that I can clean and re-use the filter when it gets filthy.

 

FIRST LOOK IN THE OWNERS MANUAL along with the pappers you recieved with the car, if you cant find the access code. press and hold numburs 1 and 2 at the same time a serial number will come up on the radio screen take that to your honda dealer along with the vin number and you will be on your way. it may not work depending on the year but if it dosent just pull the radio out really quick and get the serial number manually. the reason the radio dosent work is because they disconected the 12 volt power source (battery) and honda has a anti theft system on their radios.

 

I don't think $100 is all that much if it included the price of the plugs. I think I paid $74 for the OEM NGK plugs at NAPA (special order).

 

The only plugs that should be used on the S are Honda plugs, they should be changed at 100k miles according to the maintenance specs on the Honda Manual that came with your car.

 

That's nice but Honda doesn't make spark plugs. He should be using the OEM plug, though which should be an NGK.