Just changed my spark plugs yesterday on my 2015 nissan xtrail (rogue in the US). This was my first time doing this job. Took me about an hour. Took my time coz I was afraid I was gonna break something. Gladly, everything I did was on par with what Mr. AMD showed in this tutorial. Torqued them down to 17 ft lb. Now the car runs better. It also eliminated the knocking issue when I was backing up the car into the garage. Didn't use anti seize n dielectric grease because service manual didn't recommend using them. I'm a sucker for diy car videos and Mr. AMD makes great diy videos. Thank you 😁
When I replaced the plugs in a 2007 Matrix I used Laser Iridium NGK brand which cost about $57 for 4 in Canada. What bothered me the most was not having an air compressor hose to blow away the dirt. I used an aerosol canister instead. I looked at the gaps and did not use anti seize on the threads. Used great care in rethreading the new plugs and torqued them to 18 ft-pounds. I brought them from local auto parts store. I find local Toyota Dealer’s prices for parts reasonable though and try to always use OEM parts.
There are lots of counterfeit denso plugs around. You get what you pay for! I was told BY DENSO to only buy from a Toyota/Lexus dealer or Advance auto.
I bought some cheap Denso eBay plugs to compare with genuine Denso plugs from the parts store. One way to tell if it's fake is to scrape the side of the metal case with a knife. The real one will stay the same silver color solid through and on the fake one, the silver will come off to expose a copper color metal underneath the silver plating. Also the genuine ones, there will be a blue like color just below the iridium tip. Counterfeit ones won't have that.
AMD I recently bought a 2011 Rav 4 with 123,000 miles. Having watched this very useful and detailed video I decided to change the spark plugs today. The plugs were pretty resistant to turning but after I warmed the engine up a bit I was able to get them all out without any trouble. All the plugs had the marks on the end of the terminal that you say marks them as original. They all closely resembled the plugs in your video except for the plug in cylinder #3. After removal the threaded section of this plug looked like it had literally just been dipped in a cup of clean oil and there was a brown stain where the porcelain enters the metal section like one of the plugs in your video. It didn't look like the typical plug from an engine burning oil and had no buildup of black gunk or excessive carbon build up. I don't think I ever seen a plug that looked like this. The engine has about 1,100 miles since the last oil change and the oil level is down about 1/4" from the full mark. Any idea what could be causing this oily buildup? Thanks!
Thanks for the quick response, much appreciated! The oil was most apparent on the spark plug threads themselves. I shone a light down into the spark plug tube and there was a streak of oil on one side but it looked almost like it may have just dripped off the threads of the plug as I removed it from the tube. The engine runs well, idles smoothly, and is averaging about 29.5 mpg which seems to argue against bad rings, or a piston problem.
The Car Care Nut The light I was using wasn't very bright but I "think" I was able to see oil on the top of the piston. Couldn't really tell if it was excessive or not. My guess at this point is that the oil leak in the spark plug tube seals had deposited a small amount of oil in the bottom of the tube and when I unscrewed the spark plug that oil leaked down on to the spark plug threads? Does that sound likely to you? If one tube is leaking the others are probably getting ready to so I'll take the car in and have the gaskets and seals replaced. Thanks again for your help!
Took me 5 hours to finish my 2007 Sienna spark plugs. The 3 plugs in the back are the most time consuming. While I was there, I changed the intake plenum gaskets and gave the throttle body a nice shower with TB cleaner an let it dry while finishing the plugs, and I gave it a new gasket. Finalizing the job with new air filter and PCV valve. All OEM TOYOTA parts from my local dealer. Also I sprayed the MAF sensor. There was nothing wrong with the van but it was time to do it after 13 years/130K miles.
Can you use a breaker bar (as gentle as you can) if spark plugs are tight, and not coming out with manual tools? Our 2006 Toyota Corolla with original spark plugs are STUCK @ 85k miles. We watched videos where folks used PB Blaster but in that case, would prefer to just pay for a mechanic to do it. We have a torque wrench and spark plug socket tool (both from Advance Auto), but when we got to the spark plugs, they were not coming out. Also, you may enjoy making DIY videos like “Toyota Maintenance” - he and ChrisFix are helping us slowly make our way through bringing our sedan up to maintenance. Appreciate your “insider” perspective, and are hoping to be able to figure this out without making a very costly mistake.
Hi! Try this as it sometimes work. Drive the car and warm it up really well then try to take the plugs while it’s warm. A lot of people will advise you not to do this but from experience with Toyota this could help essentially using the engine heat as a “torch” if not have a mechanic take it out because the last thing you want is a broken spark plug.
If you're a DIY person, you might want to clean the sparkplug threads with a "thread chaser" with some grease on the end of it. On two of mine, I had to run the chaser down in there four times to clean all of the carbon out of the threads.
I changed my spark plugs in my 05 xb. One of the coils left some cracked pieces in the spark plug well not allowing the socket to grip correctly. Why or what was those pieces? I think it was from the coil. I didn't replace it with a new one because I would need to sell a body part/organ for an original denso coil pack. It works ok but I feel a slight misfire especially when I put the a/c on. I spent a good hour getting those pieces out with double sided tape on a screwdriver. Could I use compressed air if it happens again? Also, should I change all four coil packs with a no name brand. Xb has 207,000 miles with the original coils. Your videos are a God send for us with financial hardships.
After spark plugs are in a car for 10 rs I always worry about stripping the threads when breaking them loose. A warm eng seems to break them loose easier. I think some say do it when the eng is cold. Still not sure about what is best.
With the steel plugs and aluminum heads, the grip should be looser when warm because the aluminum expands about twice as much with heat. www.engineeringtoolbox.com/linear-expansion-coefficients-d_95.html
Thank you so much for this video. Changing my spark plugs on my 2007 corolla. This will help alot! Where can I find all the different Torque specs tho?
I've seen some videos on YT for our third generation Prius. I would be especially interested in how to prevent trouble, because it looks like a _lot_ of trouble.
Hi i watch your channel alot. i learn alot from your show. Could you help me. i got 2016 toyota camry se. i change old spark plug to new spark plug. i buy the parts for toyota. i have a question the old spark plug low RPM when is warn up is like 6000rpm now is new one RPM 9000 rpm. when i drive the car feel run faster waste more gas .How to low back down rpm. Thankyou
All these videos show the spark plug coming up with the socket. Maybe if the socket is magnetized? Certainly the plugs, after completely unscrewing, did NOT come up and out with the socket when I just did this operation. Had to find long kitchen "tongs" my son was able to get down into the hole and grab the plug and pull it out. Tricky, and it took me grabbing the plug the moment it was partially out because it wanted to slip out of the grip of the tongs. Other than that...piece of cake. Again, perhaps/probably with a magnetized socket this wouldn't be a problem.
Love Love Love your channel, thank you so much for all the information that you provide. I have a quick question, I have a 2012 Corolla LE and the original Spark plug is a Denso SC20HR11 however when I go to the auto parts store they tell me I need a SC16HR11. Was this plug superseded with the 16HR or should I continue to look for the 20HR? Thank you in Advance.
Hello. I have a question. Do ignition coils have to be replaced iat certain time? f they don't seem to have a problem. I have a Corolla 2003 it has almost 186000 miles. Thank you 🙏
Wrong information about plug gap 07 Toyota Corolla and I bought Denso plugs for the car in a set and all four were different gaps you need to show how to Gap them instead of telling everyone to trust they are done correctly from the Manufacturer, Please Correct This.
Hey there, I want to replace the plugs on my IS 300 hybrid, the manual says Denso FK20HBR8. Now, can I buy them directly from denso or go original? I suspect the original ones are just the Denso in a toyota package, am I right or are they slightly different?
@@TheCarCareNut I looked in my Toyota 2015 prius C Owners Manual, and they did not have any torque specs for the spark plugs. Where Can I get my torque specs from?
Hi. What is the symptoms for bad spark plugs. What is the best and long lasting spark plug for my 2017 Toyota RAV4 xle Hybrid. Please can you provide parts number, what size spark plugs socket do I need and what is the torque specification. Thank You
Hi! So the best spark plug is the original one from the dealership. On your rav4 the replacement is 120k miles and symptoms of bad spark plugs are misfires or general rough running
@@grambangla1445 Your owner's manual should list the recommended plugs for both Denso or NGK. To be sure ask the person at the Toyota dealership parts counter if the recommended plug in your owner's manual has been superseded.
I don't know if anyone has ran into this problem, but I have a 2013 Rav4 and the owner's manual doesn't tell you the torque needed. I had to call the parts ppl at the dealership, and the tech I spoke to said he only found it through the snap-on parts manual which you can't access without a sub. He said it was 18 foot pounds, can anyone else confirm that?
@@TheCarCareNut Thanks, I got it done Broke two tabs and did what one of the other guys did, put zip ties on the two. The old plugs were in excellent condition and I think I could've went to 150K. The original were the irridium plugs. Hope I spelled it correctly. The new ones were not. Have to add that I had my cabin air filter and fuel air filter changed 4 years ago at my dealer and today I removed the cabin filter and it was solid black. Checked my air cleaner and it was barely dirty and easily cleaned by a air hose. After seeing how different they were I'm not sure the dealer replaced the cabin filter. Jus sayin" I've checked and I may go aftermarket on it as there's so much difference in prices. Also got to add that you're the top dog in Toyota videos bar none and yes that includes Scotty. ;0).
Generally they last a good time. Some of them will fail in less than 100k and there are many theories why they fail early. Some is the spark escaping through the plug into the porcelain like the one in the video, another is excessive heat.
Damn bro, in the DIY world, you're a breath of fresh air. Your videos are so direct and to the point with amazing tips in the middle, makes you watch the whole thing! Excellent work!
I LOVE your new maintenance series!! It is so well done and those tips and tricks you give are priceless (like torquing or not, torquing specs, what to do if you break a connector tab, etc). Most other videos won't go to that extent, keep up the great work!
@@TheCarCareNut yes it does, which is quite the bonus! :-) doing well and I hope all is good with you and your family too. Congrats on over 34k subscribers now, amazing! you deserve it - and more!
@@TheCarCareNut Thanks for the informative video. The spark plugs show some oil consumption characteristics on the ground electrodes. The stain or corona stain is normal and harmless though.
@@TheCarCareNut Thanks for all the great information pleasantly presented! Does it matter which type of plug such as iridium, double platinum, ruthenium and etc? My 2007 Camry did not specify!
Another great video , thanks 🙏 One tip from me. Once you disconnect the wires and remove the coils work one cylinder at a time, take the old plug out, inspect it and put the new plug in, torque it to 25Nm and move to the next one. Once all plugs are replaced insert all Coils back and torque to 10Nm. Never use any anti seize. Do not wait for 120k miles for change, just 60-80k miles max , these plugs can go even up to 200k miles however these dark marks shown indicate leakage that can actually damage the coils and then expensive replacement. 👍
As a DIYer by choice, thank you for all your videos and advice. Also thank you for your quick response and advice on more then one occasion. Much appreciated.
When the wire plug connector lock tabs brake, I use the small zip ties to repair them:) One looped around the coil and then another through the connector tab and then tie the two together. No potential misfires. I've never thought of using the gasket maker. Thanks for the tip and another great video!
AMD Thanks as always for the tips and great video. I have never personally changed the plugs. I've always had a mechanic do it. However after seeing how easy it is, it something I would feel more comfortable doing myself in the future.
Thank you for the detailed Video! It is very helpful. Except the pounds/foot or what you have over there. 😂 I will find out the Newtonmeters, no problem. But whats really interesting: Here in Germany the offical replacement-interval is every 90.000km. (56000miles). And you guys have 120.000Miles in the states? 😮 I wonder why it differs THAT much. Yeah, we got the Autobahn with no speed limit, and maybe it is calculated in, that the car is driven more often with higher revs... But with the CVT... And also in Germany, we do not drive 120mph all the time 😂 So lets assume, that this is calculated in... Then maybe 30% less lifespan? But its more than factor2! 😱 Do you have any idea?
Not only is anti-sieze not always recommended, but most spark plug manufacturers recommend against the use of it. This is from NGK; 1. Anti-seize "NGK spark plugs feature trivalent plating. This silver or chrome-colored finish on the threads is designed to provide corrosion resistance against moisture and chemicals. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without lubrication or anti-seize. Anti-seize can act as a lubricant, altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage and/or metal shell stretch. Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental."
It does not take a rocket scientist to change a damn spark plug people I always recommend have the right size socket the proper extension and always blow out the area with air before you take the spark plug out so no crap Falls inside it's really not much to it and do not over tighten the plugs
Thanks for the info. I use antiseize, but not any more! Also, what about Dielectric grease in the boot before installing back on the plug? Good idea or not??
For any plastic, the key is to warm things up first. For exterior, I pour hot soapy water over the item (eg wing mirror, rear light cluster before removal), but for an area like the engine I have two solutions: one, just use an old towel folded up, dunk it in hot soapy water, part-wring it out, and place on top of the plastic thing you think might want to break (eg electrical connector with a ‘tongue’ release moulded-in); two, I did this to a little Clio the other day I was replacing fuel injector rail etc into, there’s lots of little snag-clips for cables on the fuel rail bracket…I hung a small ‘space heater’ electric fan heater from a piece of plastic-coated metal cored garden wire, or a couple of bungees, from a couple of points on the raised hood lid (‘bonnet’ in the UK)…(Draper I think, Amazon, it’s got 3 settings and a 1/2” tubular metal frame it sits at different angles inside). We have a cold climate where I live too. Clearest-cut example I can give, I was doing brake/tail light bulbs in both rear light clusters, and the first one I just forced off, cracked one of the stupid little plastic ‘plugs’ that clips into the bodywork. Still refitted very securely, but nit happy. Second one, I realised how cold the car had gotten that night ( no garage, I work on the drive), and poured most of a bucket of hot soapy water just over the external area, above and on the light cluster. Get this, the first one took 40 minutes and broke, the second one, I kid you not, took 90 seconds, it lifted off like it was meant to. There you go, plastics are often designed for the climate the engineer lives in. Here, you have Japan, me it’s a French Renault - balmy summers and short winters! Take care all.
I would be very interested to see a similar video for a v6 3.5L engine especially those 3 plugs close/facing the fire wall on how best (special tool) to get to them. Thx!
I was 😔 wondering. Before you pull out your coils, do you want to spend a little time cleaning around the coil top to avoid dirt and grime possible getting inside? Thank you so much!
I just changed the spark plugs on my daughters 2015 2.5 Camry. Replaced with Denso spark plugs, but the TT Iridium. (Iridium pointed laser welded on the electrode). Runs perfectly!
Hello AMD Another awesome video. Thanks for your time and hard work to educate others. A small request, subscribers like me live in Canada where we use Km not miles, so when you say change this or that at 30,000 or 60,000 we need to think twice is it in miles or KM? If you may clear this in video that would be great help. Also, any video coming up on changing spark plugs on a V6? thanks
Hi! Thank you and my apologies for the kms miles situation. This has come up and going forward I will write it down. I’m working on getting the v6 spark plug video which should come soon.
God bless you AMD and you're easy to understand videos! I always ask for parts/fluids back from dealership/mechanic to inspect wear (and keeps them honest).
Thank you for watching my video James! It’s the best thing and something I love when customers ask for their old parts back. I think every customer should see their old parts to get an idea.
I drive a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross here in Vancouver CA. Is it okay to change my plugs every 96,000km as advised by my local mechanic? Or what is the ideal replacement interval for spark plugs
Mr. AMD, Thank you for the great videos & tips! What is your thought on replacing the coils at the same time as the spark plugs? Also, would you use dielectric grease on the coil connectors or leave them dry?
Hi Charles, I am a big believer in if it’s not broken don’t fix it. I wouldn’t change ignition coils just because. I would change the plugs and reuse the coils. I would leave them dry as they come like that from the factory and I’ve never had a coil stick before.
It's been a long time since I changed spark plugs so I watched this video a couple times and then changed the plugs on our 2009 RAV4. The vehicle has just over 70,000 miles on it but since it's a 2009 model and thus about 12½ years old, I figured it might be a good idea. Everything went as smooth as silk. No trouble getting the old ones out or the new ones in. I put in the same Iridium type of plugs that the vehicle had in it as OEM, Denso SK16HR11 3417 Iridium Long Life. Torque specs I found said 18 ft.lbs. for the plugs and 7 ft.lbs for the bolts on the coils. The mpg has been lower now than it was last year. I'm hoping the new plugs will help. However, the decrease in fuel economy may be due to installing wider tires with a higher rolling resistance. Thanks AMD for this video.
Nice video and tips. May another tip here.. Do not drop the spark plug into plug well. You might re-gap it, if drop sweeping against the edge of the thread well to the bottom. (unintentionally.😄) Going to replace those spark plug on my 4 cyls toyota engine soon, clocking 116k kms, 6 years and never have problem on misfiring. Only fail to start due to battery, after battery replaced all 4 cyls firing as usual.
I always clean and lube the coil rubber with Shin-Etsu before I put them back. Put a dab of engine oil on the spark thread to help removal the next time. Absolutely no anti-seize. Do not buy spark plugs from E-Bay, Amazon, etc. Most of them are the counterfeit plugs. I would leave my original plugs in place rather than putting these "new" plugs in. Buy Denso plugs either from chain parts stores or Toyota dealerships. Sometimes, parts stores cost more than dealerships.
Hello! I changed my spark plugs, but when I turn on my car, they shake a little than stabilized, I take a little ride and everything okay, but when I turn on next morning they shake a little then stabilized but comes to me a lot of error codes. Misfire in all cylinders, p0300, p03031…. And after the traction light pop up too. Could you help me to understand what is happening? I just changed the all spark plug. I used DENSO Iridium TT Spark Plug: Ultimate Endurance and Power, 0.4mm Iridium.
Quick question. I bought new denso plugs that came with 2 washers but the ones I pulled out were ngk with 1 washer. When installing the new plugs should I install with 2 washers or just 1. Toyota Camry 2004 2.4 l engine
Toyota and the local store wanted $40 each for NGK/Denso iridium plugs for my 2011 Corolla. The Champion iridium was $14. I wanted to buy NGK, but $160+tax for just the plugs was insane. I can always switch back if the Champions aren't great. What a ripoff.
I have a 2009 Avalon with a "maintenance required" light on my dash. It came on soon after I replaced my breaks and has been on for the last 5,000 miles what can I do? The car is running fine and I can find nothing wrong.
Hi! That is just a maintenance reminder light. You can reset it by leaving the odometer on total mileage on the car turn the key off. Then press and hold the odometer reset button then turn the key on without starting it, it will start a count down on the screen wait for it to finish then you’re set. It comes on every 5000 miles to remind you to replace the engine oil and filter.
I'm changing plugs on a Lexus 2016 NX 200t i was going to buy OEM but they want 48 a plug. Do you have an after market plug that is acceptable to use in its place like NGK Iridium High Ignitability those are only 22 dollars each. Thanks love your videos
I'm glad that I watched this video before doing anything. I had no clue that anti seize could cause damage or issues for a simple job. By any chance could you tell me the torque specs for a 2021 Toyota RAV4 hybrid XLE?
What's the real-life difference of 0.8 mm (.031"), 1.0 mm (.040") and 1.1 mm (.044") gap in iridium spark plugs for hybrids? 🤔 Toyota changed its opinion/recommendation about the gap several times over the last 2 decades. 🤷♂️
If you've ever been around an engine dyno in a performance shop you find yourself changing plugs a lot. At SamTech I learned to use a piece of hose to install and remove plugs. Granted magnetic spark plug sockets are really nice to use and for these 4 cylinder applications it's not hard to install them, but get a transversely mounted v6 or the rear spark plugs on a v8 under a cowl and it sure makes it easier.
nowadays spark plugs don't come pre-gapped. since 2020 they usually come with random gaps for each plug. at least 90% of the brands i've ben measuring the gaps of new plugs for 10 years
hello, thanks for the video. i have a question about my 13 venza. i have a rattle / vibration under my dashboard on the drivers side that i can't figure out, any thoughts. thanks.
Can you do a video on the Toyota 4.7L V8 timing? I've several videos on RU-vid and it seems like they skip several steps. I might be wrong, but they seem to contradict the Toyota Manual. Many thanks for your informative videos.
How often should spark plugs be replaced on an 02 Tundra 4.7? The owners manual says to use double tip plugs. Is that correct? Thanks in advance! Love your channel!
