Hey guys and gals!

Like the title says- Changing the plugs on a 5th Gen is so easy my 6 yr old Gracie can do it and she's here to show you how! (Grace probably has more garage time than some of you, lol.)

Seriously guys, save some money and get some quality time in the garage. This is easy stuff, but we will show you some tips, tricks and advice to make it fun.

First the parts and tools.

*6 Denso Plugs- SK20HR11 (3421)
*Packet of anti seize grease
*Plug gap tool
*Electrical tape
*5/8 sparkplug socket
*10mm socket
*2qty 6" and a 3" extension
*Big flat screwdriver
*Coffee
*Juicebox
*6 yr old girl








*****Before you start- MAKE SURE THE ENGINE ISN'T HOT. You want to change out these plugs on a cool engine for reasons you can look up elsewhere..


Ready? Good.

Remove the engine cover- just pulls off.





These are the coil packs that cover the spark plugs, one for each cylinder- total of 6. Remove and replace one plug at a time, you don't want to mix anything up.




First thing you will do is press the tab that releases the wire clip from the coil pack. Pull the plug off and set it out of the way. If you have trouble, you can carefully use a big screwdriver while pressing the tab, like this, to help you out.





The 10mm bolt comes off next.



The coil pulls straight out, see?





Sometimes the rubber seal will stick to the aluminum and pull off the coil, like this. If it does, put it back onto the coil. Pay attention to the orientation. There are little tabs to hold it in place. Pic for reference.







So far so good. Now for some advice! Get a good quality 5/8" sparkplug socket that has a rubber insert. Make sure it holds the plug in there securely and won't let it drop out when vertical. Use electrical tape and tape the socket to a 6" extension. Do you really want to try to fish a socket outta that hole if it falls off? I didn't think so...






Grace knows the "righty tighty/lefty loosey" rule. Loosey the sparkplug and take it out.









Time for the new plug. Grace always checks the plug gap, even though the plugs are "pre-set". Factory spec is .0394-.0433. All the plugs were correct at around .400.



Anti-seize Lubricant will help the plug install smoother and keep it from ...seizing (as Grace would say, Duuuuuhhh!). A little dab spread out on the threads is perfect.







Take the plug and press it into the spark plug socket- make sure it's fully seated- and carefully insert the plug/socket and extension (no ratchet attached!)into the hole.

Gracie tip!
Turn the extension counterclockwise by hand slowly. You will feel the threads "click" letting you know you are lined up and ready to go. Now turn clockwise by hand. If you can't turn it by hand, you are cross threaded- take it out and try again. Since you have anti seize on the plug, it will thread in nice and smooth almost all the way by hand. When it's snug, attach the ratchet and tighten it up.

Notice that the ratchet I'm using has a short handle? That helps to reduce over torqueing the plug- smart huh? Grace knows her crap. For those of you that feel the need to use a torque wrench for this the correct value is 13 ft lbs. Honestly, just get it tight (not crazy tight) and you will be fine.

The coil will slide easily into the hole and the 10mm bolt gets tightened to 7 ft lbs (again- snug is your friend). Push the coil electrical plug back on till it clicks.

One done.

Now, all the others are exactly the same process. You will use different combinations of extensions, 1 2 or all three to make it easier to get the ratchet in place. Here are some pics of the others...



















**Grace wanted to make a special note about the drivers side rear-most plug. It's obstructed by the heater hoses a bit. Don't be afraid to bend the hoses outta the way to get to everything- after all they are rubber...easy!










Aren't you glad you replaced these old things? These look exactly like they should BTW.





So... not too hard, right? Hopefully this inspires you to get in the garage and DIY. I'll leave you with one more pic of the cutest little mechanic I ever did see...

Boom! thank you!

Why a four year old child could understand this report. Run out and find me a four year old child. I can't make head nor tail out of it.

Groucho Marx

Edit: Well done Grace, and thank you this is very helpful info!

I have two girls, 14 and 16. They aren't into this sort of stuff, but the value of teaching is priceless! Changing a tire, the oil, both air filters... all will be required before they get a driver's license.

NZDZRT

Nice job Gracie.....!

Nice write up @Antman .

Looks easier than it was on my Taco!

Awesome write-up Gracie, and you didn't even break a nail Hope a certain someone compensated you for your hard work.......at least a juice box 6-pack.

One question though, did you get your dad a better quality camera? We aren't accustomed to such quality photos................

I had to take good photos to capture the cuteness.

You succeeded, very cute!

How much does Gracie charge for a brake job? A case of juice boxes?

LOL- She helped me do the brakes on our minivan. You should see her with a 24" breaker bar...

This is awesome! My 9 year old daughter is always helping me in the garage as well. My 4 year old daughter is curious but doesn't like getting dirty as much. As a society, we need more of this hands on learning and parenting. Well done!

Well done, very informative, and helpful. Really cute kid, too.

Great job you two - thanks. When it comes time do do ours, I'll refer back to this thread. When I did the plugs on our Tundra (it has the recessed plug - coil pack set-up too) I use a piece of flex fuel line to start threading in the new plug; and to fish out an old one if it falls off the socket.