Changing plugs on a 2004 V6?

[4by4th]

I'm getting ready to do or have some maintenance done on the 4Runner with 120,000 miles on it. My maintenance intervals are all really screwed up since the stealer replaced the short block and sent the heads out for a valve job at 70,000 miles. All I have that I might believe is the invoice that went to their insurance company showing what was replaced.

I think it's probably time to replace the spark plugs (never done before). Thought I might do it myself but I opened the hood and don't see anything resembling spark plugs or spark plug wires.

Any suggestions, experiences, or costs would be appreciated.

 

[Uneek]

The V6 has a distributorless ignition system. Look for three black squares on each valve cover, those are the coil packs for each spark plug. You will need to remove the screw(s) that hold the coil packs down. After that you should be able to access the plugs.

 

[Kmvreter]

These are the easiest plugs I've ever changed. Search for a write-up somewhere on the forum.

 

[awdjunkies]

Hopefully this will help. Good Luck :

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/maintenancep3.html

 

[4by4th]

Awesome information from everyone above, thanks. I looked under the hood again and all of the plugs look like they'll be easy to access except maybe the drivers side rear one. It has numerous rubber hoses that I'll have to disconnect to get to the plug. Do those hoses contain air or liquid?

 

[jharris2]

Awesome information from everyone above, thanks. I looked under the hood again and all of the plugs look like they'll be easy to access except maybe the drivers side rear one. It has numerous rubber hoses that I'll have to disconnect to get to the plug. Do those hoses contain air or liquid?

I don't recall having to take off any hoses for that plug. You should be able to just move them out of the way.

One hint -- be very careful about re-torquing the bolts for the coil. They are very soft metal and are easy to overtighten and twist off.

 

[atomic]

These are the easiest plugs I've ever changed. Search for a write-up somewhere on the forum.

I can only imagine what else you changed spark plugs on. The ones on the drivers side are a pain in the buttucks to get out.

 

[nated05]

I changed mine a few months ago, not too bad. For the rear drivers side plug just remove the one metal bracket and I think the one hose. It is just an air hose so dont worry about any liquid. I used a 10" extender rod and I started each new plug by hand so I was sure not to strip the threads.

 

[Lee614]

Very easy to replace all plugs (although the back right one may scratch up your hands a little bit) yeah i moved the bracket and hose myself. and the air filter thingy should come off too.
Be sure to purchase a little pack of anti-seize and put a small dab on the threads so the next time you remove the plugs it will be easy.

Don't forget to replace the air cabin filter too, they get overly dirty around every 20-25K (auto parts places starting to carry them for cheap.. I got a NAPA one for my corolla for less than $9 although others are cutting up house furnace filters as a cheap viable option.

 

[Kmvreter]

I can only imagine what else you changed spark plugs on. The ones on the drivers side are a pain in the buttucks to get out.

The T4R V6 plugs are a dream to change. The worst I ever encountered was the S15 4x4 Jimmy V6. Best way was to jack the truck up and go through the wheel wells but the middle plug on the driver's side was right behind the steering shaft (this required a special universal joint plug socket.)

 

[Methodical]

The T4R V6 plugs are a dream to change. The worst I ever encountered was the S15 4x4 Jimmy V6. Best way was to jack the truck up and go through the wheel wells but the middle plug on the driver's side was right behind the steering shaft (this required a special universal joint plug socket.)

I know your pain.