Changing the plugs, what about the packs

[Pilotamis]

I haven't read anything about changing the packs. Is there a schedule for them or are they a "lifetime" item. I'm over 100k and think these would benefit from a change but not positive.

 

[sr3tlaw]

Good question. I'm about to replace my spark plugs also - first time ever doing this. Went with the OEM Iridium from Toyota. The "plugs" are the black squares atop of the actual spark plugs themselves right?

 

[Pilotamis]

Good question. I'm about to replace my spark plugs also - first time ever doing this. Went with the OEM Iridium from Toyota. The "plugs" are the black squares atop of the actual spark plugs themselves right?

I believe those are the packs. I think...

 

[KaseyMcc]

I haven't read anything about changing the packs. Is there a schedule for them or are they a "lifetime" item. I'm over 100k and think these would benefit from a change but not positive.

Good question. I'm about to replace my spark plugs also - first time ever doing this. Went with the OEM Iridium from Toyota. The "plugs" are the black squares atop of the actual spark plugs themselves right?

I believe those are the packs. I think...

I replaced my original plugs a few months ago (they had 184,000 miles on them!) The "black squares" that are actually visible under the hood are indeed the coil packs. Disconnect each cylinder's individual harness from it's coil pack, then unbolt the coil pack, remove from the cylinder and you have access to the spark plug itself. As you remove each coil pack I would keep each one labeled some way so that they each go back to the cylinder you pulled it from. I wasn't sure if this was a necessary measure to take but didn't want to take any chances. Before loosening and pulling the plugs it's a good idea to blow compressed air into the area around the spark plug to blow out any debris that could have worked its way into the area to eliminate the possibility of it entering the cylinder after you remove the spark plug. No need to overthink it, just blow it out before you loosen the spark plugs.
I removed and replaced the spark plugs one at a time to minimize the amount of time the cylinder was open--get them "hand snug" all the way around the engine then go back and torque to the correct spec with a torque wrench.
As for the coil packs I used a MAF sensor cleaner fluid and just sprayed them down for a light cleaning, and cleaned off each coil pack boot and put a very light coat of white lithium grease between the coil pack and the boot. I'm sure that wasn't necessary but I did it anyway. Next just replace each coil pack to the cylinder you pulled it from, bolt it down to the correct torque spec, reconnect your harness plugs to the coil packs and button up the rest of the air intake. You're good to go. If you happen to use anti-seize on the plugs (I didn't), you need to go with a slightly lower torque spec or you may break off a plug in the cylinder.

Hope this helps--I was a bit intimidated to do my plugs myself because it's a bit more involved than an old Beetle, but it wasn't any trouble at all to do this and if you're at all mechanically inclined you can do this DIY.