1997 Es300 Diy Spark Plug Replacement

[Paul1234]

Many people have complained about the expense of having the dealership replace spark plugs (upwards of $200).

I decided to tackle the task myself.

Here are the tools that you will need:

Ratchet

10mm socket

14mm socket

2 - 4in (approx.) socket extension

1 - 8in socket extension

5mm hex wrench

Magnet with hinged shaft to bend into corners and retrieve spark plugs!

Gloves to keep your hands pretty!

Now the basic steps:

You may want to disconnect the positive (red) lead to the battery just to be sure you don't do any harm to yourself. This is recommended and if you choose not to you risk electric shock which could result in serious injury.

For the Front:

1.) Remove the cosmetic cover using the hex wrench and pull away the cover to reveal the front 3 spark plug wires (plugs 2, 4, and 6).

2.) Using the ratchet and 10mm socket, remove the three bolts holding the plastic spark plug wire adapters in place.

3.) Carefully pull each of the plug ends out of the engine.

4.) Using the ratchet and 14mm socket, replace each of the three spark plugs.

5.) Replace the plug wire ends and bolts.

6.) Replace the cosmetic cover.

For the Back:

1.) Pull the three spark plug wire caps out of the block to reveal the back three spark plugs (plugs 1, 3, and 5). (These are tough to reach and are easier from the passenger side of the car.)

2.) Using a combination of the ratchet-socket extensions, the ratchet and the 14mm socket, remove the middle and passenger side plugs from the passenger side of the car and the driver's side plug from the driver side of the car. The combination will allow you to back the spark plugs out and still get your tools out of the way to retrieve the plugs. The magnet will help you get tools/parts out of the spark plug holes.

3.) Replace the spark plugs and caps.

As for the time required:

This little project took me about two hours. I would recommend setting aside a whole afternoon just to be on the safe side.

Plug specs:

I used NGK BKR6E-11 spark plugs and the torque specs and spark plug gap specs are printed on the box.

Check your owners manual for gap specifications (mine was 1.1mm or 0.043in).

Remember to triple check your work and remove all tools before you return your car to working condition (AKA shutting the hood, starting the engine, driving anywhere, etc.)