2010-2015 Lexus RX350 Spark Plug Replacement Instructions

Master Technician Viktor G shows the DIY how-to removal and installation procedure.
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Thank you very much, I really appreciate it!
Huge thanks to Jim Ollick for editing this video!

[@DaraghCarter]

Great video, really easy to follow step-by-step directions. Did the spark plugs today on our 2013 RX350. It has 103,000 miles, and the spark plugs I removed appear to be the original Densos from the factory, so it was time. Our local repair shop of choice quoted just over $1,100 because of the labor time. It took me about 6 hours, which included two trips to the auto parts store, one trip for the intake and throttle body gaskets, another to get a 5mm Allen socket to remove the manifold. Thanks for making this video Viktor.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

My pleasure, great work!

[@rubenflores3624]

Another great video Viktor! You are definitely going to help me keep my 2015 Lexus RX350 running great! Thank you!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thanks Ruben!

[@lebo1026]

Thank you, Viktor. You are the best!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thanks!

[@williamglovac1369]

Incredibly thorough, thank you for the time you took detailing each step. Never could have figured this out on my own. Excellent.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Glad you found the video helpful, thanks for watching!

[@MohamedRagab-ud7ct]

Thank you Victor - great work, organized, clear and easy to follow

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you for the positive feedback!

[@sunjoomoontube]

Thank you Viktor, as always your tutorial just makes the most sense, to the point and yet very fine details provided as well. Cheers, from Korea.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Glad I could help!

[@BigDipper79]

Doing this on my 2010 RX350 this weekend. Thanks for the instructions.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Best of luck!

[@Brookslivsey997]

Just did this job today on my 2012 RX350. Your video was so helpful! I watched it all the way through last night and referred to it several times while working. Really appreciate all the service videos you've made for these cars.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Hi Brooks, thank you for the positive feedback!

[@lic4953]

Best video for Spark plug change on RX 350 Thanks

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you very much!

[@grovien]

We love your videos, keep making them.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you for the positive comments!

[@user-sj4hq4ur9q]

Thank you for sharing. You are very professional and careful. Excellent and detailed video!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you so much for the feedback!!

[@marvingloria5754]

That was a great in-depth video.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@RussellHarris-fu2ze]

Thank You Viktor, you video was amazing. took me a little over 5 hours to complete the job on my 2013 RX 350 with 162000 miles on it. Bought the car with 30000 miles on it, so I know they were original parts. Did Change the coils. I struggled with the second 12 mm bolt on the intake manifold, so I just took off the bracket 12mm bolt and was careful in removing and installing the manifold,. Did not have to worry about lining up the bracket either. Really appreciate how clear your video are .

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thanks Russel, great job!

[@nickkadochnikov3053]

Thank you Victor. Your instructions are the best, as always

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thanks Nick!

[@nickkadochnikov3053]

Это вам спасибо за великолепные видео инструкции.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@nickkadochnikov3053 благодарю за поддержку 🙏🏻

[@unebonnevie]

This is AWESOME! So glad you're back, Viktor! Your videos are so invaluable to the DIY community! I think the procedure is likely pretty much the same for RX450h. Btw, you can tell how well the owner takes care of their car by see how clean the engine bay is. The car's owner must have gone through a desert storm!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thanks again! That’s my brother’s RX, he’s not a car guy 😆 The plugs on the RX450h are similar, but there is more work involved.

[@andrewbj0622]

Thanks for the help, your video was invaluable

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@payamres]

Great video like every other one. I appreciate the list of the parts. Double thumbs up.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@pecosb5221]

Good video good tutorial Viktor thank you 👍

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Anytime!

[@asifyousuf6831]

Thank you so much filming this, and sharing all the details along the way! While this can be intimidating, it is doable following your video. Thanks again! Mine is at 135k miles and I plan to change the spark plugs out at 150k. It’s a 2011 and runs as good as new.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

You got it!

[@RealWorldPrint]

Totally awesome! I will be doing this on our 2013 as soon as the weather gets warm. More time-consuming and finicky than hard. I've worked on Saabs a lot, This is reminds me of doing a heater core on a Saab 9000. Glad to see you in your own shop, too!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thanks, you’ll have no problem doing it!

[@dalewaters1382]

You are a genius, thank you

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@rickjans664]

Very easy Victor to replace the plugs in front that's where it stops , think i'll have the Lexus dealer do it . don't want to take a chance getting dirt in the engine in this process

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

That's fair, everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to doing more involved repairs on their vehicles.

[@chulau7570]

If you want to DIY, This is the best for you !

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thanks for watching!

[@soccerbrett1]

Excellent tutorial....glad to see it come back up! My 14RX has about 108k mi, so I'll be doing this in about a year. Will be watching your video several times to learn before and while I do it. Thanks Viktor!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

You got it!

[@wally6193]

aren't they supposed to be replaced every 60k miles in the RX?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@wally6193 120K miles on the 2010-2015 RX models.

[@wally6193]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive does that apply for all of those V6 versions in the RX`s up to 2022É

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@wally6193 yes, all 3.5 liter V6 RX models spark plug replacement mileage interval is 120K miles. I have a video for the 2016-2022 spark plugs on my channel, it is done differently than the earlier models. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3rcl6aBptOYi8k

[@ealimov]

Спасибо

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Пожалуйста!

[@doncass7802]

Viktor great video I love your detail I was wondering I have a 2009 would the procedure be the same not sure if 2010 is different or not

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

It will be quite similar, thanks for watching!

[@toyetoyetoye]

Thanks for this video! Any advice on tools to use for stuck ignition coil boots on the rear bank (#1, #3, #5)?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Like the boot coming off the coil and staying stuck to the plug? I have never run into that myself, but you could probably use long needle nose pliers.

[@bidenwearsdiapers4026]

Great video, but it’s absolutely ridiculous how much stuff must be removed to access three freakin spark plugs. Shame on Lexus & I say this as a Lexus owner and Lexus/Toyota fan.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

They didn’t make it easy, that’s for sure!

[@josiahfrederick1602]

​@Viktor_G_Automotive my rpm when up by a bar, have you experienced this before, I'm now rust about the 1000

[@stanislav9608]

Thank you Viktor. Your video is grate. After watching it, I can replace spark plugs in my RX350, 2015 myself and save $800 dollars. Manufacturer advise to change spark plugs at 120 000 miles, or 192 000 km. My 9 yrs. old RX has only 72 000 km and for me to reach 192 000 km. will take 25 yrs. Definitely, I had to change it earlier, despite the low mileage. What is your advice??? Regarding spark plug coils. Should they be replaced, and if so, when??? Thanks again for your very professional tutoring. I am sure all DIY people love it!!!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you Stanislav! The recommended spark plug replacement interval is 192K kilometres or 12 years, whichever comes first, so you don’t need to do them yet. I normally don’t replace a coil until one fails, but some people prefer to do them all at the same time as the plugs.

[@stanislav9608]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive Thank you, Victor, for the quick response. May I just replace 3 coils in the back and continue using in the front originals?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@stanislav9608 yes, that is a good idea.

[@markbelczyk1246]

Excellent video, will save me $900 I was quoted by my Lexus dealer! Love how detailed your description and video views are. My biggest fear was missing a hose or connector, but your video explains everything! One question - any difference in the procedure if it’s a hybrid RX450h?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you for the kind words! The RX450h has a bit more work involved as you have to remove the EGR cooler located above the rear valve cover and below the intake manifold to access the rear plugs. Get new gaskets for the EGR cooler pipes before you start the job.

[@user-wo1im1bm8o]

Viktor, your Lexus video are fantastic. Can you offer a comment on how to diagnose a passenger seat that does not heat up on my 2011 Lexus RX350. The back heats but not the seat. Tom

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

The back and bottom of the seat use separate heating elements, so probably either the bottom heating element or the wiring to it is bad.

[@user-wo1im1bm8o]

Thanks. So the seat should be removed to access the seat element, correct?

[@user-oi2ky5yb2k]

Great video as always... how does the Rx450h differ ? would you consider doing a video for that variant ?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thanks! I will make a video for the hybrid when I get a chance.

[@grsu3427]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive I have a 2011 RX450h that needs spark plugs and water pump. Where are you located if I could get it to you?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@grsu3427 I am in the Calgary area.

[@lindarebstock8422]

WOW, I hope when i do have to have this done they're as toro as you are. Great job. I cant imagine how much at will cost😮 how did you keep the bolts separated to know where they went?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Thank you 😊 There are not so many bolts, so I remember where they all go. However, if you are doing this for the first time, you can label the bolts or put them in labeled bags or get a piece of cardboard and draw the outline of the engine bay on it and stick the bolts through the cardboard in the appropriate areas.

[@lindarebstock8422]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive thank you and yes will definitely label

[@togoo]

I heard that some people will cut the top part of the hole out of the bracket so you could put the bolt in the manifold and then slip it in and then tighten it up later.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

The video shows how to do it as per the repair manual. I am sure there are some other ways people have attempted to do it, but it is not a very big job to replace the spark plugs, so I haven't found the need to get overly creative with it to save time.

[@JR-tl8tg]

Splendid video Victor. I am going to attempt this too and so I like to ask will a 5/8 1/2 inch driver and extension bar without a swivel fit the bore or will i run into problems? thanks

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

It should fit, depending on socked wall thickness. You can take one of the front coils out and test, it would only take a minute to confirm.

[@JR-tl8tg]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive thanks Victor appreciate the advice

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@JR-tl8tg no problem 👍

[@miryamamar3420]

Thanks for another great video. I have few questions. What was year and the mileage approximately on the vehicle and what condition were the plugs (were the replacement needed badly)? Also, did the vehicle have any symptoms that required the plugs to be replaced or was it just a regular maintenance? Your tips through the video are greatly appreciated. God bless you.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

It was a 2013-2015 model, can't remember exactly, mileage was around 120K miles. You do not want to wait until the vehicle is misfiring to replace the spark plugs, it is just preventative maintenance. The vehicle was running fine and the plugs did not look horrible,

[@qpitarrow]

120k miles recommended by lexus dealer

[@ImranJuma]

Hi Viktor I have been watching many of your videos and would like to get in touch. I have a 2014 Rx F-Sport. Are you in Canada?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Hi Imran, I am in Canada, but unfortunately I am not able to take on any side jobs or diagnostic requests at this time.

[@justinyuen5312]

How do you deal with brittle ignition coil connectors? How do you prevent them from breaking off

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

I don’t know how to prevent that, but if they do break off, you can either buy a new connector from Lexus and replace it, or use a zip tie to hold the broken one on.

[@MohamedRagab-ud7ct]

I have the same car, I want to clarify something from you - is it possible to change the head gasket while the motor is in the car - or must the motor be removed from the car due to space constraints? - Do you have a video for this work or do you recommend a video for the same work? thanks

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Hi, it may be possible to do this job with the engine in the vehicle, but it would be very difficult. I would drop the engine out of the bottom if I were doing this job. Unfortunately, I do not have a video of this and do not know of one that I could recommend.

[@tpp4007]

Hi Viktor, I see that you do things by the book and step by step. I also did the spark plug but pretty much did a short cut and didn’t remove some of the parts you removed to save time, however, I was still able to change all six spark plugs. Is there a reason why you show us the longer way of doing instead of the shorter, shortcut way?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

This is the way I would personally do it. It is possible to remove the intake manifold without taking the cowl off, but it is more difficult and opens up the possibility of dropping dirt and sand into the intake openings. Considering taking the cowl off only takes about 5 minutes, that is the way I would do it.

[@tpp4007]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive thank you for the reply. Are you ever considering allowing your subscribers to send you videos of their personal Lexus and modifications that did to them base on your video? You’ll be surprised what I did to mine. Maybe in the future?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@tpp4007 Maybe one day :)

[@soccerbrett1]

I would be curious on your thoughts about replacing the valve cover gasket (the one on the back side of the engine) while going through the effort to gain access for the spark plug replacement. My plan is to keep my RX for 500k miles or more. Replace the gasket while I'm there or a waste of time? Thank you!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

I personally would not bother as the valve cover gaskets on these models rarely leak, but if you are up to doing it, why not.

[@soccerbrett1]

Understood....thanks@@Viktor_G_Automotive !!

[@josiahfrederick1602]

Great video, my rpm went up on bar after the job, any reason why

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Did you clean the throttle body?

[@josiahfrederick1602]

​@Viktor_G_Automotive hey Victor, I did go back to clean it with throttle body cleaner from Canadian tire, car is back to normal. Thanks much. New issue passenger side blows colder than driver side, what could be the issue.? Thanks again, love your videos

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@josiahfrederick1602 could be a number of thing: low on refrigerant, clogged heater core, sticking blend door, faulty blend door motor etc.

[@ryanpham3308]

The 12mm on the passenger side of the intake manifold is so damn hard to remove! Mine feels like it's just stuck on there. Any suggestions?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

It’s all about the angle and the proper wrench, there isn’t really a trick to it. You can also just unbolt the bracket from the valve cover and leave it attached to the manifold.

[@BWinCO943]

Great video but what a PITA. I’ll leave mine until something goes bad. I’ll probably end up messing something up taking all this apart.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

I have confidence in you!

[@0930091]

Hi I have 2010 Rx 350 v 6 coming in engine, check light and showing check all wheel drive system any idea which problem?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

You have to scan it for fault codes to see what they are first.

[@chaseck9086]

Just curious. Are the original sparkplug Denso or NGK? Also is one brand any better than the other between the two?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

On this engine, the originals are Denso. On some other Toyota engines they are NGK. I personally use Denso plugs in my vehicles, but I think NGK is probably just as good.

[@chaseck9086]

Thank you.

[@DavidVera-wh2mn]

Hi Vicktor, my son and his buddy changed the spark plugs on my wife’s 2013 Lexus RX 350 yesterday. We are now getting a brake malfunction. Any suggestions of what might have gone wrong or what needs to be checked/done? Thank you

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Double check all your work for loose hoses and connectors, especially the brake booster hose.

[@DavidVera-wh2mn]

Hey there. We did a recheck b everything earlier and did discover, as I suspected, the brake servo line was disconnected. Thanks for the follow up! It’s all good

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@DavidVera-wh2mn excellent!

[@MatteoTodd]

To clean the throttle body on a 2014 rx 350 do I need to remove the cowel?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

No, you can sneak the intake pipe out without removing the cowl.

[@MatteoTodd]

Ty

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@MatteoTodd no problem 👍

[@abrahamtorres6313]

I noticed you used two different drills to install the nuts and bolts. Why?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Big one for big bolts, little one for little bolts, since the big one is too powerful for those and you could accidentally over tighten and break them.

[@togoo]

Why wouldn't you change the coils at the same time?

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

I would replace them if the customer requests. On my personal vehicle I wouldn't, since it takes less than 1.5 hours to do the whole job, I might as well only replace a particular coil if it fails.

[@abutler0311]

No need to remove the intake manifold folks.. access around from passenger side

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

This video shows how to do the job as per the repair manual, but there are some shortcuts that can be taken.

[@Gary_in_NoVA]

That’s true, if you’ve done it before and can work around the camshaft position sensor, wiring harnesses, and other components by feel. For 1st-timers, it is better to remove the intake manifold so you can see everything. Makes it much easier, even if it takes a bit longer.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@Gary_in_NoVA agreed 👍

[@Supernaut2000]

What a filthy engine! When cool, I would have washed it totally. Once dried (drive it and let cool) it is much easier to work on. Blowing dust around with open electrical connectors is a recipe for problems later. Also, for a mere $29 each, I would have replaced the ignition coils as it is a lot of work to get to the plugs, might as well replace them also at the same time....fresh plugs with fresh ignition coils!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Unfortunately, customers don’t want to pay for the time it would take to cool, wash and dry the engine when bringing the vehicle in for spark plug replacement. Thankfully, I have never seen dust cause an issue with electrical connectors in the 17 years I worked at the dealership. Most issues are caused by water entry or mechanical damage. Do you have a link to Denso ignition coils for $29? I would appreciate that! Unless you are referring to installing Chinese ignition coils, in which case it would be better to keep the old factory ones in.

[@kjam87gxp]

Changed the spark plugs in my Rx 450 h now it’s dead.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

I would guess an electrical connector was left unplugged. Double check all your work to make sure you didn’t accidentally forget something. Also, when you say it’s dead, what exactly are the symptoms, could it be just a discharged 12V battery?

[@kjam87gxp]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive it says check hybrid system check abs check awd system. Cabin lights are on .

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@kjam87gxp there could be very many causes of those fault lights coming on, unfortunately, without knowing the fault codes it is impossible to tell what the problem is. In my experience, a problem that happened immediately after some work was completed is most likely related to the work that was done, so double check everything you touched, as well as test the 12 volt battery.

[@hokie9910]

Thank you for the tutorial, I just did mine. I have to say, there was nothing fun about this job.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Great work!

[@hokie9910]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive Thank you for doing this video, without it I would never have gotten through it!

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

@@hokie9910My pleasure!

[@hokie9910]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive Doing brakes and rotors tomorrow.

[@hokie9910]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive Victor, I have a truck that is an 04 Tundra with 4.7 and 370k miles. My oil pressure gauge is stuck at 90% on the high side….never changes. I replaced the oil pressure sensor down near the oil filter and no change. What else should I be checking?

[@samkitty5894]

I can not for the life of me understand WTF did they put all those plastic engine covers under the hood. They trap all the heat causing premature failures of many engine components. The idea for decades was to let the engine generated heat escape, not to trap it. Dumb, dumb, beyond belief. I rip this crap off and toss it in the nearest dumpster. My cars are thankful.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

Purely for looks.

[@samkitty5894]

@@Viktor_G_Automotive Exactly. So they sacrificed engine performance and longevity for "looks". How many drivers care about how the engine looks? Many don't even check the fluid levels, and go from oil change to oil change. Me, being hands on guy, I care what is under the hood. And all this plastic crap makes me mad. I remove all of it and put back if I decide to sell the car. I never had to replace any sensors because my engine runs cooler.

[@mseka9148]

FUCK THAT! For a Novice, it never goes this smoothly...I would have blown a Gasket by now.

[@Viktor_G_Automotive]

😂 I have faith in your abilities!