Short Cut! Replace Rear Ignition Coil On Toyota Highlander Camry Lexus 3.0 V6

[@luissarti4227]

I’m not a mechanic by any means. I’m a marketing director. This is the best video on KZbin for doing this job. I was able to replace the all spark plugs and coils without removing the intake. Thanks so much for making this video. Excellent!

[@bikersoncall]

I have a 2001 RX300, I would guess this works for mine as well, either way, I think you just answered my question of whether his will only give access to the center rear coil/plug array..

[@davesmith4957]

Excellent camera work in those tight spaces, really drives the point home, thanks!

[@johnschuler3269]

Fine Job, Josh. THANKS! Saved me a TON of $$$ ON MY 2003 LEXUS RX300 ... did 120K "Tune Up" a bit early @ 113K. Dealer wanted $1,100 for the tune up ... PLUS $1,134 to replace all 6 plugs ... Yes! $189 EACH PLUG (and all 6 or nothing) at the same time. I did it myself for ~ $600 in OEM parts & materials! I paid $50 ea delivered for NGK plugs made in Japan and spec'd for Lexus.(also dropped the Xmission Pan (Cleaned, New Filter, Amsoil) ! YOUR Video ... gave me the courage to do it ALL. I am NOT a mechanic, but rather a former radio/radar field engineer who can "sort of" fix, adjust, test, re-design/improve things ... though always Slowly and Carefully. And I love to "Cheat and Learn" here at U-Tube University! Best to all, John in the NW

[@mikejohnson7528]

I have a 2000 rx300 (same engine) and have changed the rear coils several times. Using both the "remove the whole top of the engine" method at least twice and the method Josh demonstrated. This is the best video I've seen on how to replace the rear coils without taking off the air intake manifold. This method is well worth a tire. if it works for you it will save you about 6 hours of work. Thanks Josh - great video.

[@Rsteel105]

Thanks for this video. Straight to the point no distracting music or stupid comedy jokes. Really appreciated!

[@precioust100]

I just did this on my Lexus ES330 didn’t want to spend $250 for someone to replace just 1 coil and I came across this video. My car had a cylinder 1 misfire and mines used the 10mm tool as well. Thank you so much 😊 it was so easy a girl did it thanks to you.

[@godfirst6880]

Wow... Incredible time saving video! I was gonna take off everything until I saw this! Saved me time to do my timing belt. Thank you Lord for sending this man to show us how to save time and money!

[@edwardjdm]

I tried this method on my 04 Sienna and it was a pain in the rear but it worked. It took me about 2 hours to replace the entire rear plugs. Now, if you're 5 ft 7 and short forearms, you're gonna need a stool. It was embarrassing because I had to it outside my apartment parking spot. Thanks Toyota!!!

[@Zakaveli_23]

😆😂😂😂

[@michaelmarchand7653]

Did you have to remove the plastic shield between the hood and windshield? Thanks!

[@javiergrant70]

“5’7”…need a stool” 😆😆😆 Thanks for the tip! I’ve added it to my list of tools to use. 😁

[@the80h]

only 2 hours is amazing imo compared to removing the whole intake. ty

[@vettriley675]

5’ 1 “

[@QNY96]

You can also use the coil pack to remove the spark plug after you loosen it

[@loden888]

Or a 8" length of 1/4" ID clear tubing

[@larryliang2173]

I am just in the middle of removing the intake following other videos and could not remove the nut off on the back against the wall, then I came across your video! This is truly amazing and I am going to try to change spark plugs without removing it. Mine is 2002 highlander.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it helped 🤙🏽

[@jimmlord9256]

Just changed out a #3 coil in

[@musaquazi3495]

I am speechless about the details that went into making this video with magnificent clarity. Thank you.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thank you 🤙🏽 Glad you liked it!

[@twootters7433]

I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!! Yours is the best video on how to do this. Although I have a 2001 Lexus RX300 my understanding is they are pretty much the same vehicle. In fact my my#3 is in the same place and unless I'm wrong you removed the #4 as an example. My # 3 and 4 are misfiring. Of course #3 is the one you just did! I'm gonna replace all 6 plugs and all 6 coils. My shop wants $1000 for parts and labor. $400 for parts and the rest labor. My cost for parts was around $200 total and I'm assuming a day under the sun with the tunes on and a couple of sodas...lol Again, thank you so much for this video. Only problem I see for me is I'm a bit short with shorter arms. I might need a small stool.

[@sukhkawal]

Did you buy both plugs and coils for $200. If so, mind telling us where you purchased them and what brand? thanks

[@Kp-tz9gp]

sukh kawal I bought dense for my Toyota off of Amazon

[@dannikolic2494]

Excellent video. Replaced my #3 coil and spark plug last night. Used a very handy item. Gear Wrench 5/8 x 6. Spark plug wrench. Got it at Advanced Auto parts. 80546 part number. $10.99. Has a magnet to hold the spark plug. Once again thanks for the video. 2001 Lexus RX 300.

[@rakeshkaw5939]

Wish I had seen your video earlier. I just replaced 5 of the 6 spark plugs on my 04 sienna. I didn't want to remove the air intake and wiper cowl etc that most of the other uploaded videos show. Although I couldn't get to the one underneath the plenum I was able to get the ones on either side of it. Wish I had your brilliant idea at the time I was doing this. But now that I have seen how you did it, I am going to replace the last remaining one too. Thank you so much for uploading and sharing !!!

[@kreayeager8786]

OMG TY!!! I just stumbled upon your video while looking for spark plug changing videos and THANK GOD I DID!!! You are a life savor.

[@ericx2507]

This helped, I never attempted it because I have big old ham arms and hands, but once I leaned into the engine and got into the meat of the muthah I was surprised how easy it was the get into. I didn’t even have to remove that vacuum thing, just popped up the Pcv valve and pulled the hose up out of the way. Thanks for doing this!

[@javiergrant70]

This gives me hopes. I have a 2010 RX350, and when I saw the video doing it by removing it intake manifold, I almost cried! 😆😆 Great video!👍🏾

[@smyrnatennese2711]

Perfect Video for a very smart work! I changed three front spark plugs a couple years ago. Now I may follow your video to change three rear spark plugs. Thanks a lot.

[@jessicawhite1598]

I’m with all the other comments I see, you did an amazing job with the camera and saving time with this job! I get overwhelmed watching videos of people taking so much apart to get to them!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You can do it!

[@gmac1762]

Awesome video my friend!! No unnecessary BS chatter & straight to the point!! And no annoying garbage background music playing lol! Excellent job!! Keep up the good work!!

[@jrain2097]

Came up with an additional method that might help some people. Spent legit two hours and could not loosen the connector off while pushing the tab all the way down the way he does it, just couldn't get the screwdriver to get leverage to pry the connector off the coil head. So, I found I could place a standard pliers around the tab to push it down with my left hand working thru a different hole (near the firewall) and then use a small screwdriver (about quarter inch wide head) and actually slightly pry up the opposite end of the lever of the push tab, to pry that up and over the hub it hugs, then used that smaller screwdriver to push the connector off the ignition coil head. My 2001 highlander is so rusted that I couldn't get the AC thing off on the left though I felt like that might not have even helped me to get his screwdriver trick to work. Still an amazing vid.

[@donaldpedigo296]

... GREAT DEMONSTRATION VIDEO ... YOU HAVE A LOT OF PATIENCE AND DETERMINATION ...

[@goldhandlc1494]

Thank you for video. I just changed all 6 of them, took me almost 3 hours but there is good feeling that I was able to do it myself and saved a lot of money. The trick was to combine sockets and some reducers to have the right length

[@bromporke]

were you able to get all 3 in the back out without taking the intake off?

[@le_ona_79]

Front three coils done 👌🏼 needed to get to the back... thanks for the awesome video who would've thought you could bypass removing the intake to get to the rear three, especially the centre one, looks tight but can be done 🙏

[@azariusshaw1890]

Thanks so much for this video! Its hard to find specific videos. I have a 2001 Lexus RX300 with 270,000 miles (with brand-new transmission) and it has the same engine in it. I changed the spark plugs and coils this week on all cylinders but cylinder 3 because I couldnt reach it and I was too nervous to take anything apart because I didn't want to struggle trying to remember where everything goes, but this video is PURE GOLD man! Thank you so so much! This makes everything so much easier! You definitely got a like and subscribe from me! Like honestly man you just saved me hundreds of dollars. -Not all hero's wear capes! Lol

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Azarius Shaw I’m glad it helped!

[@andreducai1793]

Thanks Josh , I am dreading and procrastinating the job , but it needs to be done . You gave me a new motivation . Mine is Toyota Estima with the same motor , even less space than on Lexus . I will give it a go .

[@JournyOfaPeacefulRuller]

Dude that was an excellent diy save money tips. Two thumbs up!

[@twootters7433]

I'll add my two and we'll give him 4 thumbs up!..lol

[@pirihern9329]

Muy bueno

[@Dailyfiver]

Absolute life saver. I did 4 out of 6 plugs yesterday by myself thinking it was like any other car I had. Nope! Thanks for the tip! I’ll finish the last two today 😁

[@shintso57]

Appreciate very much! Saved tons of time, indeed. Make sure to get genuine parts, not compromise with knockoffs from the online.

[@Lieto55]

The moment you lifted that coil pack out I just laughed out loud. Funny reaction, but I did it the hard way (taking the plenum etc off) and I wouldn't have believed you could go directly like that, without taking the wiper mechanism etc., off. True, I have a2011 edition so it may differ, but it's definitely worth a try. Never would have thought you could do it. Your process for removing and replacing the spark plug is exactly the one I resolved to as well. Great minds...Thanks a ton for showing us the magic trick.

[@joetousignant9130]

It is possible to do this on 3.3L 3MZ-FE engine in a 2005 Highlander, as well. Difficult, but possible! I had to replace the valve cover gaskets a year ago and thus removed the intake plenum and did the plugs then. Little did I know that those DENSO plugs sold on eBay are COUNTERFEIT. The center electrodes were mostly eroded away in 15K miles. I had misfire cyclinder 3. car went into limp mode and was missing. I had to tow it home. I got new Toyota boxed Denso plugs from the Toyota dealer and got them in. Now the highlander is running good again. Don't make the same mistake I did.

[@cartoonsbyjohn]

Very helpful. Especially how to release the very difficult tab connection in the difficult back access on the engine. Similar to my 99 Lexus ES 300.

[@justinstrickland4199]

saved so much money, thank you!! it was definitly tricky and seemed impossible at times but for sure easier than removing the whole manifold and other things, I was able to get it out without removing the ac idel controller or acceleration cable bracket wich also saved time. I used a set of needle noce pliers in my left hand to remove the electical connector to squeeze the tabs while pulling with my right hand on the coil. I didnt even bother to replace the spark plug because im fing lazy lol. cars running great now - 06 rx330

[@scorpion196970]

Thanks a lot, i was almost ready to remove the whole thing apart..Awesome!!👍

[@robertreikes4826]

GREAT video but I found that removing the coil plug was the tough part UNTIL I used a snub (shorty) blade screwdriver from the RIGHT while pressing the tab with my LEFT (twisting the blade while pressing) and...............GOT IT!! Thanks again! Bob

[@thanhpham-lq4vo]

Thanks a lot Josh, You are an excellent mechanic and had a good video camera. I have a Highlander 02, V6. I just bought 6 set of ignition coils OEM from EBAY ( The coils are exact the same and identical of my original one that I removed) and 6 DENSO spark plugs. I followed your instruction and it took me about 3 hours to complete replaced the coils and spark plug # 1, 3, and 5. To remove the coil #1, I have to remove the 2 ground wires on the left that gave me more room for my left hand side. The coil #1, I have to pull out to the right side. I tried to pull out to the left but it is stuck. Removing coil #3 is much easier than remove coil #1. Coil #5 is also easy to remove. To open the coil connectors, I built a small C clamp bar. I drill a hold on top of the bar, use a tap to make a thread and install a stud. This stud will tie the center of connector coil so you don’t need to press the connector coil. Then you can remove the connector of ignition coil much easier.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Whoa great job!

[@aros007z]

Great video, thanks I almost removed my plenum!

[@richardhaen]

VERY GOOD VIDEO, U SHOWED ME A NEW WAY TO CHANGE the back coil and plug the ezway . Thanks

[@ChinaChuck]

I'm glad for all of the advice. I got the PH3 screw out the he pointed out, but the PH2 stepped the head. Working on getting that out before I can get to the back 3 ignition coils.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Ouch!

[@michaelespinoza3828]

I just did this for cylinder 1. It worked so thanks. I did have to loosen 1 vacuum hose and 1 set of ground wires and the black brace that’s bolted on the strut mounts, in order to get the ignition coil out, but the general idea worked, thanks.

[@dansklrvids7303]

Incredible camera work in a tight space, good job

[@robertroberts9782]

You my friend are a wizard

[@nebegama1]

Great job. Wonderful explanation. I’m thinking about changing six spark plugs on my 2004 Lexus RX330 and I was a little skeptical if could do the job my self cuz every tutorial I saw shows the job by removing the intake and as I’m just a enthusiast of mechanic not a professional but now I’m thinking I can do it without all extra effort. Thank you.

[@TezEV]

Did you end up doing it yourself? If so, How'd it go?

[@godsson8035]

I have rx330 and this doesn’t work, the 330 is more complicated, @Benji I wanted to ask him the same question

[@TezEV]

@@godsson8035 well shit

[@JoseGonzalez-kc8co]

thank for the video, that is the real mechanic. bless you brother!

[@admiralking]

Absolutely brilliant video!!! Amazing camera work in that tight space behind the manifold. How did you do that??? Thank you for your efforts.

[@newbernbears]

The impossible now seems possible. Excellent job.

[@zacmartin164]

Want to thank you very much. Saved me who knows how much $. Busted knuckles and sore legs but happy and satisfied.

[@johnwest4097]

Great video! This is a huge help. Do NOT want to take the intake manifold off.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Riiight?

[@sendit9214]

That number 5 is hard it took way longer than this short youtube video but I got it done just by feel. One of the harder parts is just fitting your hand in there and being able to turn it

[@samuelcarstens6152]

Generally followed every step you suggested except left the plenum but did remove the large [vacuum?] hose from the head just behind the plenum

[@telegoose9905]

Wow compared to the other video from some weird talking guy, who makes you feel like you have to rebuild the whole engine. This was awesome! You got my subscription just because you use common sense!

[@SHAD0WxF1R3]

THANK YOU! I replaced my highlanders fuel filter, as it was running rough (turns out it was the oem one from 02, 170k later) and now, my engine is running extremely rich. I had the spark plugs replaced at my mechanics, but now, I can do the coils myself!

[@fredroybal6932]

Thanks for doing this video. I followed your procedure on my 2002 RX300. This saved me a lot of time. Awesome shortcut.

[@lilj882]

I was wondering if ur worked for the rx300 ..I have a 2000 rx300 with this problem

[@fredroybal6932]

@@lilj882 this worked on my 2002 Rx300 so it would work on your 2000

[@InexplicableBill]

Holy hack! That was awesome man. I couldn't have done this when I did my '08 Highlander plugs. Even after doing the wiper cowl teardown, it was still a b*tch job. Props to your camera assistant. :)

[@hawaiiknifeandgear5531]

Thanks man, this was awesome. I'm working on my bosses Highlander and I was looking at what it was going to take to remove that upper intake. It looked like there might be enough room to wiggle them out , and I always try and remove as few things as possible when I'm working on cars, so I absolutely appreciate your video for the reassurance I needed. And you were completely correct about all of the vacuum lines and plastic pieces under there being brittle from the Heat, I did break one of the vacuum connections barely touching it. thanks again, definitely subscribing

[@hellspawn8572]

I recommend just removing the plenum, I tried to remove the spark plugs as in the video but was taking way too long. I spent about 2 hours trying to remove the ignition coils. Only took me about 8 minutes to remove the plenum. After that it was smooth sailing

[@hillsane9262]

How long did it take to remove the plenum? Is not the things that's supposed to take a long time and auto shops say is the reason to replace all coils and plugs at the same time because it's a pain?

[@hellspawn8572]

@@hillsane9262 With the correct sockets and hex key its simple. Took me about 25-30 mins to disassemble and remove old plugs and reassemble.

[@hillsane9262]

@@hellspawn8572 Thanks! That does not sound as bad as most say. When they over an hour, just for the plenum, may be that includes putting it back on, but you changed out the coils and plugs too.

[@Vince-yolo]

Wow this saves me 3-4 hrs and tons of $$$$ thanks buddy

[@Riffsnruckus]

You sir are my hero. Liked and subscribed! Thank you so much that's genius!!

[@nyclc3886]

Would it be the same method to change the other 2? Could you provide a size for your tools? Thank you.

[@thedreadedgman]

the Philips screws holding the vacuum actuator were #3, the accelerator cable bracket was 12mm bolt, the coil bolts are 10mm, the spark plug is 5/8" standard spark plug socket... the extension he used looked like a 3 or 4 inch, plus that little adapter (long enough to reach the top of the spark plug tube, the hex (allen) bolts on the engine cover i think are a 6mm if I remember

[@GearGuy]

Great video, Unfortunately this does not work on a 2003 Toyota Highlander…at least not with my hands. There is simply not enough room on the left side (even after following the video) to get my hand behind the Intake Manifold. I was just barely able to remove the far left sparkplug (#5) and replace it. Even then I was hard pressed to get enough clearance to fit an extender or any combo thereof into the chamber. I certainly don’t have enough room for cylinders #1 and #3. It’s really too bad Toyota made something as common as spark plug replacement so difficult. My only option now is more teardown to get room for hands and tools or just bite the bullet and take off the Intake Manifold.

[@Matt-kn3fd]

Thank you I'm gonna try it this way today, going to get the plug now.

[@anthonywhite9212]

Thank God for KZbin. Awesome video man

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Boo ya!

[@jonrandall5490]

Nice video !! I think this procedure actually works on Camry's with the 3.3L, but NOT on Lexus 3.3 cars. Lexus plenum is different and you can't reach under it like you are managing on this Camry.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks for that info! We are looking into the model differences

[@jaydoesnotwanttobeja]

He's working on a 2004 toyota highlander

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

Personally, I've found that the Aluminium intake plenums for the 1MZ-FE (3.0L) have the space for this to work, while the newer plastic ones on the 3MZ-FE (3.3L) don't.

[@christopherhenrietta4802]

Worked as advertised on my ES 330 thanks for such a great video!

[@Kaiju-Goji]

Just picked up a Kluger (im in Australia) and i need to do this so thanks good job

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

🤙🏽

[@flyingfish2]

Awesome, definitely super helpful trick I've seen in awhile. great tip thanks.

[@savkp9658]

Thanks for the video you gave me hope and endurance to continue, by showing it is possible to changes the hardest ignition coil (3) without removing the plenum! , when I was giving up on replacing it my-self on Lexus es330. It is job of patience! and squeezing hands in tight places.

[@loden888]

A rubber hose also works when removing or installing the plug. Just stick the top of the plug into the hose and you don't need to worry about it dropping into the spark plug hole.

[@Nocusterish]

Hey man I’m no expert on cars. Can you tell me exactly what tools I need? I’m not familiar with the sizes needed to perform this.

[@jonathanhochmuth4319]

Wow.... what an incredible quality vehicle

[@danr414]

I was also able to change the #1 & #5 coils and plugs using this procedure.

[@Jlippo]

Great video, all the others explain how to take the intake but this is really something GREAT...!!!

[@bikersoncall]

Is it just the back middle that we can get to, this way, or can we get all three using the same basic method?

[@danr414]

This method works on a 2003 Highlander, just did #3 coil and plug, hardest part was getting the vacuum bracket screws out, they should have hex heads not phillips.

[@drjoeshmoe]

Would it not be recommended to use anti seize on the threads? I did see someone using dielectric grease inside the coil as well, Any experience on if this is a good practice?

[@walter.bellini]

Really great job, good video, good audio good editing, tons of time saved! Could you do all three in the back like this? I don't have this car but just curious Thank you

[@georgelam-yoyo4281]

I m about to do my sister 04 Sienna and hope this method would work for me.. cuz I ve seen others video that u have to take all that intake... with too much work. Thanks for the video

[@user-uq4ly6fp6m]

did this video help at all? we got a code P0353 for ignition coil C and are planning on doing this soon.

[@saleenpollo2]

Thank you it worked for my 02 Highlander

[@richardhaen]

Very good video, I am going to have to change my number 6 coil going to c if it is as easy as u showed. Thanks oh is number 6 to the back side left or right?

[@Jamsk8s7]

Really nice information. I have a rx 300 and was able to do all 3 without moving and hoses or assemblies.

[@Jamsk8s7]

make sure not to pull the wires but pull from the plug.

[@sagacious11]

Awesome! Can this method be done on the 2004 Sienna ??

[@sagacious11]

?? Budget Mechanic Hawaii

[@richardhaen]

Very good video, but I could not get in on the back side to change my Toyota Highlander 2006 2.3L ended up taking it to the shop and they did it. Next time I need to get it changed I will try harder.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Ouch! Gotta shrink those hands!

[@jwigley3835]

How do you get the correct torque? My torque wrench is too big for that gap.

[@rockiemountin7535]

Wow nice job, I’m still dreading this job but you made that look easy,and I know it was not

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

No, not easy! But certainly easier than removing the plenum! You can do it!!

[@mr.iforgot3062]

Super duper! And fantastic too! I wish I had a car to work on, instead of just watching these interesting tutorials. My Dr. said I can watch KZbin! Isn't that great? Except here in the Sanitarium, everything is restricted. No porn, no violence, no good stuff, just like as if we were children or something. Isn't that crappie? Yes, of course it is. Well? Thanks for reading, bye

[@crphilly28]

Great tutorial.. would this work on a 2002 Toyota Highlander V6 3.0? Thanks

[@jjjohn5914]

Great job!!! I wonder if it the same for my 2001 highlander???

[@msanabia01]

Thanks a lot Josh, video was really helpful.

[@aholesahole]

I wish I had seen this 3 weeks ago. Definitely removed the whole upper plenum just for a routine plug change just short of 300k mi.

[@allenstallion7656]

Nice job ! You made it look so easy , thanks

[@arth165]

Awesome!! You just saved my ass!

[@gemanscombe4985]

To remove the loosened old plug (loosen until a few threads are holding) and install the new one, use an old spark plug wire boot fitted to a short 3/8" extension/screwdriver/tubular object. Short, straight piece of hose also works but boot is better. Save it; you'll use it many times. Magnet is for the skilled and brave.

[@ShawnFleming-uk5vl]

Good job but my hands are larger than yours,I wonder if it's easier to take the rear motor mount out then get them from underneath.

[@marchimelick2077]

Nice job! Would this be the same on my 1997 3.0 Avalon?

[@suigeneris6311]

2004 Toyota Highlander has a 3.3 V6 in the US. This is a 3.0 liter. Is this an earlier model?

[@GearGuy]

Wow! That is amazing! I might have to give this a try… But I’m not sure if my hands are going to fit, LOL!

[@michaelharless1658]

So does that mean you can do the other 2 rear ones also?

[@scottwatkins39]

Certainly appreciate.TWO QUESTIONS i have 06 lexus 330. will this method work for my car for the rear cylinders? How long approximately did it take you?

[@pirihern9329]

Great video. Doing sister's 2004 Toyota camry xle v6. Same setup. This was very helpful.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it could help! Gotta take care of the family 🤙🏽

[@ozmo69]

Is the center one only ablet o come out with this trick? or ALL 3 in the back can be worked?