Toyota Sienna Spark plug replacement (2gr-fe)

[@shanecormier5197]

Awesome video! My 2007 Sienna has 214,000 km. This video was perfect and helped me do a great tune-up. My young son and I completed the it in less than 4 hours. It was a good time for father and son.

[@heathermitchell11]

My husband and I changed our spark plugs this past Friday evening/ Saturday on our 2007 Sienna. This was the best video and showed us step by step everything to do. We saved so much money! Thank you!!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

I bet you did! Nice work!

[@Ericisthecoolest-v3j]

Just wanted to say thank you for posting this. I used to work on Toyota's and I was not looking forward to doing this job. I even thought about bringing it into the dealership but after watching your video I was able to knock it out and replace my plugs and the bad ignition coil that I had. My van is running like a champ now. That left rear intake manifold bracket bolt is a bear, I actually found it easier to leave the bracket on the manifold, put the manifold on, then put the back bracket bolt in. Either way that was definitely the hardest part. Anyway thanks again your video helped me big time and I saved some cash which always helps. Posting this under my daughters name because for some strange reason I'm logged in as her on my work computer lol. Thanks again, Eric

[@boboxeon2731]

I've watched about 7 videos before i came to this one. Yours described it best. Thank you

[@mhilton369]

Out of all the youtube videos covering this topic, yours is the most thorough. With the help of this video, I was able to change the spark plugs on my 2008 Sienna yesterday. Thank you very much.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Thanks! Glad you were able to get it done.

[@radhaarunkumar133]

Very well presented video, one of the best I have seen. Every detail shown without rushing.

[@marvinrogers876]

Thank you so much for this detailed video, I was able to get my wife's car back up and running and shared this video with my former mechanic that kept putting me off because he was scared of doing this job.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Good for you

[@jcervin01]

Just posting to say how appreciative I am that you walked through this process. I just finished a spark plug and coil replacement on my 2007 Sienna and would never have been able to do it without this video. Just like so many others have said, you saved me $$$$$$! A few hiccups along the way: 1. Don't trust an old torque wrench to click at 14 foot pounds, or any foot pounds--I broke off one of the bolts but was able to get it out and replace it; 2. Even my wife, whose arm is much skinnier than mine, couldn't re-set that passenger side bolt; 3. don't use pliers on the coil connectors (tried this for #3) because they'll for sure get smashed (#3 on mine is a ticking time bomb now, for sure, because now it's held together with electrical tape and a little bit of epoxy). I think the worst part of this job was replacing that passenger side bolt. When I took it out, I discovered that I had removed the bolt holding the bracket to the head, not the one holding the bracket to the manifold cover, so when I went to replace it, the distance was just too far for me to get it rethreaded. So I did like you cautioned against--I left it off. (I notice on the video that you don't show it when you replace that bolt--that part's edited out . . . hmmm. Wondering if that bolt actually had you stumped, too :-). Really curious how shop mechanics do this. I worked on that one for over an hour and could never get it and kept losing bolts where they'd slip out of my fingers. Is there a pro-tip I just missed?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Thanks. Glad you were able to get the job done. I always use an in/lb. wrench when I’m working below 20 ft. Lbs. I don’t care if the wrench is brand new. Ft/lb. wrenches never seem to be accurate below 20 ft lb. As far as the bolt on the back, I have done my fair share of hard to access bolts. Just took patience is all. It did put up a small battle which is why I always cut that part out because no one wants to sit and watch me put a bolt in for 20 mins.

[@JohnnyD975]

Hey Helping Hand - great video, thanks very much for taking all the time to create. So I just did the plugs this morning on my 2012 Sienna. For those looking to replace plugs on 2012, the biggest challenge was undoing some of those clips, including coil on plug clips. The front 3 ignition coil clips all broke, probably from the exhaust heat right below but the back 3 clips did not break - but what a pain working them loose. I zip tied the front ones to lock them in. I also used dielectric grease when reinstalling the coils. While I had this open, replaced the intake manifold and throttle body gaskets as well as the rear 3 ignition coils since they are such a pain to get to. Will keep the 3 for backup if/when one of the front 3 fail. Last, I cleaned up the throttle body and intake with special cleaner as both were gummed up at this high mileage. Three new coils, 6 plugs, gaskets, throttle body cleaner cost a little under $200 (coils ~$150) and about 2-3 hours and I should be good for another 100K. Could not have done it without your excellent video - thank you.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

jd975 Glad to help you save some money!

[@dt1mdlara]

Thanks for the tip. Mine is 2011 and should be about the same. God bless.

[@johnd4098]

@@dt1mdlara Curious how many miles you have on yours. I noticed 1 front plug well had oil in it, so a few days later I opened up the valve cover and replaced the spark plug tube gaskets and valve cover gasket. Fortunately the leaking tube was in the front so fairly easy to do. If it was one of the rears, that means tearing all that other stuff off all over again.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

This van I am working on in the video has 197k on it.

[@dt1mdlara]

@@johnd4098 120+K miles. I do pray for no oil leaks. Thanks again.

[@jimp7181]

You clearly do not know how to do these sorts of jobs, sir! You start with the three plugs to the front, then start looking for the 3 in back. Visit the book, shake your head in disbelief, go back in the house and consider if this is something I really want to do, then I remove fewer items than necessary and use language to scare the rest of the parts out of the way so I can access the plugs. Amatuer! All joking aside, this is the best video I've seen on the topic, and you clearly explain and demonstrate the process. This is the first time I wish a video had the 'fiver' button to allow me to show a little measurable thanks. Thanks!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Thank you sir. I do hope you mean that. I have been sent things before from subscribers, feel free to send me something if you would like. Check the about tab on my channel to contact me.

[@jimp7181]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair It is the best video on the topic because you patiently explain the process, you provide accurate names for the devices you are working with, and you don't take it all the way down to the kindergarten level. As a trainer myself I am very aware of the challenge of teaching the adult learner. If we break something down too far we are annoying half the group, and if not far enough, the other half of the group. Pleasing every learner is an impossible target, but your level of instruction meshed well with my level of understanding. That's a more thorough critique for you, fwiw. Cheers, Jim

[@arvindgoudar1586]

Having watched several videos on Sienna spark plug change, yours was the best. Agreed, requires quite a bit of patience. 👍

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Thanks.

[@maryscott463]

This video was SO helpful! THANK YOU! Two quick *important* notes. Did this and got it all back together. Started perfect but ran for 2 to 4 seconds every time. FINALLY I found the two prong plug MUST be plugged back in on the drivers side to the cowling (it's to the fuel pump). Hope this helps someone else. Also the exhaust manifold bolts get brittle and the bolts to the intake wouldn't get to 14 ft pound torque so I overtightened one and busted it because it was brittle. Recommend considering going until those bolts feel tight enough but not necessarily continuing them too much. Perhaps a mechanic could comment on that part to say why that happened.

[@guitfiddle]

Got 191,000 on my '08 sienna right now. Just now considering doing a tune-up. Thanks for the info.

[@meadowshine]

This was the most helpful video, even though mine was a 2006 and a little different. Thank you for mentioning to hook up the mass air sensor line, we had forgotten to after the repair. ❤

[@dhowar]

I have a 2007 Sienna and had a miss in the engine. I thought it was a coil. got it on line but didn't help. Code reader said cylinder 2 miss. Finally I found two little broken wires on the wiring harness. Soldered it and fixed. 116000 miles.

[@heatherlynn2107]

Lol, I had to drop my socket in the hole too. I don't have a magnet so when pulling it out, I used a locking wrench to secure my socket, disconnect the extension and then pull out the socket... I found your video looking for an easier way to do this highly frustrating job... But seems we are not far off.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Yea, working on FWD V6 engines just suck in lots of ways. Usually why they often carry the highest labor rates.

[@asimhashmi9348]

Great video! Great explanation. Just wish that light was better. Thank you so much for sharing your video.

[@andreayoung7319]

Thank you! This is the best video guide for this operation on the internet!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Thanks

[@lejoeyoung]

The best instruction video I’ve seen on this great job and thanks

[@minkim6571]

Thank you very much for your great instruction! Just finished successfully with my 2010 Toyota Sienna CE.

[@landshass2849]

This is the 3.5 V6 equipped from 2007-2010 on this Sienna generation. It's better than the 3.3 V6 that came from 2004-2006 because it came with timing chain instead of the timing belt. ( US models).

[@rachelcompton4625]

I owned a 2006 and when I realized it had a timing belt, I trading it in fast for a 2009! So glad I did! It's still going strong, 280k miles on it! It doesnt have a problem at all but I'm thinking I may want to change the plugs soon... but after seeing these video's, I'm wondering if letting em go til it's time wont be such a bad idea LOL

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Will have to change them sooner or later. Will help MPG, idle quality and acceleration.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

I think they’re talking about the timing belt. I think you’re referring to the serpentine belt. It is possible for a serpentine belt to last 200k (it would be very worn out by then) However trying time get a timing belt to last 200k is plain stupid. It will break and there goes the cylinder head and valves along with it.

[@B58Hustler]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair Exactly! These are interference engines after all.

[@asappestcontrol1250]

@@rachelcompton4625 I did what you said and changed them when it started to hesitate @ 180.000 miles. It took me 4hrs and wife noticed a slight surge when at high speed. I guess I used NGK instead of the original DENSO Spark Plugs. Had to do the job again and decided to change the intake gasket while I was at it ( didn't look like it needed it ). Also as I removed each part, I placed them behind me in order. So I can replace them the order they came out.

[@KindCreature1]

That cordless drill sure saves a lot of time. Great instruction, thank you.

[@IveyleaguemmaTV]

super helpful. thanks for posting and man, awesome job breaking everything down step by step.

[@saigudbai]

Thanks for the time you took to make this tutorial. I'm still trying to decide if I want to tackle this or cough up for Toyota to do it. They want $650 here and that includes Iridium plugs, intake gasket, and plenum gasket. I like doing my own maintenance for things like brakes, oil, wheel swaps etc but sheesh, this entails alot of dismantling and annoyance with those two bolts and the awkward space working back there...

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

M Lingard well if you were in the Northern California area you could pay me to do it a little cheaper.

[@saigudbai]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair I would take you up on that but I'm in Canada haha. 👍

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

M Lingard the job isn’t all that difficult. Just tedious. You can do it!

[@JohnnyD975]

The 1st time I watched this I found this job to be intimidating as well, thinking it might be better to take it to the shop. But if you have 10, 12 and14 mm sockets and wrenches plus spark plug socket with magnet, it's not that bad. The rear bracket bolts weren't the hardest part (at least not on the 2012), it was those darn clips, 4 or 5 different types that all have their own unique way for unclipping. The rear 12mm bracket bolts are accessible with the wiper cowling off and the throttle body removed. For the passenger side, take off the bolt that connects to valve cover since that bracket covers the coil and needs to be removed anyway - it's easier to get to. The bolt on the other side is visible once the throttle body is off. Leave the bracket on the valve cover on and just loosen the one on the intake - it slides out, don't have to remove. If you go slow, it's really not a difficult job. Then you can also clean out all the build up in the intake and throttle body, making sure it's better off than before. Leaving it to someone else, you'll never know...

[@joe370]

Clear and thorough! Thank you. You saved me some serious dollars.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Glad to help.

[@cj1608]

Thanks for cam work and info. Getting at the back 3 today. Not sure about some of that torque spec, but commen sense is worth much. 👍

[@charliesleeseman4643]

Why do you saybthat about the torque specs? Meaning they may be incorrect, or that you're not gonna torque yours to the torque spec and just go by feel?

[@asappestcontrol1250]

I changed them when it started to hesitate @ 180.000 miles. It took me 4 hrs and wife noticed a slight surge when at high speed. I guess I used NGK instead of the original DENSO Spark Plugs. Had to do the job again and decided to change the intake gasket while I was at it ( didn't look like it needed it ). Also as I removed each part, I placed them behind me in order. So I can replace them the order they came out.

[@levicallis459]

I was able to replace the left side one and middle , with just removing the cowl and the pcv elbow on the left side . Hurts your hands , and is a bit tedious , but I doubt as tedious as removing those bracket bolts . The ideal extension length needed is around 31/2 to 4 , and a ratcheting 10mm wrench will save you a ton of time ( didn't have one ) gonna try to remove the right side in a few days when I get a ratcheting 10mm , pretty sure you can reach under the throttle body .

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

I love my Camry except for this. 153K on the original Toyota plugs but I guess I can deal with it now. The Camry fortunately is easier to get to the back bolts, a bit easier. My mechanic, not a dealer, quoted me $450 to do this compared to the same shop did the Nissan Xterra with the same problem but easier to remove the intake, that was only $150. BTW, I bought a magnetic socket for my plugs on all my cars, no fuss or stuck socket LOL

[@HaiNguyen-fn5rt]

Great instructions. Thank you very much.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

You are welcome!

[@Dansplains]

Very helpful thank you now I know never to attempt this.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Lmao

[@dt1mdlara]

Thank you so much for sharing. You're a very good and honest mechanic. Hard to find. I'll be doing this to my 2011 Sienna, hopefully not much different. Stay safe and God bless.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Thanks!

[@dt1mdlara]

John D: Thanks for the reply. Do you have a video for the valve cover gasket replacement? Appreciate it.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Michael Lara unfortunately I don’t. However since you have everything apart now and the coil packs out, the only extra steps you need to take are to remove the various 10mm bolts around the valve cover and remove any vacuum hoses and pull the valve covers off.

[@dt1mdlara]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair Plus, maybe the tight working space that I can imagine already. Thank you so much. Stay safe and God bless.

[@anhweinacht439]

Thank you for showing so much of the process. How much time total did this job take you?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Probably would take about 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Working diligently.

[@pajamawilliams9847]

I'm an idiot and this took me way too long. Maybe 12 hours over three days. Getting that bolt on the left back side of the air intake OFF was pretty hard. Getting it back ON is was the pain in the ass. PRO TIP: bolt the bracket back onto the manifold while you have it off the engine, then you'll be able to reach the bolt to reattach it easier than reaching behind the wires over the top of the manifold. good luck!

[@AJ259000]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I was able to replace mines, without taking the wiper motor section out.

[@puffyelvis5895]

Absolutely awesome video, really appreciate your tips and experience. Going to be tackling this job soon on my wife’s 2009 Highlander. Curious if you think the intake/exhaust plenum gaskets should be replaced. Who gives a down thumb?!?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Puffy Elvis lol thanks for that! No the gaskets are meant to be reused. If you would like to buy new ones you certainly could as they are not expensive.

[@BimmerHausPerformance]

Great video, ty for the info. FYI, I think you light went to junk when that bright white filter came I to view 👍

[@landshass2849]

Toyota dealerships pricing policy is to over exaggerate the labor charge for vehicles over 10 years old and/or over 100 K miles when it comes to emissions jobs because it usually trigger other problems and it's for sure out of warranty or extended warranty. So, they Jack up the price to discourage customers instead of saying " we're not interested in such a job".

[@jjarredondo5548]

Hello there. Great Video. I have the same sienna 2007. I need to replace coil #5. I believe is the back one on the right side behind the throttle body. Can I avoid removing the intake or any of the parts to have acces coil #5? Thx.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

JJ Arredondo If you can see it and think you can get to it by all means. However if I recall, the intake manifold needs to be removed.

[@jjarredondo5548]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair. Thx for your quick response, I really appriciate it. My check engine, track off and svc lights are on. I took it to Autozone and code to replace coil #5 came on. I also goggle and many drivers with the same lights said it was the gas cap. I checked gas cap and seal look damaged. I reaplaced it and lights went away, unfortunately lights came on again after a few days. Yesterday the engine light was flashing for a few seconds but then turned solid again.. Have you run into something like that?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

JJ Arredondo Yes I have seen flashing check engine lights a lot. It means that the engine is misfiring. Catalytic converter damage is happening which is why it’s flashing to tell you to have the car serviced ASAP. As far as the traction control, check engine light, sometimes overdrive lights, this is normal on Lexus and Toyota cars WHEN a check engine light is on. Since those systems rely on many engine sensors and parameters to function, when the check engine light comes on those systems disable.

[@jjarredondo5548]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair . Thx for the info. So I did not drive car for 2 days, but haven't had a chance to do the work since its been raining here and I dont have a car garage. Anyhow I just went to the van and turn on car and there is no check engine light anymore the other lights are gone too. The code that it had was the P0355. Autozone said it was coil 5. I was thinking of switching 5 with 6 and scan for codes again and see if code changes. I was hoping to do the work Saturday. What do you think of lights turning off?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

JJ Arredondo When the light was flashing before was it only during cold starts? Or was it flashing while the van was already warmed up? Cold start misfires are common. I would be leaning towards worn spark plugs at that point. Switching the coil packs is definitely a good way to try and track down a bad coil pack. Switching it to cylinder 6 is also a good idea since it will be easy to change since it is on the front. I would say that if you are going through the trouble to swap that coil pack to go ahead and replace the spark plugs while you’re there.

[@jos5cruzm5l5nd5z]

Great video! I have a 2004 Fwd with 216,000 miles and the spark plugs are past due (checked the front 3 and they are horrible) How much different is this job from the 3. 3 engine ? Thanks again!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

It’s essentially the same process. Just different bolt locations. Mainly the idea is the same (remove the intake manifold) please check my channel as I have a video showing the intake manifold removal on the older Lexus/Toyota V6 when I do the valve cover gaskets.

[@msconnleon]

Great video 👋👏

[@danherrick5785]

Would changing only the front plugs do any good?

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Well they would be new. Changing all 6 is the proper way.

[@danherrick5785]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair I'm just wondering if doing the easy 3 would actually do any good. I suppose your removing 50% of any future problem. 50% is greater than 0%. This is like your example where there are no problems - the van is working just fine - ie. no problems, just wanting to help the future.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

If the van has between 100-120k miles (or more) and the plugs haven’t been done, just do all 6. Trying to justify doing something halfway (aka half ass lol) doesn’t always pan out as we would hope.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

I mean absolutely ZERO disrespect to you. Just FYI.

[@danherrick5785]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair No - I'm just trying to stretch my dollar as far as I can and try to extend my van's life at the samne time...

[@Mahigeer1]

After watching many of similar videos, I noticed that no one doing a compression test, when the plugs are all out.

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Why?

[@creativeexperience6388]

oops i used 35 ft lbs for those intake. i have a extra bolt after putting it back together and have no idea where it came from

[@landshass2849]

24:11 Someone said you don't have to remove the top screw. This is the link for his video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6OunH5-bNmFaJY

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

24:11 I am talking about a electrical connector. Not a bolt. Not sure what you are talking about. Also my video isn’t the end all of videos. I do things as I see fit. I also try to minimize the amount of things I take off or remove. If it isn’t necessary, I don’t touch it.

[@landshass2849]

@@HelpingHandAutoRepair Sorry, I meant 25:42 the bracket that holds the plenum (passenger side) it's easier to remove the the bottom one screwed to the engine not the top one screwed to the plenum, and keep the bracket attached to the plenum.

[@billjones3071]

Who the hell in there right mind would want to do this

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Probably nobody but mechanics have to lol.

[@yaya-pg8ro]

for people who want to save money. You can spend your money how ever you want.

[@zingle1]

Throttle body bolts get 7 ft-lbs torque, NOT 14!!!!

[@holybritches]

Thank you for the detail. Great video!

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

holybritches thanks! You’re very welcome.