2004-2006 Toyota Sienna Spark Plug (How To) DIY Replacement

[@MrWastingmytime59]

Thanks for the helpful video, successfully completed the job this weekend. Another tip: Car was misfiring badly when I put back together, and was afraid I was going to have to pull it back apart to find what I did wrong or missed. Turns out I had to reconnect the wiper harnesses. I discovered on another site that the fuel pump resistor is part of the wiring harness that went to the wiper motor. I temporarily plugged those two in and BINGO, everything is running smoothly! I don't recall that being mentioned when you suggested leaving the cowl off when starting the car. Regardless, all's well that end's well, I didn't have to pull it apart to search for a phantom issue. I also took your suggestion and purchased a set of swivel-head combination ratchets to get those back three screws out. I can't imagine doing it without them. Thanks!

[@voytekw7159]

Great video! Thank you! It helped me to replace spark plugs on my 2004 Toyota Sienna. I would add that removal of the third bolt behind intake manifold on the left with 14 mm head is tricky. The problem is that there is a pipe exactly behind the bolt (really bad design) which prevents the bolt from removal. Before the bolt removal I recommend loosening 10 mm nut which is slightly to the right of the bolt. That nut is a part of the hose support. The easiest way to do it is to use closed end wrench placed horizontally on the right of the nut. Loosen it to the end of the stud the nut is on. Do not remove it. This way the pipe can be moved out and provides space for the 14 mm bolt removal.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Thanks for the tip 👍

[@MuddyAzian]

Thanks for this video. voytekw7159 thanks for the 10 mm nut suggestion. That's what worked for me. Initially, I didn't think I'd have enough room to loosen the 10 mm, but once I tried, there was plenty of room with a 10 mm normal socket plus a small 1/4" breaker bar. Loosening that 10 mm allowed enough wiggle room to slip a flexible head ratcheting wrench on the 14 mm bolt. After that, it was straightforward to remove the 14 mm bolt.

[@douglasnicholls1366]

Great video! Did convince me it was a good idea to pay the local guy to do it, mostly because of all the bits and how long they've been where they are. I got as far as pulling off the cover and looking where the back side is hidden and although I could definitely do it, probably not in my timeline. Thanks!

[@jasoncoopersmith]

Thank you for this video. Your humble attitude makes this so much easier to watch than other auto videos. I now feel more confident to tackle those back spark plugs!

[@memphis03]

Very thorough, articulate, and professional!

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Thanks Memphis!

[@3613jeremy]

DIELECTRIC GREASE will be your best friend and a must use on all electrical connections helps keep moisture out and makes connections easier to work with

[@bobr2959]

Good advice.

[@jms4406]

Dude I did the job today thanks for the direction...it was a bitch getting that bolt off the back and annoying getting the coil out on number 5, but I only broke 2 brittle hoses and didnt drop any tools or bolts back there..my vans running. Victory

[@rickycowan6969]

Makes me want an old Chevy with a straight six😉

[@bobr2959]

Now your talking!

[@davidlarrimore9718]

Awesome instructions! Thank you for doing this video. Looking to replace the knock sensors, but this is going to be the hardest part.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Thanks David! Glad this video was helpful 👍

[@brandonnelson5021]

I just had these sensors replaced today: 1,600.00 with new upper intake gaskets. Ouch!

[@jeffhagerman2905]

@@brandonnelson5021 You had all 6 coils replaced (plus spark plugs)?

[@noelpercy1601]

This has helped me be confident in engaging the back spark plugs.. I really appreciate.

[@myhobbyguitar4117]

Thank you so much for a great demo & detail instructions....You make it look so easy....

[@alansobery1089]

You're the boss! Great video really helped me tackle this, and gave me a great appreciation of your ability, humbling to know how long it took me with similar tools, but finally did get it done. Replaced the PVC valve too since it was under the intake manifold. Careful with those wires that go into the windshield when replacing the metal support under the cowl for the wiper area.

[@harryagapidis5249]

That's the easy way? Wow! Thanks Toyota for making a necessary task a 400 dollar affair.

[@JMunn55]

every minivan is like this. some you have to disconnect motor mounts to gain clearance too

[@chrispyfer7721]

Be sure to include the name of your mechanic who is doing this for $400

[@amirabelardo8203]

@@chrispyfer7721 how much is it usually .just curious .honest question

[@dpz9872]

$470 with Toyota genuine parts and new wires was my written estimate. Looks like I'll be paying it.

[@joshamrine6333]

Try $600 at the dealership

[@zachswy]

Thanks to you, I'm going to knock out this project and the timing belt all in one go. Also the knock sensors, which are under the intake manifold, so thanks for making such awesome tutorials! Saving me a full grand pretty easily!

[@avanTgarde213]

Hi Robert, thanks for making this video. I would have liked to see the actual removal and insertion of the spark plugs (never done that) but I think this was the most obvious part of the process and that’s why you increased the speed past that step. I know it seems brainless from a mechanic’s POV but for someone who has never done this, could be helpful to slow down the or original edit or add to the end of the video.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Glad this video was helpful. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂

[@Putinxuyloruzzkieuebani]

Awesome video! Thanks again!

[@adriangale]

Thank you. Very helpful!

[@mothannasaleh8941]

Good job buddy you saved me $500 hundred bucks 👍

[@locnguyen8664]

Remove the 3 bolts at the back ( two are M12 and one is M14 ) may be difficult for some people and time consuming. So what I did was got underneath the van and remove those bolts at the bottom end where those bolts were mounted to the engine. Try it , will save you alot time

[@TwentyTwoThirtyThree]

What 3 bolts? There are literally volts everywhere

[@KNACPUREROCK]

Dat was awesome !!! Very detail video, I really appreciate the time and effort that you put into this video!!!!

[@kwamelee1539]

Excellent dyi demo! Thank you for sharing.

[@dpz9872]

My mechanic quoted me $470 for a tune-up and spark wire replacement using Toyota genuine parts. I wondered why so much when he's always seemed to give me a great deal. Now I know why and yes I'll be paying him his fair price. Happy to have been told it's 80,000 miles until the next one. Ouch Toyota you last forever but your no cheap date. 😂

[@sissyriki]

The word awesome has totally lost it's meaning. That said Robert comes close. Easily one of the finer DIY auto instructionals I have seen.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Hey Riki, thanks man! Glad this video was helpful 👊

[@condor5635]

Great job!

[@cgrscott]

I was wrong to commit to this job by purchasing the the six replacement spark plugs and six replacement ignition coils. This is too much work. This is not at all like changing the spark plugs and ignition coils on my daughter's 2002 Camry LE 2.4 liter four cylinder engine. I'm going to pay my independent mechanic to do this job. He is very cooperative and he will use the Toyota Spark Plugs and Denso Ignition coils that I have already purchased. Thanks for the walk through. You are obviously a skilled mechanic and I can see that this job is for a skilled mechanic.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

I'm glad you have someone you can depend on to help you with this job.

[@brandonnelson5021]

This was a humbling experience

[@madcowusa4277]

Last time I had these changed the mechanic stated that he had to loosen the engine mounts and rotate the engine for access. I wanted to see if this was really necessary as plugs are due again and labor is through the roof nowadays. Still a terrible design - remove wipers and structural bracing to change spark plugs? Brilliant! Good video however. Contemplating doing it myself. (2006 Sienna with 240,000 miles)

[@giro994]

Thanks for the video! To me it made more sense to take off the cowl and wipers before taking apart other things. Loosening the 10mm nut next to the 14mm bolt behind the air intake, that @voytekw7159 mentioned, was huge! On a similar engine The Car Care Nut took out the 2 studs holding the air intake. I took out one, using a 5.5mm socket, but the other wouldn't come out. Everything went smoothly. The front clip retainers broke, but seem solid. A Ford truck had electrical tape on them, so I might try that. And I couldn't get the back middle bolt on "Surge Tank Stay #1". Looks like there is plenty of support. It's amazing that the original spark plugs lasted for 185k! But after first replacing the gas cap and air filter, hopefully this fixes the P0333 engine code that has occasionally popped up in the last month.

[@meadow9165]

Great video. Thank you very much!

[@stevetran8231]

Thank you for the instruction

[@bhadz100]

I can’t fit a box wrench at the back of the manifold, the power steering line is hitting it

[@ronnieknowles1318]

This video is the honest among others It did mention the 3 bolts behind the air intake. These 3 bolts presented the biggest trouble cause I had to lie on the top of the engine to remove them

[@Ionlyexistpardner.]

Mine has 220K miles. Checked three original plugs in the front and still looks like new. Recently replaced the original timing belt at 200k and still looks good. Highway miles makes a lot of difference. All four wheel bearing have failed though.

[@marcushaynes1051]

13:00 in is "how to stay happily married" 🤣🤣

[@jms4406]

If I disconnect the coolant hoses is there something I need to do to purge it of air after I reconnect everything?

[@ilovear15]

Should cover the intake holes while doing the spark plugs so nothing will fall in the intake, which could mean disaster.

[@ajmach54j84]

Thank you Robert. Your video gave me the courage to attack this. Really just a afternoon job. Just go slow enjoy a beer and have a good time with it. Nothing but a thing my friend would say. The power 3/8 rachet wrench really makes it easy though with all those bolts. I invested from harbor freight and will make all my job a little easier from here on out . Thank you again Robert !!!

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Thanks AJ, glad this video was helpful! Yep, power tools are awesome! I've had my electric ratchet for years, it's one of my most used tools.

[@jtom8888]

@@ValleyMobileAutomotive Thank you for the video. Is the power racket more convenient & compact than using an impact driver?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@jtom8888 I think for this repair an impact driver will work just fine. It's hard to control the torque when tightening with an impact so just be careful not to over tighten 👍

[@rfsf207]

Thanks for video.

[@Brownmahfun]

Thank You for this.😊

[@Speckled_Butterfly7206]

So then how much does this process normally take time wise & tend to cost, out of curiosity? And would it be preemptive to go ahead and change the coils too?

[@ousseynousarr]

Good job 👍

[@williamhorsley3821]

Where in this video, does it show taking out and putting in the back 3 spark plugs??

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@williamhorsley3821 after the intake manifold is removed the back three plugs are the same as the front three. I think I time lapsed the actual changing of the plugs to save time but I show how to remove the manifold 👍

[@Vacia_323]

You don’t have to take the manifold off completely. Just loosen the bolts then pry it up and shove a wood block or something else to hold it up and then you can get your hand through

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@Vacia_323 Thanks for the tip 👍

[@joeblow1942]

1) 0:20 Remove cover. 5mm Allen wrench. 2) 0:45 Pry off connectors with a little pick. They are brittle. 3) 1:06 Remove front 3 plugs with 10mm. 4) 2:01. He puts silicone paste on the tip of the coils before reinstalling. 5) 2:26 Access back three plugs: Stsrt with air box to the right and move to the left. The back three look like hell.

[@lylejohnston4125]

Thank you toyota.

[@nedstarks4142]

I'm going to hate this. Thanks for the video.

[@rtcar6990]

What’s ur guess on torque for plenum ? The metal manifold is 11 pounds so guess I’ll go 9 pounds on the plastic plenum. Ie like u said use best judgment

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

9 foot pounds I think would be a good number 👍

[@derek7078]

Good job 👍

[@joseveloz6827]

Ty for the video.. great job..👍

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

You're welcome! 👍

[@harryagapidis5249]

Robert, in your opinion what else would you do while you're back there? (best value for money). would you replace hoses ? Any other electrical components that would make sense (they cost ~$10-20 for example but they are right there and if they fail you need to do this whole job again)

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Good question. I always recommend OE spark plugs. If you decide to change the coils, again I would recommend Toyota coils. But they are pretty stout to begin with so it's probably not necessary. The intake gasket can be replaced since you're there. And if your valve cover gasket has some "seepage" it's not much more to pull the valve cover off to get that changed. That's about all I can think of off hand.

[@twsd]

That is an excellent question.

[@MrWastingmytime59]

@@ValleyMobileAutomotive I found OEM Denso coils are half price on Amazon vs. local dealers.

[@gregalfrey3606]

Is the knock sensor right there and a benefit of changing? I have had a knock sensor engine codes several times but i just keep erasing it. Never affects engine smoothness either. Code comes on once every 6-12 months.

[@perez-gaara]

@Greg alfrey definitely change it knock sensor help engine use 87 fuel better without it, minor retarded timing Engines with a knock sensor can reduce fuel consumption and increase torque.

[@allenfsanchez9572]

whats the longest mileage you can get away before having to change the plugs? I have 102k on my 09 sienna, runs great, just wondering, sounds like a nightmare job

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Hey Allen, the manufacturer recommends every 100k. A few thousand over probably won't hurt anything but I wouldn't push it too far out. If the spark plug gap gets too large it puts stress on the ignition coil. It also helps you keep track of when things were done, 100k is an easy number to remember. And you don't need to change them again until you hit 200k. That being said I would recommend using the brand the manufacturer uses. You can still get them from the local auto parts store.

[@ajmach54j84]

@@ValleyMobileAutomotive I got 190K out of mine.... amazing.... These Van run forever.... Mine runs like the day new now after coil and plug replacement. I did all six and intake gasket. I hope to get another 100K out of it before I do again. No oil drips, A/C works great. Just a amazing work and family vehicle.

[@edgarestrada6347]

Well 140k. Ok but I got to do it average milage 16.6 per gallon hope once done will do better.

[@MrWastingmytime59]

Plugs aren't the limiting factor, it's really the coils. They start failing around 175k. Two of the front ones went out first and are the easy ones to get two. I've opted to replace the remaining four plus all six plugs now when I have time, vs. being on the road somewhere and needing to pay someone to doing for me.

[@3613jeremy]

My dad's 2009 sienna has had cylinder 3 coil pack go bad 4 time over the last 2 years and cylinder 5 coil pack go bad 3 times in the last 2 years any thoughts on areas I should investigate supposedly he's not having any oil leaks but I'm not sure but I plan on investigating the connections, oil leaks and I'm gonna try to follow the wires for possible grounding issues

[@kokoyworld3199]

How long did it takes? Thank you for doing this looks a lot easier on your video than others.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Thanks Jake! It's not a bad job, I'd plan on 3 hours but it may not take that long. Depending on tools and skill level. I love my electric ratchet! Saves the old wrist and a lot of time.

[@laistephen754]

My mechanic didn't have to remove the intake manifold to change my 2007 sienna . I saw him while he just put his hands into the crack to remove coils and spark plugs. But he did remove the cowl though.

[@Aces77777]

It's actually much more difficult than it looks, the worst part is after removing everything and can't put it back

[@deannbradford7763]

Hello, Can I hire you to replace the spark plugs in my 2004 Sienna?

[@donkeykong1234]

good lord, that's a lot of work for spark plugs

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Rear 3 spark plugs pita to get at

[@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 .

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Let us know how it goes 👍

[@TwentyTwoThirtyThree]

How did it go? Im doing a lot of maintenance on my van, and want to do plugs, I'm just a bit strapped for time. So any tip helps.

[@levicallis459]

Haven't tried it yet , been pretty busy . Maybe this weekend . Worse comes to worse , I'm positive you can just remove the throttle body for the right side one

[@quietknight0006]

That's how I did it, but I could imagine this not being possible for mechanics with meatier hands.

[@billysun1059]

hello, what's 18 foot pounds, how to manage that?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Good question. You can use a torque wrench. Digital torque wrenches will beep when it gets to the torque you set it at and mechanical torque wrenches will click when you reach the set torque.

[@mamothcar1]

The easy way...haha But thanks the video helps out! Do you get to the knock sensors the same way? Aren't they located near the spark plugs in the rear?

[@HiMattHigh]

The knock sensors are under the lower intake manifold. He removed just the upper intake manifold to get to the plugs. Same basic process but a few more steps taking out the lower section.

[@bobmalmuth7710]

Are you in LA (San Fernando 'Valley') area? I need your help with the same problem.

[@OPETHDIVINITY]

I appreciate the informative video, but my brother, who is the family mechanic, said to be careful, 1 at a time, and do them right or the car wont start, you did all at once it seemed...

[@cisco00079]

Im trying to find the oem spark plugs for my 06 . O google but it gives me difrent choices. Some say ngk or denso

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Yes. Denso or NGK are what you want. I believe Denso is the original OEM manufacturer.

[@greghoggard102]

Sorry if I missed this question, but I am doing the same thing with my 2008 Sienna but just getting the front 3 plugs and replacing one coil for now and will get the back plugs in a couple weeks when I am off. I also had the one of the clips for the connector to the coil break off so what did you do to fix it?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

I haven't run into any issues with just plugging it back in. The weather seal has enough friction to hold it in place. The wires aren't flexing or being disturbed while driving so there is no reason they would work themselves loose. I have worked on some vehicles where they used zip ties to hold the connector to the coil.

[@bobr2959]

Good advice. I used the zip tie method on the front three plugs and it works. Buy some really small ones though.@@ValleyMobileAutomotive

[@user-vw1uc5wj4v]

How much does the job cost ?

[@c19rebelmax52]

Robert- How long it takes to do that job, thanks

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

About 3-4 hours ish

[@c19rebelmax52]

@@ValleyMobileAutomotive -A lot of time.thanks for your reply.

[@GargantuanTentacle]

What torque did you use for the ignition coil itself?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Just snug. If I had to guess I'd say around 89-109 inch pounds

[@GargantuanTentacle]

@@ValleyMobileAutomotive thanks for the info!

[@keendeesjarlais3636]

how many kilometres do a new set last?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

100k miles or about 160k kilometers 👍

[@thomasbrandt8265]

I just bought a 2004 Sienna mini van and what a joke how much stuff you have to remove for 4 spark plugs !

[@honuswagner9348]

3 spark plugs ;-)

[@Luisgarcia-kv3rl]

18:03 how log did you take to do the job?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

If this is your first time doing this I would plan on about 3hrs. Depending on your experience working on cars.

[@yangchangjiang]

Whoever designed this car should be put in jail.

[@frankleach2557]

I was told that I need to change my front fuel injectors.

[@frankleach2557]

So should i change change the spark plugs and the coil pack 2 what's your opinion

[@glorygiftsglory2771]

do you have to gap the plugs?

[@ajmach54j84]

They should come pregapped. But, double check it isn't unusual for plug to get changed during shippine. Mine had collars on them to protect electrode. Good quality plugs take that extra packaging step to insure plug gap protection during shipping.

[@jazzlynnwilliams4338]

Is number six in the front or back?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

The front and closest to the driver side. Should be easy to get to 👍 Just for reference the front has cylinders 2,4,6 and the back has 1,3,5.

[@chrisb8776]

so you dont have to replace the wires with the spark plugs at the same time?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

No wires to replace 👍. The ignition coils don't have service intervals. You change them when they fail. That said Toyota coils tend to last a very long time. If you do decide to change your coils I would stick with OEM and avoid crazy good deals on eBay.

[@chrisb8776]

@@ValleyMobileAutomotive how no wires where from are the ignition coils getting electricity?

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

@@chrisb8776 the ignition coils are on top of the spark plug directly. Each plug has it's own coil. The coils are powered by a shared power wire in the wiring harness with individual ground wires (also in the harness) controlled by the engine computer. There are a couple other wires going to each coil as well but all are part of the vehicles wiring harness not a maintenance item that gets replaced.

[@chrisb8776]

@@ValleyMobileAutomotive you have proven to me that you are a highly qualified professional in your field because you have explained it in such a way that I cannot but understand it thank you so much

[@rtathamofnn169]

Coils

[@cathyschoolmeester2559]

How much should this cost approximately? I had a place quote me $1500.00 and that seemed high to me!!

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Hey Kathy, The labor time is 3.5 hours so multiply that by the shops rate. Depending on where you live, here in the states, this can be upwards of $150 per hour. Plus $150 for plugs (that's the high end) should put you in the high side ballpark of $675 (usually less). Either they are seriously ripping you off or they are doing more than just spark plugs. Like coils and valve cover gaskets. Then I can see the price jumping up over $1,000.

[@cathyschoolmeester2559]

Thank you. I live in Northern VA, but am going to get 3 estimates.

[@amirabelardo8203]

@@cathyschoolmeester2559 how much u ended up paying?

[@joegotyoutuification]

This is a another reason I’ve ordered the Tesla!

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Haha, one day soon spark plugs will be a thing of the past.

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

I love Toyota but the Seinna engine seems like a terrible design

[@jimtoohey7242]

Had a freestar spent 500 to replace cam parts and turned out it was a burnt plug...

[@Joshua2161]

I watched the whole video waiting for the easy part😂

[@medomedo-rq6og]

Why Toyota make it so complicated

[@eyeonart6865]

My plugs are stuck

[@johna.a.9829]

Way too many steps were omitted. The placement of a rag. The specific description of the cylinders. A few houses - how many hoses? A few wires - how many wires?

[@stevenhoracius8218]

You are the only one complaining about that while everyone else got it....

[@jeffskribner2762]

Ridiculous, great job but I’ll call these back 3 my “nuclear plugs!”

[@greenbudkelly2820]

That’s pretty lousy workmanship. Start at the top for a couple reasons. Removing the cowling first makes it easier for the rest of the removal. And cracking the manifold with significant work to do up above is asking for trouble. Disconnecting the coolant hoses at the throttle body is creating the need to bleed the engine which is a nuisance.

[@nelsonsiwady9415]

You kept insisting on how not hard it is yet you do realize you disconnected several hoses and bolts right? People get confused when they have to put two different screws back in, imagine this.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Ha I guess difficulty is relative 🤪.

[@honuswagner9348]

Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that half are dumber than that -George Carlin.

[@claytonpollock8524]

I just spent 3 hours taking apart my car to watch this video and see i didnt have to do fucking ANY of it

[@528freq8]

Not that bad!!!? that's a ridiculous amount of work to get your fucking spark plugs!!!

[@KSBC6499]

Whats the hard way?!?!

[@sadboiz4lyfe]

Can't see what you're doing, a headcam or an assistant holding the camera would be nice.

[@ValleyMobileAutomotive]

Thanks for the suggestion 👍

[@Archangel-px8fz]

4 hours to do this bs

[@bruceirvine3962]

Uh, just change the front three and call it a day! Stupid design.

[@levicallis459]

Toyota did a horrendous job design this car . 3 engine mounts to do a control arm , remove manifold to get to sparks . My poor mother , got screwed buying this. Toyota engineers : how can we get payback for ww2? Hmm , make a sienna with access to absolutely nothing , and add unnecessary brackets

[@josetorrejon3485]

Hey Robert do you be able to work in my 2004 Sienna??? Where is your location??? Needs timing belt, plugs

[@computergeeksrepair]

hell no not easy

[@FastEddy5]

This is like making a video on how to pump gas. This is not that difficult!