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How to Change Spark Plugs

Romp-A-Taco

6️⃣ Aficionado
Tacoma3G Supporter
Tacoma3G O.G.
Hey guys, I hit 60k recently and wanted to get the spark plugs done. It was pretty expensive at the dealer, so I decided to do them my self. There were a couple youtube videos that were semi helpful, but I figured I’d document something a little better here.

To start, you will need the right spark plugs. I like to use the exact OEM that ships with the truck. In this case it’s the Denso FK20HBR8 Spark Plugs.

I used some dielectric grease and a bit of anti seize grease on the threads of the plugs.

Tools needed: a good socket set with long shaft attachments I had to connect multiple together. The passenger side is easier to get to than the driver side. You will need a spark plug socket to safely remove your spark plugs.

Disconnect your battery for safety!

First up, the passenger side. It makes it way easier to remove the intake. Disconnect the hose attached to the intake and unclip the wire harnesses and you will be able to move the intake out of the the way.

0CA046DD-6291-47BA-A9AF-8FCA847FC9C8.jpeg


Next locate the three spark plug boots. You will remove the clips to disconnect the wires from them and then remove the screw on each one. You may need to remove some wire mounts to make things easier. You will be able to pull the boots straight out. Now your spark plugs will be exposed.

828B4504-94D1-46EC-AEE2-6A3516219E2A.jpeg

C7C34CB4-4900-4B4A-A1B0-9C2A30F542B7.jpeg


Use a spark plug socket to remove the plugs.

0C0718B3-16E1-4DD4-99E9-A862375C21B5.jpeg


You can now put the new ones in and assemble the wires. I torqued mine to the denso spec which is found on the side of the box. Hand tight then give it a half turn snug. I found some specs online at 12 -15 ft lbs, which I have not confirmed. but I did the the hand tight method and all seems good after a couple hundred miles.

Move on to the drivers side. This is where it gets a bit more difficult. There are two brackets/mounts that hold the intake assembly in place. You will need to remove the top bolts and the just loosen the bottom ones. This will allow you to move them out of the way and get to the boots. Disconnect the needed wires. I also needed to move hoses from their brackets to move them out of the way. I disconnected a small hose under the intake

48ECF4E9-6A71-470D-8C0F-516C8F340653.jpeg


1E656740-FB88-4543-99F3-F91FAB7943B7.jpeg


730C7796-140F-4165-B824-AFBE0E45EE59.jpeg


this foam piece is in the way. You will need to unbolt it to remove it.

F196574D-9784-4574-BA01-B108DB6C4136.jpeg


putting in the new plugs!

B7024D29-2FDB-401C-AEB8-8D9FD934336D.jpeg


1A55AECA-7EBF-4D10-A75D-353CDA760AD2.jpeg


Just follow the steps in reverse to get everything back together. Double check all your connections and give it a go.

- mobile post. Hopefully no bad typos!
 
Last edited:
Hey guys, I hit 60k recently and wanted to get the spark plugs done. It was pretty expensive at the dealer, so I decided to do them my self. There were a couple youtube videos that were semi helpful, but I figured I’d document something a little better here.

To start, you will need the right spark plugs. I like to use the exact OEM that ships with the truck. In this case it’s the Denso FK20HBR8 Spark Plugs.

I used some dielectric grease and a bit of

Tools needed: a good socket set with long shaft attachments. The passenger side is easier to get to than the driver side. You will need a spark plug socket to safely remove your spark plugs.
Disconnect your battery for safety!

First up, the passenger side. It’s makes it way easier to remover the intake. Disconnect the hose attached to it and unclip some wire harnesses and you will be able to move it out of the the way.

View attachment 20838


Next locate the three spark plug boots. You will remove the clips to disconnect the wires from them and then remove the screw on each one. You may need to remove some wire mounts to makes things easier. You will be able to pull the straight out. Now your spark plugs will be exposed.

View attachment 20839
View attachment 20842


Use a spark plug socket to remove the plugs.

View attachment 20844

You can now put the new ones in and assemble the wires I torqued mine to the denso spec which is found on the side of the box. Hand tight then give it a half turn snug. I found some specs online at 12 -15 ft lbs.but I did the the hand tight method...

Move on to the drivers side. This is where it gets a bit more difficult. There are two brackets/mounts that hold the intake assembly in place. You will need to remove the top bolts and the just loosen the bottom ones. This will allow you to move them out of the way and get to the boots. Disconnect the needed wires. I also needed to move hoses from their brackets to move them out of the way. I disconnected a small hose under the intake

View attachment 20845

View attachment 20847

View attachment 20848

View attachment 20849

putting in the new plugs!

View attachment 20850

View attachment 20851


Just follow the steps in reverse to get everything back together. Double check all your connections and give it a go.

- mobile post. Hopefully no bad typos!

Instructions unclear, d*** stuck in ceiling fan!!

Jk, good write up! Ill be doing this in 30k for sure.
 
Upvote 0
I'm in the same boat as you, dealer quoted me 872$ to do the plugs!!!! I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD sport it's the V6 3.5L, I'm wondering are the steps you described here similar to what I should follow, I didn't see a year or what Tacoma you were working on
 
Upvote 0
In the 3 cars that I have "owned", I've been fortunate to have always driven new cars and avoided having to do any major maintenance work at higher mileages. The cars had always been traded in before hitting any big milestone mileages. Also, growing up, my dad always just took the family cars to the dealership scouring for coupons or finding local mechanics he trusted to do any work at a cheaper rate.

TIL there is more than one spark plug.
 
Upvote 0
I'm in the same boat as you, dealer quoted me 872$ to do the plugs!!!! I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD sport it's the V6 3.5L, I'm wondering are the steps you described here similar to what I should follow, I didn't see a year or what Tacoma you were working on
Mines a 2017 off-road. But the steps should be the same for you.
 
Upvote 0
What does foam piece really do, and do you really need it?
Not sure, just by looking at where it is, I guess it protects the no 6 coil from that brace that runs next to it. Anyway, I went to the dealership and was able to get some replacement bolts for that piece and was able to finish the tune up.
 
Upvote 0
What does foam piece really do, and do you really need it?
Not sure, just by looking at where it is, I guess it protects the no 6 coil from that brace that runs next to it. Anyway, I went to the dealership and was able to get some replacement bolts for that piece and was able to finish the tune up.
 
Upvote 0
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