Spark plug change labor time

How long does it take to change spark plugs on the 2gr-fks (3.5) Tacoma? I'm not a professional mechanic so time will be a little more than someone who does it all the time.

 

Entire job can be done in an hour. Give it two and a half if it's your first time and you're taking your time

 

I agree. I did it in three without drama.

The hardest thing is getting the stupid clips off and figuring out the best way to gain access to the coil packs.

 

I concur. It took me about an hour with the proper tools. Someone did an excellent write-up here that I followed. It was a pretty easy job.

 

Get a magnetic (not rubber-hold) spark-plug socket on a 24 inch extender. That is reported as making it far easier to hold onto and place/remove the plugs.

 

I let my engine sit overnight so it was cold. Plugs came out and went back in very easy. I found this video helpful when I changed my plugs a couple of years ago. Passenger side is easy access. Driver side is tough to get at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=737qAw6Z0n0

 

The next question is what does a dealer or an independent professional currently charge for changing 6 plugs.

About 15 years ago Toyota wanted $450.00 to change 6 plugs on my 2004 Highlander. However, they were iridium plugs which explains the cost.

 

I was quoted this by a dealer in Maine on December 29th for a service 100K.

• Front and rear differential service cost $329.95
• Transfer case cost $199.95
• Transmission service if it's a standard it would be $229.95 if it an automatic it would be $299.95
• Spark plug service if it's a 6 cylinder would be $635.00

I did the plugs myself. Not hard, but the PITA factor is high.

 

Looks a little tedious but still doable. Looks like multiple steps and R&I but nothing too bad. Are folks checking the gap before installing the new plugs?

In some ways easier than distributor and ignition wires. Sometimes those wires would get stuck on the plugs and break.

 

Self maintenance usually is a PITA. I like the hard work of a steep 10 mile hike but am annoyed by an oil change.

Still. you know the "mouth breather" who completed the work.

 

The plugs are supposed to be gapped already. Bending those posts can damage them, as is reported.

 

On my 1st and 2nd gens, I got in the habit of taking my gauge with me when I picked them up at the dealer parts counter. I recall rejecting at least 2 over the years. Way easier than discovering it when you have the truck apart in the middle of the job...

 

Alldata labor time is 2.5hrs.

 

4.0 not 3.5 but I paid $120 plus parts (I think 6-7 bucks per plug) at a small local shop known for doing good work (Northern CA). Dealers are notoriously high on plug changes.

 

Mods are fun. Maintenace is a PITA.
I do check spark plug gaps prior to install. You never know if they get knocked about in the box. I've seen small engine plugs off (mower) but yet to come across a vehicle one. Doing it at the parts counter is a good idea. I'll have to try and remember that after about 50K more miles.

 

Holy crap…….that’s nuts!

 

These are the Denso plugs I bought from Auto Zone. Looks like the current deal is 20% off your order if you spend $125.

https://www.autozone.com/external-engine/spark-plug/p/denso-iridium-spark-plug-3491/533161_0_0?cmpid=LIA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:SPP:19486091279&&CATARGETID=120054150001289032&CADevice=c&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqIfYvJ2XhAMVLiatBh0TIwQ0EAQYASABEgKw7fD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Just did mine at 59,300 miles on a 2019 off road. Did a quick wash on the engine bay and let it dry out over night in the garage, used compressed air to blow everything out, did one plug at a time, (remove coil, remove plug, install plug, re-install coil), an hour to 90 minutes is enough time to get it done.

Hardest part is getting at the lower support bracket bolts on the driver's side, but they can be accessed with a long extension and 12mm swivel socket from the wheel well. I just loosened those bolts to allow the bracket to swing out of the way. There is a guy with a step by step how to video on youtube called "infosponge".

 

This 100% - made the mistake of getting a plug socket from harbor freight and fought through it with an extendable magnet. Also, make sure you have an extension that actually snaps into your socket so you don't lose the socket down there.

Took me 2 hours to change mine the first time - not too bad just don't expect to rush it.

 

I have t done plugs yet but the rest of those very very easy. The auto transmission was a little unnerving when it came time to put a jumper wire in the obd2 port.