Trying to change spark plugs in Highlander

[FineWynsFJ40]

I got the front 3, no problems there. The rear 3 are tucked up against the firewall, with the intake manifold and other crap in the way

Has anyone changed spark plugs on a Highlander or a 1MZ-FE engine? Any tips? The automotive engineers sure do hate the do-it-yourselfer. Thanks.

 

[ToyotaDon]

I'm not a do-it-yourselfer, but I've done quite a few of those. Depends on what year it is, but some have plug wires and some have coils. Once you get the coils/wires out of the way, the right lengths of extensions with universal joints usually does the trick.

Small hands help, you can also easily pull the PCV hose off for a little more access. There is some room on the other end, near the throttle body, to get a hand or a ratchet in there.

Have fun, HTH.

 

[breathed]

My wife's Avalon has the same engine. The rear three are not easy. I had to approach the spark plug tubes from different sides and feed in the socket and extension first and then connect the ratchet. I did it with a standard ratchet, but I have a stubby one for the next time.