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Toyota Avalon Spark Plugs Replacement Guide
How to change the spark plugs in a 4th generation 2013 to 2017 Toyota Avalon with the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 engine.

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2016 Avalon 3.5L V6 Engine
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Lift Off Engine Cover
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Plastic Cover Removed
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the fourth generation (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & possibly also the updated 2018 model year) Toyota Avalon sedan in checking or changing the spark plugs in the 2GR-FE 3.5 liter V6 engine.

Owners of other Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles such as the Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, Prius, Camry, RAV4, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, Venza, Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, IS 250, IS 200t, IS 300, NX 200t, NX 300h, RX 350, RX 450h, LS 460, LS 600h, ES 350, ES 300h Hybrid, RC F, GS 350, CT 200h, LX 570, GX 460, tC, iA, iM, xB, xD, iQ and FR-S may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The OEM spark plugs in this 2016 Avalon XLE are part number: Denso FK20HR11.

A few other compatible replacement spark plugs with their part numbers are as follows: NGK (6619) LFR6AIX-11, Denso (5344) IKH20, Autolite AP5325, ACDelco 5, Bosch (9615) FR6LII330X and Toyota 90919-01247.

The tools needed to complete this procedure include a 10mm socket, a 1/4" drive ratchet, a 5/8" spark plug socket, a 6" extension bar, a 3/8" drive ratchet and dielectric grease.



 
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3 Front Spark Plugs
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Three Front Ignition Coils
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Ignition Coil Housing
The first two steps are to open the hood and then gently pull off the plastic engine cover.

Set the engine cover aside in a safe place.

The three spark plugs on the front of the engine can easily be accessed with out any additional steps.

If you have access to compressed air or a wet/dry shop vacuum, thoroughly clean off the top of the engine to help prevent from having debris fall down in to the cylinders.

I also recommend only checking or changing one spark plug at a time to further reduce the risk of debris getting in to the engine.

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Press Release Button
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Pull Off Power Plug
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Loosen Counterclockwise
Firmly push down the tab on the ignition coil's electrical connector before sliding it straight off.

Loosen the single bolt that holds the ignition coil assembly to the top of the engine by turning it counterclockwise with a 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench.

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Spin Out 10mm Bolt
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Rotate Back & Forth
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Lift Ignition Coil
Spin out the 10mm bolt and set it aside in a safe place.

Rotate the ignition coil back and forth a few times to make sure that the rubber boot at the bottom is not stuck or "frozen" to the top of the old spark plug.

Lift the ignition coil out of the spark plug well and set it aside in a safe place.

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3/8" Ratchet & Extension Bar
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Spark Plug Well
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5/8" Spark Plug Socket
Attach the 5/8" spark plug socket to the 6" extension bar and the 3/8" drive ratchet.

If you have a short spark plug socket, you may need an additional extension bar to reach the spark plugs.

I like to wrap a bit of painter's tape around the spark plug socket to make sure it stays attached to the extension bar. This will help prevent the spark plug socket from popping off and falling down in to the well.

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Loosen Counterclockwise
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Spin Out Counterclockwise
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Lift Out Old Spark Plug

Lower the socket in to the well and push it on to the top of the old spark plug.

Carefully loosen the old spark plug by rotating it counterclockwise.

Try to avoid using excessive force to loosen the old spark plug to prevent from cracking the ceramic portion of the plug.

If you have trouble loosening the old spark plug, spray a small amount of penetrating oil such as PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench or Kano Kroil and wait at least 15 to 30 minutes before trying to loosen it again. If you don't have any penetrating oil, try spraying some WD-40 or warm up the engine for about 10-15 minutes to expand the metal engine block.

Once the old spark plug is loose, detach the ratchet from the extension bar and spin it out the rest of the way by hand.

Lift the old spark plug out of the well and detach it from the socket.



 
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Denso FK20HR-11
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Spin In New Spark Plug
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Tighten Clockwise

Inspect both ends of the old spark plug.

If the electrode end of the old spark plug looks ashy white, the plugs may have been exposed to high temperatures such as overheating or they could be the incorrect heat range for your driving conditions or local climate.

On the other hand, if the old spark plug is dark grey or coated in black soot, the engine might be burning oil and should be examined by a professional mechanic.

An optional step is to apply some anti-seize lubricant grease to the threads on the new spark plug. Most spark plug manufacturers recommend that you should not use anti-seize since it can lead to over tightening.

I recommend buying the OEM iridium tipped spark plugs which are the Denso FK20HR11 or FK20HR-11.

If you have a spark plug gap gauge, verify that the gap on the new spark plugs match the manufacturer's specifications on the box.

Push the new spark plug in to the socket and lower it in the well.

Spin in the new spark plug by hand in the clockwise direction until it makes contact with the cylinder block. Tightening the spark plug by hand will help prevent it from becoming cross threaded.

Attach the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench to the 6" extension bar and continue tightening the new spark plug in the clockwise direction.

If you are re-installing the old spark plug, just tighten it to a small fraction of a turn past hand tight.

If you are installing a new spark plug, tighten it to just past the point when you feel the new crush washer collapse.

Do not over tighten the spark plug to prevent from cracking the ceramic body or stripping the aluminum threads.

(If you used anti-seize grease lubricant, be very careful to not over tighten the spark plug.)

Double check that the new spark plug is tight before moving on to the next steps.

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Apply Dielectric Grease
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Lower In Ignition Coil
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Spin In 10mm Bolt
Apply some dielectric grease to the opening in the rubber dust boot at the bottom of the ignition coil.

The dielectric grease will help keep out any moisture or debris and ensure a reliable electrical connection.

Lower the ignition coil down in to the spark plug well.

Spin in the 10mm bolt a few turns by hand in the clockwise directions to prevent it from becoming cross threaded.

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Tighten 10mm Clockwise
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Push On Power Plug
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Rear Left of Engine
Continue tightening the ignition coil bolt in the clockwise direction with the 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet until it is snug.

Try to avoid over tightening the bolt to prevent from cracking the plastic ignition coil housing.

Push the electrical connector on to the ignition coil until it clicks securely in to place.

The three other spark plugs on the back side of the engine are a little more difficult to access.

Once you are familiar with the procedure on the front three spark plugs, the rear three may be done by feel with out removing any other components. It helps to have long arms and a collection of extension bars and universal swivel joints.

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Rear Three Spark Plugs
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Plastic Cowl By Windshield
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10mm Bolts - Right
Although changing the rear three spark plugs can be a lot easier if you remove the plastic cowl located just below the windshield. There are small plastic panels on each side, three 10mm bolts on each side, the two windshield wiper arms and the windshield wiper motor assemblies. Removing the intake manifold is another optional step for even easier access.
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10mm Bolts - Left Side
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Wiper Blade Arm Cap
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Pull Off Plastic Cover
To access the wiper arm bolts, pry off the black plastic cap.
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Back Three Spark Plugs
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Rear Ignition Coils
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Replace Engine Cover
Lower the plastic engine cover back in to place and push on it to secure the friction fasteners.

Start the engine and listen for any strange sounds that might indicate a problem such as a loose spark plug or a disconnected ignition coil electrical connector.

Be sure to record the spark plug change in your vehicle's service records.

For more, check out all of my Toyota Avalon DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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