Changing Out SparkPlugs and Ignition Coils '99 ES300
03-08-18, 01:38 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
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Changing Out SparkPlugs and Ignition Coils '99 ES300
I had a flashing check engine light in my 1999 ES300 (254,000 miles on it). This was scary for me because the car was shaking and I had never seen the check engine light flashing before. I took it to the shop and it was a misfiring at the number 2 cylinder. They changed the spark plug and ignition coil and charged me $177 for that service. My first question: Is that a fair price?
Second question: Since I already had one ignition coil fail, should I just go ahead and change out all the spark plugs and ignition coils? The mechanic told me he has to remove the intake manifold to access the back three plugs but I have watched Youtube videos where people change the back three plugs without removing anything.
Thanks in advance.
Second question: Since I already had one ignition coil fail, should I just go ahead and change out all the spark plugs and ignition coils? The mechanic told me he has to remove the intake manifold to access the back three plugs but I have watched Youtube videos where people change the back three plugs without removing anything.
Thanks in advance.
03-08-18, 01:44 PM
#2
I had a flashing check engine light in my 1999 ES300 (254,000 miles on it). This was scary for me because the car was shaking and I had never seen the check engine light flashing before. I took it to the shop and it was a misfiring at the number 2 cylinder. They changed the spark plug and ignition coil and charged me $177 for that service. My first question: Is that a fair price?
Second question: Since I already had one ignition coil fail, should I just go ahead and change out all the spark plugs and ignition coils? The mechanic told me he has to remove the intake manifold to access the back three plugs but I have watched Youtube videos where people change the back three plugs without removing anything.
Thanks in advance.
Second question: Since I already had one ignition coil fail, should I just go ahead and change out all the spark plugs and ignition coils? The mechanic told me he has to remove the intake manifold to access the back three plugs but I have watched Youtube videos where people change the back three plugs without removing anything.
Thanks in advance.
I personally wouldn't change your coils unless you're seeing symptoms. You can change your spark plugs and coils, all 6, without removing the manifold, it's just a tight fit for bank 1. I've done it before. Some say you need special tools, I didn't, unless you consider a magnetic spark plug socket special.
Last edited by crwys; 03-08-18 at 02:41 PM.
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NikS (03-08-18)
03-09-18, 01:47 PM
#4
Pole Position
IME, there's no real clear life in age or miles as to when the coil fails and it doesn't pay much to change them in advance.
What I do is buy three or so from a wreck (junkyard or ebay) and always keep a spare in the trunk. They are cheap this way, you have one on hand, and don't have to buy in a hurry. This has paid off for me over time with few different vehicles.
I certainly could not get the rear coils out of my 2002 with the intake, maybe #1 but that's it. I didn't think the intakes were that much different (they are somewhat different), but perhaps they are. If you have high mileage, and you can get some OE coils off a KNOWN low-mile vehicle, which may be difficult at this point, it could be a good idea to replace the rear three when you do the plugs. Then you can stash those three as spares.
What I do is buy three or so from a wreck (junkyard or ebay) and always keep a spare in the trunk. They are cheap this way, you have one on hand, and don't have to buy in a hurry. This has paid off for me over time with few different vehicles.
I certainly could not get the rear coils out of my 2002 with the intake, maybe #1 but that's it. I didn't think the intakes were that much different (they are somewhat different), but perhaps they are. If you have high mileage, and you can get some OE coils off a KNOWN low-mile vehicle, which may be difficult at this point, it could be a good idea to replace the rear three when you do the plugs. Then you can stash those three as spares.
Last edited by Oro; 03-09-18 at 05:50 PM.
03-09-18, 03:37 PM
#5
If you are going to change the coils yourself, you should get an OPD II reader. That way you can tell where the misfire is coming from without going to the dealer. These days you can get a OPD II reader cheap.
I know on my 99, the #1 coil comes out fairly easily but I'm skeptical I could get #3 and #5 out without taking off the manifold. Of course, because 2, 4, and 6 are on the Left (front) bank they are super easy to swap.
I have a spare car so if a coil fails I just order a Denso coil from Amazon, currently about $56. It gets here in two days. My wife thinks I should buy a spare to keep in the trunk. Maybe it's a good idea.
I know on my 99, the #1 coil comes out fairly easily but I'm skeptical I could get #3 and #5 out without taking off the manifold. Of course, because 2, 4, and 6 are on the Left (front) bank they are super easy to swap.
I have a spare car so if a coil fails I just order a Denso coil from Amazon, currently about $56. It gets here in two days. My wife thinks I should buy a spare to keep in the trunk. Maybe it's a good idea.
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