NX - 1st Gen (2015-2021)

Reduce Engine Power 42k after changing spark plugs

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Old 10-26-23, 12:14 PM
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baowser210
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Default Reduce Engine Power 42k after changing spark plugs

Hey everyone, I recently changed the spark plugs on my 2020 NX300 Lexus and initially, everything seemed fine. However, I soon noticed reduced power and the dreaded engine light came on. My first thought was bad fuel, so I added a fuel additive, but that didn’t solve the problem. I went back to O’Reilly and had an OBD code read, discovering that there a misfiring on the 3rd engine. I’ve purchased a new coil and will be replacing it in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned, I’ll keep you all updated on the progress.








Old 10-26-23, 12:16 PM
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LeX2K
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I'll take a guess and say you didn't buy plugs from a dealer.
Old 10-28-23, 08:37 AM
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Lexicon1
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Am in total agreement on that assumption, there have been many posts in multiple Toyota forums in which folks have purchased from Amazon or Ebay and not knowingly purchased counterfeit spark plugs and MAF sensors.
I've been bitten twice.
Once from spark plugs which were boxed with what looked like genuine markings, then when I spent time to learn what to look for, realized the markings on the plugs were not quite correct. And another time w a MAF sensor which also said it was Denso but only lasted a year.
important car parts are not the place to scrimp. Ive since gone only w Rock Auto . That's my go to.
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Old 10-28-23, 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Lexicon1
Am in total agreement on that assumption, there have been many posts in multiple Toyota forums in which folks have purchased from Amazon or Ebay and not knowingly purchased counterfeit spark plugs and MAF sensors.
I've been bitten twice.
Once from spark plugs which were boxed with what looked like genuine markings, then when I spent time to learn what to look for, realized the markings on the plugs were not quite correct. And another time w a MAF sensor which also said it was Denso but only lasted a year.
important car parts are not the place to scrimp. Ive since gone only w Rock Auto . That's my go to.
I did get mine from Amazon did some research and made sure I the OEM spark plugs. After changing the spark plugs I drove the car for about 2000 miles until this coil thing happened. Do you suggest I change out all my spark plugs again and only buying them from Rock Auto?
Old 10-29-23, 05:11 AM
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LexMan2003
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1. I purchased my NGK plugs DIRECTLY from NGK. Surprisingly, the cost was on par with any price anywhere else !

2. Changing the plugs on my 2020 NX was THE EASIEST spark plug change in all the year and vehicles I've owned !

3. You may have one or more bad plugs. Since the removal/install is so easy, you may want to consider removing 2 or more of them and moving them into different slots. Then, see what kind of reponse/reading you get !
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Old 10-29-23, 07:57 AM
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Originally Posted by LexMan2003
1. I purchased my NGK plugs DIRECTLY from NGK. Surprisingly, the cost was on par with any price anywhere else !

2. Changing the plugs on my 2020 NX was THE EASIEST spark plug change in all the year and vehicles I've owned !

3. You may have one or more bad plugs. Since the removal/install is so easy, you may want to consider removing 2 or more of them and moving them into different slots. Then, see what kind of reponse/reading you get !
to add to this…buy only OEM/NGK plugs from the dealer, rock auto, or a reputable parts store. Tons of fake NGK plugs out there on Amazon and eBay. They will damage your engine if they break apart and there’s info on the internet advising how to spot an NGK fake. My recommendation is to not drive your vehicle, buy legitimate plugs and change them all out as soon as possible. The codes you have lend credence to the likelihood you have bad/fake plugs installed.
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Old 10-29-23, 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by LexMan2003
1. I purchased my NGK plugs DIRECTLY from NGK. Surprisingly, the cost was on par with any price anywhere else !

2. Changing the plugs on my 2020 NX was THE EASIEST spark plug change in all the year and vehicles I've owned !

3. You may have one or more bad plugs. Since the removal/install is so easy, you may want to consider removing 2 or more of them and moving them into different slots. Then, see what kind of reponse/reading you get !
It seems that there’s a discrepancy between the gap listed for NGK spark plugs (0.035mm) and the manual’s recommendation (0.045mm) for your NX 300. Did you make any adjustments to the spark plugs after purchasing and installing them?
Old 10-29-23, 10:08 AM
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AMTMJ
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Originally Posted by baowser210
It seems that there’s a discrepancy between the gap listed for NGK spark plugs (0.035mm) and the manual’s recommendation (0.045mm) for your NX 300. Did you make any adjustments to the spark plugs after purchasing and installing them?
no I’ve never had to gap the iridium plugs. They should come pre-gapped.
Old 10-29-23, 11:07 AM
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LexMan2003
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Originally Posted by baowser210
It seems that there’s a discrepancy between the gap listed for NGK spark plugs (0.035mm) and the manual’s recommendation (0.045mm) for your NX 300. Did you make any adjustments to the spark plugs after purchasing and installing them?
Here are my notes on the plugs:

NGK DILFR7K9G, Iridium-tipped - gap .9mm (.0354 in), torque to 18 ft lbs.

My manual reads:
"Manual .04 inch (.9mm).
Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust the spark plug gap."


Personally, I did NOT change the gap, but I did check them to ensure they were correct.
Old 10-31-23, 05:19 PM
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Default Quick Update

Realized the spark plugs I bought from Amazon weren't OEM, so I got the correct ones from the Lexus dealership. The car is running well now, but the engine light remains on after 50 miles. Should I proceed with changing coil once it come in, or should I just have the engine light reset? If so how.

Thank you all for your help! This is my first time working on my car, so all your comments are greatly appreciated.
Old 11-01-23, 08:47 PM
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chuyrobles
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To help confirm a bad coil, swap it to another cylinder and see if the error code changes to that cylinder. Plugs from amazon are good so long as you avoid third party vendors. Buy only from amazon warehouses.
Old 11-02-23, 01:00 AM
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Lexicon1
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  • Well....once/twice burned, I wont do it again, not from Amazon. Rock Auto is my only go to if I am going mail order. Good luck if you think you can trust Amazon or E/bay
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