RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Changing Coil Packs

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Old 12-23-11, 02:15 PM
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johnwi
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Default Changing Coil Packs

Hi,
Just in time for the holidays, my wife's 1999 rx300 decided to flake out at 87K miles. I took it to the local Toyota dealer and they reported two coil packs failed - #1 and #2 and suggested the plugs be changed as well. I had an intermittent problem with coil pack #5 earlier in the year that went away by itself.

So, my wife's Christmas present this year is a new set of plugs (OEM iridiums) and three new coil packs on the right bank (1,3,5) installed by me. Thought here is if (when) the other coil packs fail, I will have a spare on board and a much easier time replacing them.

I have read many a great thread here on changing the spark plugs but can not determine if it is possible to change both the plugs AND the coil packs next to the firewall without first removing the throttle body and intake manifold.

Can someone please let me know what additional challenges I am likely to face getting the coil packs replaced on cylinders 1, 3, and 5? Anything else I should consider while I am at it?

Thanks in advance!
Old 12-23-11, 08:52 PM
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Lexmex
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Welcome to the Club.

You can do the plugs and coil packs on the backside without playing with the throttle body. Not easy, but doable. It's just kind of a tight squeeze, that why on that spark plug DIY of mine you've probably seen there is an additional link mentioned to open up the throttle body a bit. The only other thing in the way is that cruise control bracket, which is mentioned in the spark plug diy.
Old 12-24-11, 02:35 PM
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johnwi
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Thanks to the detailed posts, this project went well right up until the time the pcv valve broke as I was trying to remove it and it took almost as much time remving the pieces from the valve cover as it did changing the rear plugs.

In addition, I do not recommend the "ultra-8" coils from NAPA as the mold is a tad big making it very difficult to slide the connector on. I put the new ones on the front bank as it would be impossible to remove them if they were in the back.

Hopefully, the original coil packs that are now in the hard to access places will last long enough for my back to recover.

Happy Holidays!
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