Spark plug replacement labor cost
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 992
Likes: 292
From: NJ
lexus dealer cost $550plus tax. You think non-dealer will want $400 for labor only?
what other parts are needed besides plugs? Any seals?
what other parts are needed besides plugs? Any seals?
Last edited by tolian21; Nov 22, 2021 at 08:52 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,196
Likes: 1,729
From: VA
You need to shop around. Just call a bunch of foreign car repair shops or ones that specialize in Toyota. Let them supply the parts and many shops will not warranty the work if you provide the parts.
Almost every independent shop has done spark plug replacements on a V6 Camry or Highlander or RX350 which is the exact same engine and layout as the ES350. This engine has been around 15 years.
I would consider replacing the spark plug coils at the same time, at least on the rear bank as they are so difficult to reach. That is where all the labor costs result.
The front bank is directly in front of you under the engine cover. The rear ones involve removing the intake manifold to have enough room to get at them. To remove the manifold is a lot of work and some coolant has to be drained.
Almost every independent shop has done spark plug replacements on a V6 Camry or Highlander or RX350 which is the exact same engine and layout as the ES350. This engine has been around 15 years.
I would consider replacing the spark plug coils at the same time, at least on the rear bank as they are so difficult to reach. That is where all the labor costs result.
The front bank is directly in front of you under the engine cover. The rear ones involve removing the intake manifold to have enough room to get at them. To remove the manifold is a lot of work and some coolant has to be drained.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 315
Likes: 90
From: Ontario
Yes, and the replies you'll get from now will be roughly in two camps:
"Replace each coil as they fail"; and
"Replace all the coils when you do the plugs"
Pick your camp, both has it's pros and cons. I'm in the first, no need to spend unnecessary money upfront, coils are designed to last the life of the vehicle (and many sets of plugs) and it's unlikely you'll need to replace them all (but that said, my car came with #2 replaced and now #6 has failed).
There's a way to get to the back coils by removing the brace bar and wiper shroud, which won't involve removing the manifold. Make sure your mechanic is comfortable doing it this way.
The official Toyota way is to remove the intake manifold, but then, they also tell you to remove the entire front of the vehicle to get to the alternator/water pump, so if you can find a mechanic who knows these kinds of hacks he can save you a lot of money.
"Replace each coil as they fail"; and
"Replace all the coils when you do the plugs"
Pick your camp, both has it's pros and cons. I'm in the first, no need to spend unnecessary money upfront, coils are designed to last the life of the vehicle (and many sets of plugs) and it's unlikely you'll need to replace them all (but that said, my car came with #2 replaced and now #6 has failed).
There's a way to get to the back coils by removing the brace bar and wiper shroud, which won't involve removing the manifold. Make sure your mechanic is comfortable doing it this way.
The official Toyota way is to remove the intake manifold, but then, they also tell you to remove the entire front of the vehicle to get to the alternator/water pump, so if you can find a mechanic who knows these kinds of hacks he can save you a lot of money.
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