Looking through the thread, I would highly recommend a gear/ratcheting wrench to anyone having trouble with that pesky bolt.

 

Exactly what i was looking for, thanks

 

When installing the new spark plugs.. do you guys use any anti-seize?

 

yes or motor oil is fine also

 

when you use antiseize or oil on the thread you have to downrate the torque setting on your wrench a little or else it will be high, since the anti seize and oil assists in torqueing down

 

Thanks for putting this thread together as I found it very useful indeed. That being said, I changed my plugs earlier today and noticed that my back 2 plugs on the passenger side had some oil on the threads and were a little darker than all of the others. I have never had any issues with my car but this did concern me. What do you guys think about this?

Also I have the dreaded VSC light on after performing this work. I have seen various posts where people mention that a wire was loose or that they had to reset the battery. I have already tried the battery and have triple checks all of my connectors. Does anyone else have any ideas on what this could be? It's pretty frustrating. Thanks

 

I have the same problem as Soap. After I changed out the spark plugs and replaced everything the engine, TRAC, and VSC light came on. The car runs perfectly no misfires and no gas in the oil. I haven't tried restarting the battery like Soap did, yet. Could getting dielectric grease on the metal contact that connects to the ignition coil have to do with the VSC light coming on?

 

bookmarked!

 

I have this! I guess time to do the plugs, running 80K now on original plugs.

 

Weekend project coming!

 

How do you bookmark a thread you like on this site..I'm pretty new to it

 

Or subscribe to the thread.

 

Thanks for the wealth of knowledge on this thread I was able to complete my plugs without issues. The driver side plugs were not an issue at all. I cleaned the throttle body as well it was filled with black gunk. I will post a few tips which will help others who are on the fence in doing their plugs.

Thanks again, the car is running like a champ. Overdue by 20k miles but the old plugs were looking good still.

 

Pics of the DIY:

 

On the driver side, remove 2 bolts that hold the harness and pull it back with a tie wrap and you will have free and clear access to the 3 ignition coil plug bolts.

I have done all my cars' plugs (except the RX which I will not attempt to do), the IS is comparable in complexity but after reading through DIY's and prepping good, was not bad at all.

I recommend a point by point check before starting the car. I must admit, I was ready to start it up and came back and checked again, I missed 2 things, the Air Flow sensor connector and the vacuum connector for the intake. I could have pull multiple CEL's if I started the car!

Check and re-check.

I ended up coloring all the connections so next time, I will know which to check.

Safe than sorry.