Brian S

My old mechanic won't work on my car anymore. (See: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=159005) So I call the Toyota dealership and ask how much they'd charge to do a spark plug and wire change -- I bring my own parts. I figured it'd $30-$50. He comes back on the phone and says it's $120, 1.6 hours of labor. $120!?! My old mechanic was gonna charge like $30. Is this normal?

I'm not keen on doing them myself, but maybe I should learn. I cracked a plug last time I tried to change plugs some 8 years ago.

Thanks,

Brian

aruba_400

Just replaced the plugs myself for the first time and it does take a while because of all the bolts/screws and covers needed to removed. It took me over two hours to get the job done!

reamemiya

iTrader: (1)

try another mechanic. that sounds about right for a dealership, but you can probably find a better price with same quality job somewhere else.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

By the way, your car (98+) does not have wires anymore. NO one changes plugs for $30 bucs anymore, not even for a 4Cyl.

I think $125 isnt so bad from a Toyota dealership, that works out to about $78 bucs/hour, which isnt bad at all, considering "sams mechanic" around the corner chargers $95 bucs/hour

Its not hard at all, just a bit time consuming to remove all the parts to GET to the plugs.

ychachad

Hi Grand_LS4, could you explain what you mean by "No wires anymore"? Thanks. Good opportunity to learn on a newer LS.

BTW, I think $125 is very reasonable for a plug change, especially, since the right side of the engine is a PITA to do. It can be done easily in an hour. Nobody charges $30 for anything anymore. Not even for KIAs. When I first got my 92 LS, the dealership quoted me $300, including the plugs (but not wires). Considering the plugs cost $16, they were quoting me $284 for labour.

The first time I did it on my 92, it took me about 2 hours. But after taking out the air intake to clean the air filter and so on several times, it took me less than an hour to do my 95 LS.

Brian S

I'm pretty sure the LS has plug wires. I've got a new set from Carson sitting next to me. Part # 90919-22379

Brian

nthach

The plug change on the first gens is moderately easy, plugs are $40-50 for the OEM Denso PK20R-11 plugs.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

For some reason, a lot of computer system show the 98's, as part of the 95-97 generation, even if you go on Lexus' website, and sign up as an owner, you will get a pic of 97LS when you enter your VIN. Maybe thats why they gave you these wires. So Next time you order parts, you might want to ask for a 99's.

98's+ use a coil on plug system. No Wires, check your car

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

They Use a COP, or plug on wire, Getting rid of the plug wires not only saves money, it also improves the durability of the ignition system. No high voltage wires means no voltage leaks and no misfires due to "bad" plug wires. Using individual coils for each spark plug also means the coils have more time between each firing. Increasing the "coil saturation" time (the time the voltage to the coil is on to build up its magnetic field) increases the coil’s output voltage at high rpm when misfire is most apt to occur under load.

They last the life of the car, no replacement, unless one breaks.

ychachad

Hi Grand_LS4,
Thanks for the education on the plug wires. Maybe I'll get a newer LS someday (from the 95, I have to move to 2004+), and I can put your explanation to good use.
Y. Chachad

Brian S

I guess I'll be talking with Carson about getting these wires sent back if that's the case. Thanks for the education.

Do you know if it is difficult to change the plugs on the 98? Is there a fair chance of a mechanical newb like me screwing something up? Any special tools needed besides a spark plug socket?

Thanks,

Brian

nthach

10 or 12mm socket for the coil bolts, silicone grease for the boots and anti-seize for the plug threads.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I actually havent done the plugs on mine yet. According to the services books, they are fairly new, so I dont think I'll have to change them for another while

But im fairly certain its exactly the same as the first gens, here's a link you can use, thanks to Earl. Follow steps 17-21.

http://www.lexls.com/tuneup.html

Brian S

Thanks. I may poke around and see if I can do this myself.

Brian

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Here is another from a GS400:

http://lexusmodz.netfirms.com/GS_DIY/change_plugs/