Neophyte2b

Is there a thread on here with detailed pictures and instructions on how to change the spark plugs on a 2001 LS430? Mine has 150K miles, and I don't think that they've ever been changed. Also, I'm a newbie at this DIY car thing, so would anyone be able to also help me with detailed descriptions of the types of tools that I would need for this project? Thanks!

jimbosr1

Scootymad

Just be gentle when removing the coil pack plugs. The wiring does have a tendency to come out of the plug if you aren't careful, and they are a ***** to put back in and make work

caverman

+1
On my '04 I changed the plugs and had no issue with the wires on the coil packs. Changed the plugs on my '05 and I ended up pulling one wire out of one of the clips. I ended up buying and aftermarket clip, cutting the original off, and soldering the new one which works just fine. Like mentioned, just be mindful when unplugging the coil pack and use a screwdriver or something similar to help you get it off because the natural tendency is to pull on the plug which means pulling in the wires.

If you do accidentally break a wire there are threads on here on which clips to buy. You need to also watch the order of the color of the wires since they are different on each clip. If you search on the forum there are plenty of DIY on both topics.

BTW, I recommend buying the spark plug socket if you DIY. You'll be saving your self plenty of money DIY so spring for the socket to make it easier.

Johnhav430

Shoot this is coming up for me I crossed 109k. My problem is I am always in a hurry given the wife and soon to be 5 y.o., and that's not a good way to DIY (remember parking brake springs flying off on my last DIY)/. I'll have to take a closer look. With the BMW there was really no chance of destroying wiring, but people have broken the coil pack itself (not sure how LS ones look, these are long tubes), also the need for locking extensions or the socket could get stuck on the plug, and also more than one length of locking extension due to the #5 plug being obstructed by the factory strut tower bar. This car seemed straightforward when I removed that box last time to wipe up some grime..

aufenscuht

Another good idea would be to take it to a professional shop and do an induction service on the car with BG chemicals once you are done. Also, inspect your coil packs for cracks along the plastic stems. This could be an issue going down the road.

rkw77080

Changing spark plugs is an easy DIY project. However, considering the length of time the plastic electrical connectors have been baking in the engine bay, one should be extra careful with the little plastic latches breaking off, and the wires detaching from its metal pin/socket. There are many examples of this simple DIY turning into a much larger project, mostly due to wires being pulled out of the connector and/or broken latches.

Sorry to re-hash the basic here... First, never pull the plastic connectors off by its wires. Second, if you have "healthy" fingers, you may want to use a pair of needle nose pliers to press on the latch-release lever and simultaneously pull the connector off. Please note that the ignition coil connector has a rocker-type latch (you press on one end to lift the other - where the latch is).

Johnhav430

These tips do help. Because it can be the difference of just trying to do it, or knowing exactly how to, not having done it before.

I can think of a couple of potentially easy jobs that could turn into a nightmare myself--replacing the H8 for the BMW angel eyes, how hard could it be to replace a light bulb? VERY. I dropped it into the adaptive xenon mechanism, and visions of a $1,600 Visa charge danced in my head. I used chopsticks from a Chinese takeout to remove it safely. Then, when you cannot see something, and cannot get your hand in, suddenly, the easy task of screwing in a bulb can take an hour of trial/error. Funny how the YouTube made it look so easy. Ditto with my wife's DRL on her GM vehicle, so easy to break the connector.

My wife's rear GM wiper blade--online instructions all wrong and luckily I didn't break it. Actually, instructions totally the opposite of how to do it, and just out of sheer luck the posters got it off--this imho is the danger of the web.

Not to open a can of worms but I would never use anti seize on a plug, especially if torquing it. Some plugs have a plating and the mfg. states never to use it, and people do and say nothing happened...I tend to follow mfgs recommendations...

edit: the red and blue arrows tell me a lot! I would have thought that the red is intuitive, but not the blue...this may have been the same with GM but I stumbled through it...hmmmm

bradland

Legender recently provided a super simple yet brilliant tip for changing 430 plugs.
You don't have to disconnect and/or remove the electrical connectors, just pull the coil tube out with the wiring intact.
It's esy to do, no need to over think it, the only real speed bump is moving the dipstick tube over to gain access for 1 of the plugs.

Bulls430

Piggybacking of this, does anyone know exactly what plugs and coils to get for the 430?
I think I found the correct spark plugs..
..but I'm not sure where to find the ignition coils.

bradland

Here's a few of the more trusted brands...
Denso- 6731303
Delphi- GN10311
NGK- 48991

Bulls430

Thanks, found a Denso for $55. As for the spark plugs I posted, any idea if these are the ones that last for ~100k? I was looking around the forum and apparently there are two different Denso plugs, one good for 30k and one good for 100k.

911LE

I would get the factory Denso iridium plugs for longevity. Good for 100k miles. Part number SK20R11. I got mine from Rockauto.

caverman

You're wanting to replace the coil packs as well? I wouldn't unless needed.

Bulls430

Thanks @911.

It's the other way around, the car threw some codes, P0353 and P0156 I believe, and one of them is to replace coil C.
Figure I should replace the plugs as well as the car has 134k on it and I'm pretty sure its on original coils.