How To Change Spark Plugs in Your Toyota FJ Cruiser (1GR-FE Engine)

Spark Plugs are one of the main components of a car. So, what if your own Toyota FJ Cruiser has faulty Spark Plugs too that you might need to change?

Even though Spark Plugs have a long life, Toyota suggests you change your Spark Plugs every 30,000 miles for a good experience.

But firstly, you will need to find out whether your Spark Plugs need to be changed or not, for that you will have to observe if your FJ Cruiser is going through the following issues:

Slow acceleration
Loss of Power
Poor Fuel Economy
Misfiring of Engine
Difficulty in starting the car

So now you must have figured out that you are experiencing these issues with your FJ Cruiser and you must be asking “What to do now?”. Well, you’re at the perfect place because we’re about to guide you step by step on how you can change the Spark Plugs of your Toyota FJ Cruiser with 1GR-FE Engine.

What will you Need?

Before going directly towards the procedure, Firstly, you should know what tools you are going to need for this task.

Spark Plugs
First and foremost, you will need six Spark Plugs. (NGK Laser Iridium plugs recommended in case of an FJ Cruiser.)

Spark Plug Socket
To remove the old plugs, you will have to attach these with the ratchet.

Wrenches
A socket wrench (In case you don’t have a Spark Plug Socket), as well as a Torque wrench, would be needed.

Sockets
You will need two different ones, a 12mm socket as well as a 10mm one.

Ratchet
Modern-day engines contain their Spark Plugs in tight and compact spaces, so a flexible ratchet would be of good use.

Gloves (Optional)
These are recommended just for the protection of your skin.

How To Change Spark Plugs

Now that you have collected all the required tools, let’s start with the main procedure:

Special thanks to 1A Auto for Video Demonstration:

FEW SAFETY MEASURES:

The FJ Cruiser should be parked on a dry and flat surface.
The engine should be cool.
The negative terminal of the battery should be disconnected.

STEP-1 REMOVAL OF THE OLD SPARK PLUGS (PASSENGER’S SIDE)

There are a total of six spark plugs on two opposite sides of the Toyota, (3 on each side.)
Since the passenger’s side is easier, you should start with it. The very first thing you would need to do is to unclip the air cleaner, after disconnecting it, you will get access to all three spark plugs of that particular side.

Before removing the Coil-Pack, you will need to disconnect the electrical connection. Now use the ratchet with a 10mm socket to unclip the screws, after pulling out the coil, look if there is any dirt or debris in the engine.

Now you can finally take out the Spark Plugs using the Spark Plug Socket. The passenger’s side is now done, the next one is the driver’s side.

STEP-2 REMOVAL OF THE OLD SPARK PLUGS (DRIVER’S SIDE)

The driver’s side is much harder to work out because of less room. However, two out of the three coils on the driver’s side can easily be removed without the need to take out any other part of the engine but for the removal of the middle plug, you will need to take out the metal bracket to get the room to remove it.

Use the 12mm socket to remove the metal bracket, you can also detach the heater hoses to make some room for work. To avoid removing the plastic bracket, you will have to use a longer extension with a wobble joint in the middle.

STEP-3 INSTALLATION OF THE NEW SPARK PLUGS

Load the new Spark Plug in the socket, there’s one thing we want to mention to you and that is to avoid using any anti-seize because the Spark Plugs, we referred you have a shiny chrome-like finish which just does the work of anti-seize so you don’t need to apply that.

Only low-quality Spark Plugs which have a painted finish need anti-seize. Now, place the new Plug inside the engine and thread it with a Torque Wrench. After the plug is installed, it’s time for the coil to go in but before that, make sure to clean it if it has any dirt or debris on it.

Applying silicone paste will be even better as it seals the rubber to further prevent dust from getting in the engine. After fixing it, reconnect the electrical connection.

Conclusion

This wraps up our article about “Changing the Spark Plugs of Toyota FJ Cruiser”, we hope you enjoyed it and certainly learned something from it.

This article is just like a basic tutorial for all those who don’t have much knowledge about operating the engines of their Toyota.

You’re free to post your precious reviews in the comments. Lastly, if you loved our article then please don’t forget to share this with your loved ones as well, otherwise, we will steal your Spark Plugs. Just kidding, Have a nice day!

FAQ

How many spark plugs does an FJ Cruiser have?

There are a total of 6 Spark Plugs, three on the passenger’s side and three on the driver’s.

How often should spark plugs be changed in a Toyota FJ Cruiser?

After every 30,000 miles of traveling.

How do I know if my spark plugs need changing?

You will have to observe if your Toyota is going through the following issues:
•Slow acceleration
•Loss of Power
•Poor Fuel Economy
•Misfiring of Engine
•Difficulty in starting the car