Chk Eng lite on after spark plug change

[magnumtoy]

Changed the spark plugs yesterday, and forgot to plug in the wire connector on one of the front bank's plug module. Tried to start car and it immediately died. Realized the plug was not connected, reconnected it and it started and runs fine. But the check engine light is on. I'm assuming the light is on because of the previously non-connected plug. Should the light clear itself after a few days/start-stops or do I need to get it cleared by a garage? Or might it mean something else? Thanks.

[tfeld]

If the light came one simply becuase of the disconnected plug, it will go off by itself in a couple of drive cycles. You could also clear the code immediately by disconnecting the battery terminal for about 15 minutes, but doing so will also wipe out your radio settings and reset the ECU, requiring you to re-enter the radio security code (if set) and making the engine re-learn it's settings. Easiest to just wait and see.

[magnumtoy]

Thanks tfeld, it did clear itself after about 5 driving cycles.

[Thermal_Man]

Originally Posted by magnumtoy

Thanks tfeld, it did clear itself after about 5 driving cycles.

I bought spark plugs to replace in my 1997 Avalon XL figuring it couldn't be that difficult -- I've been doing most of my maintenance for 30 years, but when looking under the hood I'm having second thoughts. Where are the spark plugs? I started looking around on the Internet and found your post. Figured I'd asked someone who has done it.

Would you do it again? Are the plugs located under that plastic molding setting on top of the intake manifold? Any special tools required?

Thanks for your help.