Where are the rear spark plugs?

[gpelais]

99 Sienna, I can see the front 3 spark plugs, but where are the rear 3? Does anyone know how they can be accessed and changed? I am comming up on 60K miles.

[tfret]

Sorry, I don't know, but I have the same question. Let us know if you find out.

[Doug Tatham]

I will get to your answer, but first, you should go to autozone, discount auto or some other parts store and get a Haynes or equivalent service manual. First, there are specific spark plug types that Toyota recommends. Second, the manual gives a lot of information on routine maintenence and scheduling of maintenence.
You will find the plugs under the cover just behind the front sparkplugs. Just follow the spark plug cables.

[Doug Tatham]

I was looking a bit more carefully this weekend and realized it wasn't as easy as I remembered. You have to remove the plastic thing close to the windshield (I believe they call it a cowl - sp?). You practically have to climb into the engine compartment to get to the back plugs. According to the manuals you should be able to change plugs and even rework your cylinder heads without removing the engine. Good luck.

[eldiablo1100]

the siena is nothing. try changing the rear plugs on a FWD dodge caravan V6 3.3 or 3.8

the manual says you can reach around and get them, but there's no way you can do that. you have to take off the intake plenum just to get to them

[tandor]

I replaced these a few months ago and it's challenging but not impossible. You don't need to remove the cowl or anything else and you can get a short torque wrench in there. Do some googling - I found very detailed instructions including the maximum length of the ratchet handle and other important details. You'll have to wrap your arms around the engine to do it. Just tell it you're in love. Bad news - took me three hours the first time but can be done in 30 minutes after that. Don't use platinum plugs - only iridium!

[yapper70]

Originally Posted by eldiablo1100

the siena is nothing. try changing the rear plugs on a FWD dodge caravan V6 3.3 or 3.8

the manual says you can reach around and get them, but there's no way you can do that. you have to take off the intake plenum just to get to them

The front 3 tear up your hands with the fan shroud, and the back 3 (once you remove the air filter assembly) you replace them be feel, not by sight.

[Hackwood]

Originally Posted by tandor

Don't use platinum plugs - only iridium!

Why is this? I have used Bosch Platinums in every car I have ever owned without a problem and now I see this.Weird thing is, my wife picked up the plugs for me on her way home from work and told me that Checker and Autozone BOTH told her not to use Platinums????


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