Quick answer: Spark Plug Replacement on a 2013–2018 Lexus ES is rated Advanced and takes about 30–45 minutes (ES300h); 2–4 hours (ES350). You'll need 7 tools for this job, and parts cost about $115. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Correct spark plug set for 2013-2018 Lexus ES; verify engine, heat range, gap, and VIN fitment |
— |
$115.00 |
|
| Coil-boot seals or ignition coils only if inspection finds damage Optional |
— |
$35.00 |
|
| New plenum gaskets |
— |
— |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Prep — ES350 V6 or ES300h hybrid
Park on level ground and let the engine cool completely. The 2013–2018 ES came in two versions: the ES350 with the 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FE) and the ES300h hybrid with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The hybrid is a simple job — four coils right on top of the engine. The ES350's V6 hides its rear three plugs under the intake plenum against the firewall, which is the hard part of this job. Identify your car before buying parts: the V6 needs six plugs plus plenum gaskets.
2
Remove covers — and the plenum on the V6
The factory procedure starts by removing the engine room side cover (four clips), the cool air intake duct seal (seven clips), and the V-bank cover — place both hands on its sides, lift the front to release the two front clips, then lift the rear clip off. On the ES300h, the four coils are now exposed — skip ahead. On the ES350, you must now remove the upper intake plenum: unbolt the throttle body, disconnect the vacuum and PCV hoses, undo the plenum bolts and the support bracket at the back, and lift the plenum off. Plug the intake ports with clean rags immediately.
3
Unplug and remove the ignition coils
Each coil is held by a single 10 mm bolt. On the ES350's rear bank, work patiently in the tight space against the cowl — pull the coils straight up rather than levering them sideways.
4
Remove plugs and verify the new gap
Blow any debris out of each plug well with compressed air before loosening anything. Use a 5/8-inch (16 mm) spark plug socket on a long extension and turn counterclockwise to remove the old plugs. Check the gap on each new plug with a feeler gauge against the specification in the owner's manual or on the emissions sticker under the hood — never guess the gap. Apply anti-seize only if the plug manufacturer recommends it, since many modern plugs ship pre-coated.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I've done this job enough times to say it plain: Apply anti-seize only if the plug manufacturer recommends it, since many modern plugs ship pre-coated.
5
Hand-start the new plugs
Thread every new plug in by hand several full turns before using a ratchet — hand-starting is the only reliable protection against cross-threading the aluminum heads. Do not overtighten; stripped threads in an aluminum head are an expensive repair.
6
Reinstall coils and reassemble the V6 intake
Push each coil firmly down onto its plug, reinstall the 10 mm bolts, and reconnect each connector until it clicks locked. On the ES350, refit the intake plenum with a new plenum gasket (and a new throttle body gasket if the old one is flattened), tighten the plenum bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern, reconnect every vacuum and PCV hose exactly as it was, and remove the rags from the intake ports. Refit the V-bank cover, duct seal, and side cover.
7
Start up, road test, and note the interval
Reconnect the battery, start the engine, and let it idle — it should be smooth with no check-engine light. Drive with some steady cruising and light acceleration; a stumble or flashing light on the ES350 often means a vacuum hose was left off the plenum or a coil connector is loose. Toyota's iridium plugs are long-life parts — check the owner's manual for the replacement interval and note the mileage for the next change.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Removing the V6's intake plenum without labeling hoses and connectors, then guessing at reassembly
- • Reusing the flattened plenum gasket on the V6, causing a vacuum leak and lean codes
- • Mixing up the six coil connectors on the V6 after plenum removal
