How to change 1998 Camry (4 cyl) coils and plugs?

[intoflatlines]

A friend of mine has a 1998 Camry 4 cyl and she's having lots of check engine light issues, with rough idle and poor acceleration. I'm going over to scan it with an OBDII scanner to see what codes are coming up, but it obviously sounds like something's misfiring, probably a coil pack or spark plug issue, right?

Anyway, we'll see what the codes are, but in the event that I need to change coil packs and/or spark plugs on the car, is there a DIY with diagrams or pictures to help me figure out what exactly I need to do?

I've changed plugs and coil packs on Volkswagens and Hondas before which were pretty simple, but this will be my first experience with a Toyota. Anything to look out for?

And I realize that this is a very noob question, and perhaps was answered before. I've seen several DIY threads but they are for the 6 cyl, not the 4 cyl. I would really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to getting to know this forum!

[carsrus]

Its really, really, really simple on the 4cyl. Maybe even easier then a honda.

The coils rarely need replacement.

[JohnGD]

It's very similar to Honda engines. 13 lb/ft of torque with a dab of antiseize 2-3 threads away from the tip. Less involved than pulling the ignition coils on VW VR6 engines. I like the VR6s.

I'd use NGK's Iridium-IX plugs and new NGK plug wires. You don't have to use dual ground platinums on these; however, you can't use the Laser Iridiums (which have platinum ground pads) on these waste spark systems for some reason.

Iridium IX BKR6EIX-11 3764 .044

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/part_fi...ber=BKR6EIX-11

Originally Posted by intoflatlines

A friend of mine has a 1998 Camry 4 cyl and she's having lots of check engine light issues, with rough idle and poor acceleration. I'm going over to scan it with an OBDII scan
ner to see what codes are coming up, but it obviously sounds like something's misfiring, probably a coil pack or spark plug issue, right?

Anyway, we'll see what the codes are, but in the event that I need to change coil packs and/or spark plugs on the car, is there a DIY with diagrams or pictures to help me figure out what exactly I need to do?

I've changed plugs and coil packs on Volkswagens and Hondas before which were pretty simple, but this will be my first experience with a Toyota. Anything to look out for?

And I realize that this is a very noob question, and perhaps was answered before. I've seen several DIY threads but they are for the 6 cyl, not the 4 cyl. I would really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to getting to know this forum!

[fenixus]

+1 on NGK plugs and wires, can't go wrong with them

all you need to get it done is 3/8'' drive ratchet (or click-stop torque wrench better) a 4'' extension bar and a swivel spark plug socket and it's really easy.

swivel sockets
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95487

3/8'' torque wrench
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...Itemnumber=807

of course first pull off the plug wires from valve cover. pull by boot in a twist-pull move, if they never been replaced it might be a little stuck, don't be afraid to pull hard if you going to replace them anyways.

replace wires one by one so you don't mix the firing order and keep routing in plastic clips same as original ones to avoid electrical induction issues or possible rubbing.

NGK wires are numbered, so it's real easy. stay away from Bosch products for this model, it's garbage.

EDIT:
on top of plugs and wires you can also replace air filter (anything you like except those filled with oil) and fuel filter (get OEM one from dealer). that should take care of poor acceleration and misfiring. post codes once you get a chance.