My dealer quoted $700 and early warning for the next service (120K Miles)

 

Wow, I figured it was a $450-$500 job. I’d take it to an independent to see if you can get it at a lower price. IMO.

 

Youtube has good videos.

 

There is a video by carcarenut in YouTube with detailed instructions. Definitely not an easy one like in a 4 Cylinder (Hybrid).

 

Yeah I’ve seen that video, that guy is great.

I did it without removing the wiper assembly. I just didn’t want to go through all the trouble of pulling that whole thing off. And it’s not necessary to do with the Avalon - if you ever do it yourself, it’s really nit that bad of a job once you figure out a way to get the two bracket bolts off the back (which luckily I did - after the fact). If I keep the car till 240,000 miles I’ll get to do it over again...hopefully I’ll remember how to get those bolts out. Haha.

 

Yes
About 4 hours, but cleaned the engine compartment rather well. Under the hood looks almost new. Had about $100 in it with made in Japan Denso aridium plugs and OEM gaskets.

 

Yes
About 4 hours, but cleaned the engine compartment rather well. Under the hood looks almost new. Had about $100 in it with made in Japan Denso aridium plugs and OEM gaskets.

I dont understand why anyone would change the coils if Benoit faulty. They should last almost forever!

 

i never have - now i don't want to.

 

It’s not that bad if you would have looked at The Car Care Nut Channel on line before taking on the challenge.He warns you about those two fasteners and tells you step by step what you need to complete the plug change. He is the Toyota and Lexus answer man!

 

I did watch his video, I subscribe to his channel. His way didn’t work for me, I ended up discovering an easier way to remove the bolts, but that was AFTER my struggle. The next time I do this job it’ll be a lot easier.

 

 

I have those, they do come in handy

 

I change plugs at 120-140k depending on engine performance. You can get all 6 out without taking off the wiper motor if you take off the intake manifold. (easier). The trick is this: On the firewall side break the plugs loose with a 3/8 breaker bar and extensions. Then use a piece of plastic tubing that fits over the plug snuggly to unscrew and remove each plug. Then put the new plug on the tubing with a dab of anti seize on the threads and rethread the new plug back into the spark plug well. Tighten with the 3/8 ratchet. Not rocket science just take your time. Don't forget to use a new intake manifold gasket when reinstalling and I always put masking tape over the intake before I start work on the back plugs.

BTW, I have done this 5 times.

 

Doing mine tomorrow. We did a complete rehab on our 2013 Civic two weeks ago oil/filter/transmission fluid and filter (external filter on the civic, serpentine belt and tensioner)

Now for some love to the Avalon.

We did an oil and filter, checked brake pads this past Wednesday. Tomorrow is Plugs, serpentine belt and tensioners. Then on to the transmission service. Oh boy.

Mike

130,000 miles, 2018......

 

I think the belt and tensioner shouldn’t be too bad, maybe a little tight, but not terrible. The transmission pan can be tough because there are two bolts that are wedged up under the cradle, and there isn’t a lot of room to get them out. I ended up grinding a 10mm 1/4 socket down to a short stubby socket that I could squeeze in there with a wobble extension. Wasn’t fun. But if you’re just doing a drain and fill, not bad once you understand the fluid level check with a temp reading. Good luck! Let us know how you made out.

 

Plugs done. Took 2 1/2 hours taking my 18 year old through it.

serpentine belt another day. Tensioner is a lot of disassembly to get to but not difficult.

we had the car up on my lift last week and I looked at the transmission pan. All the bolts were a straight shot.I guess 2018 a little different than video I watched.

Mike.

 

The kid is pretty good if he can do that in 2.5 hours, nice job!