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2002 Toyota Corolla

How to perform a Spark Plug Change

Estimated time to complete: 30 minutes

The following article describes the necessary tools, equipment and process to perform a spark plug replacement on a 2002 Toyota Corolla.

Items Needed Tools Required
4 Spark Plugs
(We use Bosch 4301 Platinum +2 because we're too lazy to gap the plugs)
Antiseize Lubricant
 10 mm Socket or spanner
Spark Plug socket
7" or 10" socket Extension
Shop Towels
Nitrile Gloves

Step 1: The Corolla has a protective plastic cover over the top of the engine. It's held in place by two 10mm nuts. Undo these and set them aside in a tin to save them.. Set the cover aside.
Step 2: This model is has a specific ignition coil for each spark plug and they are directly connected to the spark plug. The coil is held down by a 10mm bolt.
Step 3: Remove the bolt with the socket wrench / spanner.

Step 4: The Corolla also has a plastic snap fitting that connects the coil to the ignition harness. Carfully press down on the release tab (on the driver's side of the connector) and wiggle the plug to release it. These plastic connectors become progressively more fragile with time, so always be careful.
Step 5:   Use the spark plug socket, extension and rachet to loosen the plug. Then spin it loose by hand. It should only have tension on the first turn and then be easy to spin. 
Step 6: Always check your spark plugs. The condition of the plug is indicative of the overall health of the motor. This plug is in relatively good condition, but shows significant wear. We opted (since we've already bought them) to replace the plugs.

Step 7: Put anti-sieze on the new plug and then thread it into the block. The rest of the process is simply the reverse of removal.

From there, repeat the overall process for the remaining three spark plugs and you're finished.

You're done! double check your work and take the car for a test drive.

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Page Comments

Name: Kevin Page Rating: 10 Date:11/23/2010 6:57:27 PM
Torque
Thanks for posting this. Here are a couple of additional tips. I did some on-line research and found that the torque setting for tightening the plugs is 13-14 foot pounds. Also, you have have some trouble removing two of the plugs due to a plastic ridge that traps the top of the spark plug boot . You can loosen a nut holding this ridge in place to gain more room.
Name: kishore Page Rating: 10 Date:4/3/2010 10:36:44 AM
Hello, I successfully changed the plugs after 120K miles. I would like add that as mentioned by Michale B that you need to remove wiring harness strip before removing the boot coils from the plugs. I tried to remove the spark plug boot without taking out the harness and I broke the part of the plastic boot. This is importanat to note... High level steps. - Remove the Plastic cover - Unplug the wiring connector from the boot. Initially it was hard to unplug the connectors from the boot. I found it is easy, if you hold down the tab with a screw driver and use second screw driver and just push it away from the base of the boot, loosen the connector and pull it out completely with hand. Be carefull not to break the plastic tab. Other wise another headache on hand. - Then remove two nuts, to deatch plastic harness strip from the engine block. - Lift up the harness out of the spark plug plastic boots - loosen the screw of plastic boot, lift straigt up the boot and remove the spark plug, replace the plug. - install all 4 plugs and reverse the order. -- Only thing I found is one of the spark plugs(3rd from driver side) has lot of oil on it. Don't know where it came from, may be a leak from the engine blcok. Hope this helps... Thanks all
Name: Page Rating: 10 Date:4/1/2010 5:25:13 PM
very good instructions...the dealer doesn't even want to show me the pictures in the manual...thank you...I will try it out tomorrow...
Name: Michael B Page Rating: 10 Date:1/27/2010 9:55:29 PM
Great !! a couple extra steps to add
I had to take off two plastic plugs in addition to the two top bolts in step #1. Then I couldn't get the coils out until I removed the metal strip that holds the spark plug wires. It partly covered the coils preventing them from being pulled straight up and out. Great to find your tutorial though !! THANKS !!!
Name: al Page Rating: 10 Date:1/1/2010 3:41:43 AM
plugs
thanks exellant !
Name: Jody Page Rating: 10 Date:11/1/2009 8:41:45 AM
Iridium vs. Platinum Plugs
Ok, Here's a basic science lesson. Iridium & Platinum are directly next to each other in the periodic table of the elements. They are both part of the platinum family of elements. If you go into further detail you will note, at an atomic level, that while Iridium has a higher melting point and slightly lower resistivity, the two elements are extraordinarily similar. Now, how does this relate to spark plugs? Well, today's engines need spark plugs that can deal with high speed highway style driving and stop and go type driving. This necessitates the use of precious metals like yttrium, iridium, platinum, tungsten, etc. These are used because they can resist high temperatures far better than old nickel alloy plugs. When you boil down the science to the internal heat of the engine at full operating temperature, compared to the melting point of the two elements (as well as their sparking capabilitity) you'll determine that both plugs operate in the same fashion. It really becomes a matter of preference, and I prefer the Bosch Platinum plugs. The difference between an iridium spark plug and a platinum spark plug in this car is the equivalent of deciding whether you want an orange oil filter or a blue one. It doesn't affect nor impact the operation of the car.
Name: Bill Page Rating: 1 Date:10/29/2009 8:19:02 AM
Wrong Plugs
You used the wrong plugs. It clearly says in a BLUE sticker on the side of the engine "USE IRIDIUM PLUGS". The owners manual states NGK IFR5A11 or DENSO SK16R11.
Name: Beth Page Rating: 9 Date:7/23/2009 10:05:25 PM
Sweet!
I've never changed spark plugs before, bet my boyfriend $50 I could do it. So... thanks. He owes me $50. And I learned to leave the fuel injectors alone :D
Name: Peter Page Rating: 1 Date:7/2/2009 10:33:01 AM
Changing Spark Plugs
Your diagrams are great. Without them, I would not have found the plugs. Thank you so much.
Name: Page Rating: 1 Date:5/11/2009 7:12:24 PM
great i am going to try it suneet chicago
Name: Page Rating: 1 Date:4/17/2009 9:51:39 PM
Name: Alessandro Page Rating: 10 Date:3/1/2009 1:42:00 PM
Thanks
Thanks for your help. Now I know where they are, and can leave alone the injectors...
Name: Jim Tracey Page Rating: 10 Date:1/4/2009 8:54:13 AM
Thank you
Thank you for the excellent instructions. Made changing the spark plugs a non-event. Regards...Jim
Name: john luse Page Rating: 10 Date:12/8/2008 4:38:34 PM
thankyou from an old mechanic!

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