Tools you need for spark plugs on a 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma

On the third-gen Tacoma the job splits sharply by engine. The 2.7L 2TR-FE is a straightforward hour: pull the intake hose, move the harness, four coils out, four plugs out, done. The 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 makes you remove the plastic intake manifold to reach the rear three plugs, which means labeling a handful of hoses and connectors and budgeting most of an afternoon. Both engines use the same 16 mm thin-wall plug socket and 10 mm coil bolts.

The mistake people make is torque. These are long-life iridium plugs threading into an aluminum head at only 13 ft-lb - that is barely more than snug, and gorilla-tightening them strips threads or cracks the insulator. Skip anti-seize, skip re-gapping, and use a torque wrench rather than your elbow. On the V6, the second most common mistake is reassembling the intake without reconnecting the PCV or brake booster line, which gives you a high idle and a lean code on first start.

Complete tool and parts list

Differences within the 2016-2023 generation

Both engines share the 16 mm (5/8 in) plug hex and 10 mm coil bolts, so the core toolkit is identical. The 2.7L 2TR-FE needs four plugs and no manifold removal; the 3.5L 2GR-FKS needs six plugs plus 12 mm and 14 mm sockets and long extensions to pull the surge tank/intake manifold for the rear bank. Plug part numbers differ: SC20HR11/ILKAR7B11 class for the 2.7L, FK20HBR11 (Toyota 90919-01275 family) for the 3.5L.

Torque specs

How the job goes

1. Park on level ground, let the engine cool completely - pulling plugs from a hot aluminum head risks thread damage.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal (10 mm nut) and lay the cable aside.
3. Remove the engine cover and air cleaner outlet hose: loosen the clamp at the throttle body, release the clips, and set the assembly aside.
4. 2.7L: unbolt or unclip the wiring harness running over the valve cover and move it out of the way to expose all four coils.
5. 3.5L: label and disconnect the throttle body connector, PCV hose, brake booster vacuum line, evap lines and harness clips, then remove the 12 mm surge tank/intake manifold bolts and nuts and lift the manifold off. Cover the open intake ports with clean rags.
6. Blow or vacuum dirt out of the plug wells before touching anything.
7. Unplug each ignition coil connector (press the lock tab), remove the 10 mm coil bolt, and twist-pull the coil straight up. Keep them in cylinder order and inspect boots for carbon tracking or oil.
8. Fit the 16 mm thin-wall plug socket with extension and swivel, break each plug loose, then back it out slowly. If a plug feels gritty coming out, stop and work it back and forth.
9. Compare the new plug to the old one for length and reach. Check the 1.1 mm gap visually only; do not bend the iridium tip or use anti-seize.
10. Start each new plug by hand or with the socket on an extension only (no ratchet) until it seats, then torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lb). Never force a cross-threaded plug.
11. Put a light film of dielectric grease in the coil boots, reinstall the coils, torque the 10 mm bolts to about 10 Nm (7 ft-lb), and click each connector on.
12. 3.5L: clean the manifold sealing surfaces, fit the gaskets/O-rings, reinstall the surge tank and tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern, then reconnect every hose and connector you removed.
13. Reinstall the intake hose, air cleaner and engine cover, reconnect the battery.
14. Start the engine and let it idle; a rough first 10-20 seconds is normal while relearn occurs. Check for vacuum leaks (whistle, high idle) and clear any stored codes.
15. Test drive and confirm no misfire light.

Watch out

The 16 mm plug hex, 10 mm coil bolts, 12 mm V6 intake manifold fasteners and the 18 Nm / 13 ft-lb plug torque are correct for both third-gen Tacoma engines; confirm your exact plug part number against the parts catalog for your year and verify intake manifold torque in the factory manual.

Other jobs on the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma

Spark Plug Replacement on other vehicles