I'm going to replace my original spark plug wires with a new set of NGK's (TE66 blue wire set). I looked over the OEM setup and noticed that there is a plastic retainer cap holding the spark wire to the coil pack on the passenger side plugs. What is the trick to getting this plastic retainer cap off so that I can remove the old plug wires? I did'nt want to damage them by pulling/prying on them the wrong way since the pastic caps need to be reused.

 

There is a little clip on the retainer cap. It's on the opposite side of where the wire comes in. You can use a little screw driver to open it while you pull up on the cap.

 

I put the same wires on mine about a month ago, the clip pops out real easy, I took me about 15 minutes to do it and most of that time was removing the intake silencer to get to the coil packs. Just don't force anyththing, I found it easier to remove the screw that holds the coil pack down pulling it off and changing it that way.

 

Bad wires, or just getting old? I didn't think new wires did much but change aesthetics...

Ryd

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I've got 80K miles on my 97 4runner (3.4L) and 26K miles on my spark plugs. Lately, it seems like I have to crank 1-2 seconds longer to start it when cold. So I felt it was time to put new plugs in and while I'm at it, put in new plug wires as a cheap PM/tuneup ($35 for wires, $10 for K16TR11 plugs). My last car was a 1986 Honda Accord (4 cyl) and I replaced the spark plug wires at 100K and it definitely made an improvement in performance (easier starting, more pep, and a little increase in MPG). There seems to be no recommended time/mileage as to when to replace plug wires - most people seem to wait until they notice a major decrease in engine performance.

 

Other plug wire choices? Other pricing info?

 

Wayne,

Please keep us posted on any perf. or mileage changes you notice. With the cost of gas go up, every mile counts. Plus, I have at least 30k on my plugs now, and I'm still running with original wires. I guess $35 for NGK wires isn't too bad. Where'd you get'em?

Thanks,
Ryd

 

You can get the wires at autotoyotaparts.com. I'm noticed something weird on 3rd gen 4runners. I pulled the plugs today and noticed the spark plug wires on the drivers side were out of sequence. They read 3, 1, and then 5 from the back. Is this normal? Anybody??

 

That is the way they are for what ever reason. It had me stumped too for a moment when I changed mine.

I did the plugs and wires on mine at 34K NGK plugs from the dealer and the NGK blue wires. I noticed an improvement in the starting and what seems to be a little better response. Fuel economy improved about 1-2 MPG.