Spark plug replacement on 2014 Highlander, any tips?

[nthach]

If it’s a hybrid, do yoga. The rear 3 on HiHy/RXh involves removing, if not wrestling a EGR cooler on the 2GR-FXS/FXE.

Else, the non-hybrid 2GR-FE/FKS doesn’t have a EGR cooler and it might be possible to leave the cowl in place(Highlanders aren’t as aggressively shaped as the RX).

 

[i6pwr]

If it’s a hybrid, do yoga

Ha... reg V6, not hybrid.

 

[The Critic]

Ha... reg V6, not hybrid.

Piece of cake. Also, remove the plenum with the bracket still attached. Makes it easier.

 

[Hillbilly Deluxe]

There's a couple of good videos on YT about this - One from the Car Care Nut and I think Vicktor has done one.

You're gonna need an assortment of ratchets, extensions, 10mm sockets, 12mm sockets, 14mm sockets, 10 and 12 mm wrenches, 5mm hex (long), masking tape (to tape over the intake), flashlights/lights and a mirror.

Another thing you will want is a long reach magnetic pick up tool and a large piece of cardboard to place under the engine...slide it in and out to get all the bolts, nuts and sockets you drop!

I agree, remove the cowl, wipers, wiper motor, etc. This is a GREAT time to put some black plastic restorer on the cowl to make it look new.

Parts-

Spark Plugs, intake gasket, throttle body gasket, PCV valve

 

[road_rascal]

If it's anything like my 2012 Rav4 V6 it's not that complicated, just putzy. The hardest part of the job was getting the rear bank coils off the plugs- those were a PITA to remove. And like others have stated, get real spark plugs from an actual store. I got burned with counterfeits so I had to do the job twice.

 

[benjamming]

Replaced the plugs & PCV valve on our '16 Highlander 2GR-FE this weekend as planned at 99,883 miles. Pretty easy job. No reason really to remove the cowl on this model - plenty of room with the build-up of a 6" extension, spark plug socket, & plug. There was enough room to use a torque wrench on every nut/bolt removed, if desired.
A 12mm socket is needed on the back side of the housing to disconnect a couple brackets. The torque value for both of these is 15ft-lb.
No need to disconnect the coolant lines on the throttle body as it just sits aside.
Here's a picture of my plugs if you want to compare to what you get out. Left to right is passenger side to driver side. Top plugs in the picture are from the rear bank and bottom plugs in the picture are from the bank toward the front of the vehicle.
No anti-sieze applied on install.
Is there any real reason to replace the (3) orange rubber gaskets on the plastic manifold housing? They "look" reusable. What am I missing?