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3rd gen - replaced 3 plugs on coil 1, 3, 5 -- engine won't start now

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by michelle_angel, Feb 7, 2023.

  1. Feb 7, 2023 at 5:50 PM
    #1
    michelle_angel

    michelle_angel [OP] New Member

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    hi, i'm new here. i own a gen 3 with 5VZFE engine (3.4 L i believe); today i got my spark plugs from Amazon denso (3194) K16TR11 spark plugs and installed them on injector coil 1, 3, 5. i followed the repair manual.

    when I took out plugs 1, 3, 5 they are different design as shown in the picture below. now the truck is stuck in the parking lot and won't start.

    i used a torque wrench and made it hand tight...could it possibly that it is not tight enough? also...i didn't replace the plugs in coil 2, 4, 6...will that be an issue?

    i replaced the plugs one by one so i didn't have to mix the wire but i have the references online as well as in the repair manual...

    anyone ever had trouble with these?

    i think the spark plugs from amazon might be fake as i have been reading about these fake spark plugs around the market


    upload_2023-2-7_20-49-53.jpg
    upload_2023-2-7_20-50-13.jpg
     
  2. Feb 8, 2023 at 12:55 PM
    #2
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Put your old plugs back in. See if the issue goes away.

    If you still have the issue, there's a wiring problem.

    Hand tight plugs wouldn't be ideal, but she should still try to start.

    If the issue goes away with the old plugs, buy SIX correct plugs from a Toyota dealer.

    Replace ALL plugs. Replacing only a few plugs shouldn't cause a no start but you don't want mismatched plugs.

    Amazon and ebay are full of fakes now. The fakes even come in boxes that look legit.
     
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    #2
    2Toys likes this.
  3. Feb 9, 2023 at 8:37 AM
    #3
    johndeg1

    johndeg1 New Member

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    The new plug (dual prog) seems correct for my 1999 V6. Agree. Put in old plugs. Start from there.
     
  4. Feb 9, 2023 at 9:16 AM
    #4
    Gharddog03

    Gharddog03 New Member

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    Don’t buy Amazon spark plugs.
     
  5. Feb 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM
    #5
    michelle_angel

    michelle_angel [OP] New Member

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    hey all thanks for the reply. this was my first time replacing spark plugs. so basically what happened was I forgot to connect ignition coil 5
    upload_2023-2-9_13-29-30.jpg
    i should've double checked twice! as you see here, coil wasn't connected. i tried to start the engine 10-15 times when this was not connected. you can hear the engine start. but it killed the battery.

    reconnected everything, bought a new battery from autozone, and got it back running!

    i am lucky i didn't fry the starter or alternator
     
    wdsteven likes this.
  6. Feb 9, 2023 at 11:22 AM
    #6
    wdsteven

    wdsteven New Member

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    Great Catch! your alternator would not take a hit but the battery would or could if pulled below 50% and starter could also take hits.

    One thing I have learned from my time working on Foreign Cars is to Double check everything each step of the way and now days take pictures before taking apart and each major step of the way and that helped me a lot when I was working on a 1968 MG Touring car I was reinstalling a dual weber side draft carburetor set up and had the linkage in the wrong position one look at the picture fixed me quick.

    And Btw take better care of your battery! we can see Green all over it and that is conductive plus it shorten the life of your battery! I am a big fan of these Terminal protection because they do work.

    SCA_366191_hi-res.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2023

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