how long does it take to change spark plugs in an 06 sienna?
Asked by Harriet Jun 02, 2016 at 08:06 AM about the 2006 Toyota Sienna XLE 7-Passenger
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Our mechanic claimed it took him 4 hours to change 6 spark plugs in our 06
sienna. He charged us $105/hr labor plus $20 per spark plug for a total of
$540. That seems high to me since the dealership charged $565 and they are
usually much more expensive.
6 Answers
Auto_Centric answered 8 years ago
$455 standard rate. $355 good, $550 less good. 2 hours max time Maybe he had to extract a broken plug not very common...
If you like your mechanic and you trust him- have him show you under the hood how accessible the plugs are- ask him to explain it- without anger! some of those plugs can be really buried- if you can't see the plugs, that may explain it- I don't know much about this vehicle, so I don't know personally, but this is a common problem with modern V6s
This will give you a good idea. http://repairpal.com/
Thanks for the help. I went in armed with your information and some research I did on the Sienna's spark plug change issues and steps. The owner of the shop took $100 off my bill after a ten minute pleasant discussion about the job. I was key to have knowledge from you all and be able to ask informed questions. Will give this shop another chance, but before I agree to work, I will be doing my research to make sure the cost is fair.
threehappypenguins answered 8 years ago
See here... https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion- t37104_ds529602 The Sienna's are crazy when it comes to the rear 3 spark plugs. You have to take the manifold off to get at them (which is a HUGE job). I attempted to avoid doing this (read the thread), and it didn't work out so well. :(
I just did it on my Sienna today. Three hours, now that I know what I’m doing, and what tools, it would take 2 hours. It is huge waste of time to remove the manifold. You can gain the room you need by the MUCH simpler task of removing the “tray” between the edge of the hood & the windshield. Remove the wiper arms, it leave the wiper motor attached to the tray. (12mm for wiper arms, 10mm for the 8 bolts on the tray) You will need two 6” extensions, and having a ratchet with a swivel head helps. Pull the wipers, then remove the rubber gasket