Symptoms
A tick-tick-pop at cold start that can sound like an exhaust leak, a misfire or coil failure. In the worst case a plug blows out of the head and takes the threads with it.
The fix, step by step
- Blow out the plug wells before loosening anything.
- Remove the coils, check every plug for tightness and replace them using genuine parts.
- Don't use anti-seize.
- Toyota's 2UZ-FE spec is 13 ft-lb (17.5 N·m) in the engine section of the factory repair manual, which lists 15 ft-lb (20 N·m) in its ignition section.
- One veteran IH8MUD poster uses 18 ft-lb.
- Fit new coil boots and seals and torque the coil bolts to 66 in-lb.
- He recommends checking the plugs whenever the tick appears and at every timing-belt service.
Tools & part numbers
- Spark plug socket
- extensions
- torque wrench (in-lb and ft-lb)
- compressed air
- plugs
- coil boots
Where to buy the parts
NGK spark plugs, UZJ100/LX470Cruiser Corps ↗Amazon ↗
Spark plug tube seal, 2UZ (VCC50010OEM)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Ignition coil pack, 2UZ-FE 100/470 (IGN19027)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Lexus LX 470 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.