Toyota and Lexus have used dozens of different spark plugs over the years in their various engines, sometimes even using two different spark plugs in the same engine. We wanted to go over the replacement criteria for Toyota and Lexus spark plug service, especially when it comes to replacing spark plugs with aftermarket parts, but first a note on the spark plugs Toyota and Lexus use from the factory. There are three main types:
Single Ground
Single Ground Plug
The most common type of spark plug used across all Toyota and Lexus models is the single ground spark plug. From the conventional K16R-U used in older Land Cruisers to the specialized FK16HR-A8 used in the new Camry Hybrid, the single ground is the most common. This comes in 3 flavors – U-Groove (30,000 mile change interval), Platinum (60,000 mile change interval) and Iridium (120,000 mile change interval).
Dual Ground
Dual Ground Plug
Used in a few late-90s 4-cylinder and V6 applications like the 3.4 5vZ-FE, 3.0 1MZ-FE, and 2.2 5S-FE. Toyota phased out these spark plugs as they upgraded the engines. They are available in conventional copper/iron and platinum varieties with the replacement interval depending on application. For most applications CARspec installs upgraded Platinum spark plugs when possible, as they have proven to be more reliable in the long run. The change interval on all dual-ground spark plugs is 30,000 miles.
Triple Ground
Triple Ground Plug
Introduced in 2007 for use in Lexus direct injection/D4-S applications like the 2GR/3GR/4GR-FSE and the 1UR-FSE and 2UR-FSE/GSE. The plugs are almost identical to those used in their port injector counterparts but feature three grounds. Above is the single ground FK20HR11 next to a three-ground FK20HBR11, both Iridium. Early models using the FK20HRB11 had a 60,000 mile replacement interval, later switching to 120,000 miles depending on application. The spark plug are typically done with a fuel induction service at each 60,000 mile service.
Because the heat range, gap, and fitment varies widely across the many spark plugs Toyota and Lexus have used in their engine, CARspec only recommends buying spark plugs from Toyota and using the factory part number to find the right spark plug. This saves owners the headache of trying to diagnose a spark plug related issue down the road and doesn’t add too much cost.
As Eden Prairie and Chanhassen’s Toyota and Lexus specialist we hope this helps an owner learn a bit more about spark plug replacement. Unlike most other local car mechanics, CARspec stocks the majority of the spark plugs required to service late model Toyota and Lexus engines.
