There’s a good chance you will need to replace your old and worn out spark plugs several times over the course of owning a 2009 Toyota RAV4. Spark plugs are one of the most vital components inside your engine as they begin the entire combustion process that starts and keeps your engine running for many thousands of miles. Like most engine parts, spark plugs experience wear over time and eventually need to be replaced, but fortunately this is a repair you can do on your own. Odds are, if you’ve found yourself here, you have no idea how to do that, or potentially you’d just like to know what kind of spark plugs you need to buy. The complete process of changing your spark plugs should take approximately 20-45 minutes. This article will go over everything you will need to know about your Toyota RAV4’s spark plugs, whether you need some baseline information or a full, step-by-step guide to performing a spark plug change.
Correct spark plugs on a 2009 Toyota RAV4
Autolite APP5325 Double Platinum Automotive Replacement Spark Plugs (4 Pack)For any 2009 Toyota RAV4, you can use AUTOLITE APP5325 spark plugs. These will be an exact fit and will match the required specifications of your engine. Ensure you purchase the correct number of spark plugs for your engine corresponding to the number of cylinders. Often, manufacturers will bundle spark plugs in quantities that make it nearly impossible to buy the exact amount you need for your engine. In this case, it can’t hurt to purchase enough for your next two spark plug changes just so you will always have a new set ready. We always try to recommend the best possible spark plugs for the money, and these spark plugs are either a factory recomendation or an equivalent replacement available now at an affordable price.
How often should I change my spark plugs?
As a general recommendation, it is advised that you replace spark plugs once every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Of course, please make sure to check your owner’s manual to determine the specific interval determined by Toyota for the 2009 RAV4. Of course, if you drive your vehicle more aggressively or own a Toyota RAV4 with some modifications, you may want to consider changing your spark plugs closer to the 20,000 miles end of that spectrum.
However, there are also classic signs of a car that may potentially need a spark plug replacement prematurely, such as:
- Rough idle
- Engine misfiring
- Problems starting your engine
Consider that this list is absolutely not comprehensive, and these problems on their own do not definitively point to the spark plugs being the standalone culprit. However, the best way to prevent any issues with your vehicle is to take care of it with routine maintenance, and you are definitely doing so with the responsible decision to replace your 2009 Toyota RAV4’s spark plugs on a regular basis.
Changing spark plugs on a 2009 Toyota RAV4
This is a process you should be able to do on your own with some commonplace garage tools. Of course, consult your owner’s manual, as well as a factory service manual (FSM for short) or an equivalent Haynes or Chiltons manual. The video shown below does a good job of outlining the process.
Helpful Tools
As noted before, you should be able to complete a spark plug change with some regular tools you probably already have. However, there are a few tools that are specific to this job that you may not have, and we also want to recommend some commonplace tools that you should absolutely have in your toolbox if you don’t already.
- A torque wrench is a vital tool to have in your garage. You should check your FSM (factory service manual) or owner’s manual to determine the correct torque rating to use when installing the new spark plugs for your 2009 Toyota RAV4 to be confident they are installed properly.
- A set of spark plug sockets – These come in extremely handy because many standard sockets are not deep enough for spark plugs. In addition, some spark plug holes are a bit smaller, so it requires a thinner wall like the one featured in the product here to fit. The linked product also features a magnet to keep a good hold of the spark plug so you do not drop it into your engine bay!
- A spark plug tester – this is definitely a niche tool, but it can save you a ton of time. Although we’ve discussed spark plug replacement being a good thing to replace regularly and not just when issues occur, you may also be replacing your spark plugs because of an issue. This tool can help you diagnose the exact problem.
- A spark plug gap tool. This allows you to check the gap of your spark plugs and change it if necessary. Most plugs will come pregapped, but if not, you should absolutely have one of these.
- I also highly recommend you have a feeler gauge as it makes it a bit more straightforward to check the exact gap, and it is useful for countless other jobs.
Tips for changing spark plugs on your 2009 Toyota RAV4
Ensure you reference the video above before you attempt to repair the spark plugs on your 2009 Toyota RAV4, as well as review your factory service manual. Be sure to check the tips shown here to help you as you perform this repair.
- First, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. It’s a good idea to disconnect the battery anytime you work on the electrical system of your Toyota RAV4 or any other vehicle.
- You should replace spark plugs on a cold engine. Ensure you wait at least 30 minutes after your engine has been running before attempting to replace the spark plugs on your 2009 Toyota RAV4
- Take this (unofficial advice) lightly as many spark plug manufacturers advise against the use of anti-seize. However, I have heard from numerous old-school mechanics that they always apply a tiny amount of anti-seize to the threads of their spark plugs, especially on older vehicles.
- It isn’t a bad idea to use dielectric grease when installing new spark plugs. You can apply a a small dab to the inside of the boot and the ceramic part of your spark plugs. It prevents voltage leak and helps avoid the misfortune of the boot fusing to the spark plug over time.
- The most important thing is to avoid overtightening the plugs or worse, cracking them due to overtightenting. Use a torque wrench capable of lower, more precise torque ratings to be sure that you don’t make this mistake.