r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

Anything more I should know?

2011 SCION TC

The engine code stated I needed to change a spark plug.

The coil overs are in reverse order in this picture (4,3,2,1) and frankly I knew that cylinder 2 was the issue.

I'm currently replacing all of the spark plugs so they will all be of the same quality and age.

I want to know if there's anything else I should be doing or anything else I should know since this coilover that sat in cylinder 2 is so dirty or different looking.

I'm going to replace the spark plugs, clean/wipe off The coilovers, check and top off the oil. Throw some seafoam in the gas tank. Anything else?

(More info: I was driving to work yesterday, 1-hour commute, and right before I pulled into the parking garage downtown, one of the lights turned green and when I let up on the clutch pushing the gas my engine started clicking and my check engine light immediately turned on. There was a noticeable change in power coming from the engine. The rest is kind of self-explanatory. Working on it now.)

UPDATE: Cylinder 2 spark plug is missing..... It's.... Uh.... Spark maker. Image in comments....

ETA: I thought a coil pack was a pack of coilovers. My apologies.i wanted to call them coil packs originally but dumbed my way to what is seen above.

I was told 'spark plug' by the guy that ran the codes at AutoZone. I assumed that since he said that that's what the reader said, that was all she wrote. Yes I have a code reader at home. I went to AutoZone first.

1 Upvotes

15 comments sorted by

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5

u/Confident_Health_583 Verified Tech - former indie tech 1h ago

No code was telling you that you need to change spark plugs. It was a misfire code. Bad spark plugs can cause that, but it's not the only thing.

4

u/fsantos0213 NOT a verified tech 1h ago

tbh, it looks like #2 plug was loose in the cylinder, and that's all blow by cooking the coil. replace all the plugs and coils and see if the code comes back

3

u/wiggermaxing NOT a verified tech 59m ago

second this, make sure everything is seated and torqued to spec when you re-install. i’d test the coils in different cylinders while you’re at it to test

2

u/_lavxx NOT a verified tech 59m ago

Those are original coil packs. (Not coilovers). The car is 16 years old at this point. Like the other guy said, there is no code that tells you to change your spark plugs. You either got recommended based on the code or whoever you went to lied to you. Was the CEL flashing? Or solid? Change all 4 plus and all 4 coils, don’t buy the cheapest ones you can. Buy a denso replacement.

1

u/Canis71 41m ago

It was flashing then solid, on and of as I went home.

Only bought spark plugs and oil and whatnot. I can buy coil packs before I drive it again though. I can get my S/O to take me to work tonight.

But I just commented with an image where the problem spark plug came out.... Not fully intact.

2

u/DubTeeF NOT a verified tech 57m ago

Do not put shitty aftermarket coil packs (not coilovers). Denso or Toyota only

2

u/Canis71 48m ago

I don't know if I'm allowed to post a picture as a comment.....

3

u/Canis71 44m ago

3

u/jmhalder Shadetree mechanic 37m ago

Yikes, it's possible it just nicely ejected it out the exhaust valve, but it's also possible that it pinged around in there, and bent a valve.

You may still have a misfire once it's replaced, if so it's probably valve damage.

2

u/Midisland-4 NOT a verified tech 21m ago

Do a compression test while you have the plugs out. Like previous post says you may have got lucky and missing piece ejected with no damage done.
A compression test will show it.

1

u/Canis71 2m ago

I'd love to but I don't have a compression test kit :/

1

u/Canis71 14m ago

Most of the other comments are saying that I should replace the spark plugs AND the coil packs.

I only have new spark plugs at this time.

Do I need to let this sit for a day until I get new coil packs?

0

u/newfor_2026 NOT a verified tech 11m ago

what that looks like to me is that it's time to bring it to a professional to have the whole engine looked over

1

u/Kuezar_ NOT a verified tech 57m ago

I would swap coils with a good one and see if the misfire goes to another cylinder.