Parts for your 2013 Toyota Land cruiser-Spark plugs

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser spark plugs — are they used, and what to know

For Australian and New Zealand–delivered 2013 Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series models, spark plugs aren’t relevant or used. Technical sources including Toyota Australia’s 200 Series specifications for this model year list the sole engine as the 1VD‑FTV 4.5‑litre twin‑turbo diesel V8. Toyota’s repair literature for the 1VD‑FTV (Engine/Hybrid System manuals) details glow plugs and a compression‑ignition system and does not include an ignition system with spark plugs. By contrast, some overseas markets (such as North America) ran the petrol 5.7‑litre 3UR‑FE V8 in 2013, which does use iridium spark plugs and has a long replacement interval in Toyota’s maintenance schedule. That petrol variant wasn’t the norm in AU or NZ deliveries.

Why no spark plugs on the AU/NZ 2013 LandCruiser? It’s a diesel, so combustion happens when air is compressed to very high pressure and temperature, then diesel is injected and self‑ignites. There’s no need for an electric spark. Instead, the engine relies on glow plugs to pre‑heat the combustion chambers for cold starts, a high‑pressure common‑rail injection system, and a robust battery to wind the high‑compression V8.

For owners, that means the “spark plug service” box is off the to‑do list, but a few diesel‑specific checks matter a lot for smooth running and easy starting:

• Glow plugs and the glow control system: If cold starts get rough or the glow lamp lingers, have the glow plugs tested and the control relay/timer checked.
• Fuel quality and filtration: Stick to clean diesel, drain water separators as prescribed, and replace fuel filters on schedule to protect injectors.
• Air intake and EGR/DPF health: Keep the air filter fresh and follow factory procedures for EGR and DPF servicing to maintain performance.
• Battery and cranking system: The 1VD‑FTV wants strong cranking speed, especially in winter. A healthy battery and clean terminals make a big difference.

Those references again: Toyota Australia’s 2013 LandCruiser 200 Series specifications show the 1VD‑FTV diesel across the range, Toyota’s 1VD‑FTV engine manual covers glow plugs rather than spark plugs, Toyota’s 2013 Land Cruiser (3UR‑FE petrol) maintenance schedule overseas lists long‑life iridium spark plugs. So for an AU or NZ 2013 LandCruiser, spark plugs simply aren’t part of the picture.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 LandCruiser 200 in Australia or New Zealand have spark plugs?
Australian and New Zealand–delivered 2013 LandCruiser 200s run the 1VD‑FTV 4.5‑litre twin‑turbo diesel V8, so there are no spark plugs. The engine uses glow plugs for cold starts and relies on compression ignition.

What should be serviced instead of spark plugs on a 2013 diesel LandCruiser?
Focus on diesel essentials: glow plugs and their control circuit, the fuel filter and water separator, air filter, EGR/DPF system health, and a strong battery. These items have a bigger impact on starting, performance and longevity than any ignition component would on a diesel.

What if my 2013 LandCruiser is a petrol import—then does it have spark plugs?
Yes. If it’s the petrol 3UR‑FE V8 (common in North America), it uses long‑life iridium spark plugs with extended replacement intervals. Check the VIN/engine code on the build plate and follow the factory service schedule for that engine if you’ve got a petrol example.