Lexus ES (2001-2023) firing order — what is it?
Optimizing engine harmony with the Lexus ES firing order.
The Lexus ES has been one of the brand’s flagship luxury sedans for decades, and it’s still going strong in its seventh generation. It has always been powered by some of Lexus’ V6 engines, and these are known for their reliability.
We still wanted to give you a helping hand when it comes to the Lexus ES (2001-2023) firing order guide. It’s one of the best ways you can keep your engine from misfires and worn-off plugs and coils. So, we’ll consider all the engine options along with their cylinder configurations.
| LEXUS ES YEARS | ENGINE | FIRING ORDER |
|---|---|---|
| 4th Gen (2001-2005) | 3.0L V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| 3.3L V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | |
| 5th Gen (2006-2011) | 2.4L | 1-3-4-2 |
| 3.5L V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | |
| 6th Gen (2012-2017) | 2.0L | 1-3-4-2 |
| 2.5L | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | |
| 3.5L V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | |
| 7th Gen (2018-present) | 2.0L | 1-3-4-2 |
| 2.5L | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | |
| 3.5L V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
Fourth-generation Lexus ES (2001-2005) firing order
The fourth-gen Lexus ES model featured several engine options and those were all six-cylinders. So, there was an optional 3.3-liter and a 3.0-liter V6. The good thing is – both of these engines use the same firing pattern and cylinder configuration, so let’s take a look:
Lexus ES 3.0L firing order
The Lexus ES 3.0L firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6 and this engine is a transverse V6. That means the cylinders are ordered in the upper and lower cylinder banks. The top bank cylinders are laid out in the 1, 3, and 5 order left to right.
Lexus ES 3.3L firing order
Just as like for the 3.0L engine, the Lexus 3.3L firing order is also 1-2-3-4-5-6, so that makes it easier for owners of both versions. The engine’s cylinders are ordered from left to right with the odd cylinder numbers being in the upper bank.
Even cylinders are numbered in order 2, 4, and 6 also left to right, so the cylinder configuration matches the one of the previous V6.
Fifth-generation Lexus ES (2006-2011) firing order
For the fifth-gen ES, Lexus decided to ditch the 3.0-liter engine and there was also a new 3.5L V6 engine offered instead of the old options. Instead of the old base engine, there was also another 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
Lexus ES 2.4L firing order
As the base engine option for the fifth-gen Lexus LS, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine has the firing order 1-3-4-2. The cylinders are ordered from left to right in a straight order from 1 to 4. So, this engine is perhaps the easiest one to maintain by applying the firing order.
Lexus ES 3.5L firing order
Among all the Lexus ES V6 engines, the 3.5-liter one is the most unique because it has a different cylinder configuration. However, the Lexus ES 3.5L firing order is also 1-2-3-4-5-6, but the cylinders are ordered differently since this one is not a transverse engine.
So, cylinders 1, 3, and 5 are ordered in the driver’s side cylinder bank front to rear, while cylinders 2, 4, and 6 are placed on the passenger’s side.
Sixth-generation Lexus ES (2012-2017) firing order
The engine selection for the Lexus ES has been completely changed for the sixth-gen model. The four-cylinder engine was still a base option, but this time it was a turbocharged engine. The 3.5-liter V6 stayed on offer, along with a smaller 2.5-liter one, so let’s take a closer look:
Lexus ES 2.0L turbo firing order
As the base trim of the car, the Lexus ES 2.0L turbo firing order is 1-3-4-2. The cylinders are laid out from 1 to 4 in a straight order from the left side of the engine to the right side of the engine. If that makes it easier, it’s the same configuration as for the other four-cylinder engines.
Lexus ES 2.5L firing order
The 2.5-liter V6 engine was added to the lineup for this generation model and this V6 is not a transverse engine. So, the cylinders are ordered in driver’s side and passenger’s side cylinder banks. However, this time, the driver’s side cylinders are ordered 2, 4, and 6 front to rear.
Passenger’s side cylinders are ordered 1, 3, and 5 front to rear, so that makes this engine a bit different from the previous 3.5-liter V6.
Seventh-generation Lexus ES (2018-present) firing order
For the seventh-generation ES model, engine options have remained the same as for the previous-generation model. That means drivers could once again choose between the 2.0-liter turbo engine, 2.5-liter V6, and the 3.5-liter V6 engine.
The Lexus ES 2.0L firing order is 1-3-4-2 again, and with the 1-2-3-4-5-6 firing order for V6 engines, that makes the only firing sequence you’ll need to know for this generation model.
Our take
Now that we’ve made a tour through the Lexus ES engines and their firing orders, you’ll have a clear overview so you can find the firing pattern for your specific engine. We hope you’ll be able to use it to get on the right path for checking the engine’s cylinders and their plugs, so you’ll have a higher chance of avoiding misfires.
