Replacing the spark plugs is part of the regular maintenance schedule for any gasoline-powered vehicle. There are one or more spark plugs per cylinder. Replacing them can be labor intensive on some late model vehicles.
How to Replace the Spark Plugs
- Allow the engine to cool off and remove any plastic engine cover(s)
- On a transverse mounted V6 engine, you may have to remove the upper intake manifold
- Remove each ignition wire or individual ignition coil to gain access to each spark plug
- Using a spark plug socket, loosen each spark plug by rotating it counterclockwise
- When the spark plug is completely free of its threads, lift it out of its spark plug hole
- Treat the threads on the new factory specified spark plug with anti-seize thread compound
- Using the spark plug socket, carefully insert each spark plug into each hole
- Carefully install each spark plug by hand until they are tight
- Torque each spark plug to the manufacturer's specifications
- Reinstall each wire and/or coil and re-assemble the engine
- Start the vehicle and let it idle to verify that the new spark plugs are working correctly
About this Repair: Spark Plug Replacement
Best Practices
To prevent ignition misfires and Check Engine Light problems, we recommend using only high-quality spark plugs, and preferably spark plugs from the OEM.
Spark plugs have different ratings and it's important that the correct type are used.
Spark plug terminals wear down over time and can lead to engine misfires. At minimum, they need to be replaced at the mileage specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Common Symptoms
Failing spark plugs can cause the engine to run rough and misfire, which can trigger the Check Engine Light. Continuing to drive under these conditions can damage the catalytic converter.
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