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How to replace your spark plugs


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Spark plugs are the heart of your car’s ignition system. If yours are worn out, new ones can dramatically improve your performance. See how to replace them here. View all of us Autoblog Wrenched video for more tips on diagnosing, fixing, and modifying cars from expert detailer Larry Kosilla. While you’re at it, check out Larry’s other auto maintenance and cleaning video series Automatic log details!

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The sparkling heart of your ignition system

If your spark plugs are worn out, new ones can dramatically improve your performance. Doing it yourself is easier than you think. Make sure the strut is securely fixed or the roof strut is in good working order so that the hood doesn’t fall on you during this repair. These days it seems like spark plugs last a lot longer, but what are the signs that they need to be replaced? If your car isn’t running consistently, has reduced performance, or if you’re consuming more fuel, your spark plugs could be a culprit. Before starting work, check your owner’s manual to find the correct specification plugs for your car and engine.

Know your plugs

There are several different types of plugs. The base is copper, while platinum and iridium will last longer. Unless your car is heavily modified, remaining to the original equipment specifications is often the best option. Visit your local auto parts store to buy plugs, but if they’re not OEM-branded, they can often cross-reference for a suitable replacement.

Preparation is key

Spread a towel over the fenders before starting to protect the paint as you will be leaning towards the engine for a while. On this particular vehicle, we needed to unscrew four allen bolts to access the plugs. Remember to mark the position of each wire before you remove anything. Likewise, you can take a quick photo with your phone just to be safe.

On modern automobiles, coil packs are used in place of distributors and ignition wires because they offer greater efficiency and reliability since no mechanical or moving parts are used as manufacturers do. distribution. A coil set is a set of ignition coils controlled by your car’s electronic igniter that turns energy from your car’s battery down to the spark plugs, which of course ignites fuel and drives the spark plugs. Piston. Putting the wrong wire, or in this case, a wrong coil on the plug, will cause the engine to run horribly or even not work at all, so keep an eye on which plug goes on which cylinder. Remove the bolt holding the ignition coil. Next, unplug the ignition wires that connect to the coils. Now, remove the coil by lifting it straight up and out of the manifold.

Remove the plug

Once all four coils are unplugged and out of the engine, stick a piece of duct tape between the ratchet extension and the spark plug socket. This is done to prevent the socket from falling out and getting stuck in the narrow spool, which would be uncomfortable to remove. Gently loosen each spark plug and carefully pull it out of the engine and check its color. Notice whether each spark plug looks the same or is significantly different and what type of cylinder they come from. It may be useful for future engine troubleshooting.

Note the distance

Most new plugs come pre-assembled to your car’s engine. Otherwise, use the gap tool to carefully adjust the clearance or gap between the electrodes. Slide the plug over the standardized tool and adjust the spacing to meet the manufacturer’s recommended spacing. Next, add a little anti-seize to the threads, but be careful and avoid getting them on the electrodes. Some plugs are pre-coated and do not require additional anticonvulsants, but check the box description.

Carefully reinstall the plugs

To re-plug, here’s a very simple trick to avoid cross-inserting the plugs, which would require dismantling the entire motor for repair. Any random tube that fits snugly on the top or terminal will work. This will allow me to twist the spark plug by hand without cross threading as the rubber hose will bend or flex if the threads get stuck, unlike a metal extension, which will provide power through and Crush the soft fibers. Pretty convenient idea. Once the threads are started, then use an extension ratchet and stretch the plug by about a quarter but not too much as you could break the porcelain if you tighten it too tight.

A little dab will make you

Before replacing the coil, add a little dielectric grease to the coil end before mounting it to the spark plug terminal. Plug it back into the ignition wire. You will hear and feel a click when it is in place on the plug. Screw the coil down on the manifold, repeat this step for all cylinders, then replace the manifold cap when you’re done.

Start the engine to check idling

If it doesn’t start right away, check to make sure all the coils are plugged in and the wires are fully seated. The ignition system on our cars can be intimidating. But by taking the time and proper preparation, you can bring your vehicle’s performance back to factory specs and also save some money. For more auto repair video tutorials, visit Autoblog.com/wrenched.



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