Spark Plug change tips

[turboAWD]

do the coil pack connectors just pull apart or do you have to press a release button

As I recall, they just pull apart. I think it's easier if you twist while doing it - they should spin with a bit of pressure..

 

[Ulikefishsticks]

They come out pretty easy but they can pull apart, If I recall, the passenger side one in the middle has to come apart in 2 pieces to make it easier to pull out as it is in a really tight spot.

 

[stingeradmr]

I'm talking about the connector on top wires coming into the top

 

[Ulikefishsticks]

There is a release button you have to press to release the connector going into the coil. A couple of mine were a pain the butt.

 

[General_Vodka]

The connections are clip type. Pull that grey tab out a bit and the up can be pressed down to remove it.

 

[General_Vodka]

"Tight spaces" heh heh. Not enough room? Step one for easy plug change: remove everything in front of the engine block. Step 2: remove everything from the top. Step 5: done.

 

[Ulikefishsticks]

Some of those tabs were stuck for me, what I did is put a screwdriver in there and twisted it to release the clip. Then you press down on it to release it.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

do the coil pack connectors just pull apart or do you have to press a release button

You pull the locking mechanism back, press the tab, then pull it off.

 

[Obxguy2000]

Replaced plugs yesterday and boy was I nervous. The last time I replaced plugs on a car was over 25 years ago on an 86 Toyota Celica GT and I cross threaded one inside the motor. Had to tow to a garage and took them several days trying to get it out. Actually broke off inside the block. I said I would never fuk with plugs again. Thanks to this thread and a few videos, I did it!!! My only advice it to make sure you have a swivel magnetic spark plug socket, a magnetic 10mm socket, a magnetic pick up stick and about 3 hours. Passenger side took the longest. Removed the coil pack in the back first, then the middle one (had to unplug connector and separate the coil into the 2 parts, and then removed the front one (had to unplug connector and pull coil pack towards the front). Driver side was very quick and easy. What took me so was I kept dropping the coil pack bolts and sockets down in the motor, then having to find and fish them out. Never found 10mm socket and 1 bolt. I am sure next time will go a lot smoother.

 

[Double D]

Replaced plugs yesterday and boy was I nervous. The last time I replaced plugs on a car was over 25 years ago on an 86 Toyota Celica GT and I cross threaded one inside the motor. Had to tow to a garage and took them several days trying to get it out. Actually broke off inside the block. I said I would never fuk with plugs again. Thanks to this thread and a few videos, I did it!!! My only advice it to make sure you have a swivel magnetic spark plug socket, a magnetic 10mm socket, a magnetic pick up stick and about 3 hours. Passenger side took the longest. Removed the coil pack in the back first, then the middle one (had to unplug connector and separate the coil into the 2 parts, and then removed the front one (had to unplug connector and pull coil pack towards the front). Driver side was very quick and easy. What took me so was I kept dropping the coil pack bolts and sockets down in the motor, then having to find and fish them out. Never found 10mm socket and 1 bolt. I am sure next time will go a lot smoother.

I’ve lost one 10mm to the black hole. Dropped three, only lost one so there’s a plus. ​

 

[asciidic]

I just replaced the plugs again yesterday, this time going with Denso IKH27 plugs. Went a bit more smoothly this time with the right tools. A grabber like this one helps a lot. I replaced all the coil bolts with belmetric part # BF6X20YLW because they thread in so much more easily than the soft OEM bolts.

And I learned something with gapping plugs using the screw-type gap tool like the one BMS sells. You have to tighten the screw down a little past your desired gap because the side electrode will drift back up a bit when it doesn't have the screw pressing against it. I didn't do that the last time. Maybe that's why my plugs barely lasted a year.

 

[SnowyGT2]

I was able to swap the spark plugs (a first ever for me) thanks to all the great information here. I was making due with just one swivel until the passenger middle. I could not get a good grip and I honestly thought I stripped or broke it but after purchasing another swivel it was much easier and thankfully have no issues. I am concerned about the longevity of the Denso's though as I keep seeing some posts about them not lasting long at all.

 

[ghodge]

asciidic, what part of the plug swap were you using the grabber tool for as I happen to have one too?

 

[asciidic]

I used it to pull the middle passenger bolt out after loosening it, so I wouldn't lose it when pulling the coil out of that tight spot. I also used it when I dropped a 10mm socket into the hood latch hole.

 

[ghodge]

I gotcha. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Revvdmedia]

For you guys losing things in the engine bay, just pound the under tray with your fist (but don't beat the crap out of it). Usually after quite a few raps, it'll bounce the socket/bolt out of the back of the under tray. This has worked for me on numerous cars including the Stinger, and it feels like a miracle every time. I haven't ever permanently lost anything that has fallen down there with this trick.

 

[MoneyManziel]

Followed all the tips in this thread and knocked it out in just over an hour. Some frustrating moments trying to rethread the coil pack bolts, but all in all not terrible with the right tools.

 

[cncBilly]

Followed all the tips in this thread and knocked it out in just over an hour. Some frustrating moments trying to rethread the coil pack bolts, but all in all not terrible with the right tools.

Ya those coil pack bolts were a p.i.t.a. the single biggest time consumer for me when I did them. Some guys have swapped them out, I think I'll do that next time as well.

 

[General_Vodka]

never had an issue with the coil pack bolts. Then again I did have a lot of room to get them in. I didn't lose any of those bolts but I did lose one MAF sensor bolt. It was never found again. I even had the underbody cover down and still nothing.

 

[SnowyGT2]

One of the coil packs came apart in two pieces when I was trying to remove it. Not sure how bad that is and hope it is not damaged. Not running into issues so far thankfully.