how to change spark plugs

Slide the proper size spark plug socket over the plug. In spite of the stresses on them, modern spark-plugs have an average life of 12,000-16,000 km (8,000-10,000 miles) in four-stroke engines. I would not do that because the part that sparks might not reach far enough into the cylinder to ignite the gas correctly. The difficulty of spark plug replacement can differ substantially between vehicles, although the plugs used in the majority of makes and models can be replaced in a relatively straightforward and trouble-free fashion. Just be sure you gap the spark plugs properly and use a torque wrench. S40 and V40 1995–2004 diagram and steps on how to change the spark plugs. All work should be done with the engine … Some cars have engine covers you'll have to remove to see the spark plug wires, tracing them back to find the plugs themselves. The appropriate size socket to use is normally 13/6 inch or 5/8 inch deep type socket. Before you change the spark plugs in your car, let the engine cool down so that it's cool to the touch. Once you remove the spark plug, you'll have an open hole directly... 3. If the plugs are bent, black, or broken, you may have a mechanical problem with your engine and should consult a qualified mechanic or your local car dealer repair shop without undue delay. Now it is time to insert new spark plugs.and tighten with your ratchet. Spark Plug. If you don't have a spark plug socket, you can loosen the plug with a conventional socket and use the boot to grab onto it and pull the plug out. They can be quite hot and the engine compartment may cause a burn. The first step in changing your spark plugs is to remove the old ones. Step 2: Remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket. Never downgrade to a less expensive plug and don't think too hard about fixing something that works already. Once you’ve put in the labor to begin checking spark plugs, however, you might as well change them and establish a new baseline for the future. I personally always use the NGK brand spark plugs which are easily available at Napa Auto Parts For around 10 dollars a set you can get the copper, or for around 35-40 dollars you can buy the iridium IX plugs. Remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket. Consider replacing hidden plugs first before replacing easier plugs. You can typically buy fixed gap or adjustable gap spark plugs, so it's up to you if you want to check your plugs regularly and make minute adjustments. Removing a seized plug can be costly, especially if the threads in the cylinder head are damaged. Chris has over 20 years of experience as a mechanic. Keep children clear of the work area and wear eye protection at all times. Over time, the gap grows to the point where the spark can no longer make the jump. However, it depends on the automaker’s purpose for the light. The battery is often blamed as the culprit for a vehicle not starting. You should always check your owner's manual and look up where your spark plugs are, how many you have, the correct "gap" and the size socket needed to remove them. It will take you a couple of hours to change the spark plugs, maybe even longer if you are changing spark plugs on a Mercedes-Benz for the first time. Set the spark plug gap at 0.45 mm on a new spark plug, and plug the new spark plug into the cylinder head. Always follow the spark plug service intervals shown in your owner’s manual to figure out when to replace spark plugs. Gap all plugs before installation using the manufacturer's specs. If the gap is too large, tap the side electrode lightly on a solid surface. When you're changing your plugs, it's... 3. B. E51 How – and why - to check and change automatic transmission fluid. If dirt fell in, consider starting the car without that plug, allowing the piston to force air/dirt out in loud bursts (keep away from the engine when doing so to avoid potential injury to eyes and keep the children away). As the piston moves up and down along the wall these rings will collect oil. When checking to see if the plugs need replacing, simply remove one spark plug and check the gap. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 842,939 times. Allow plenty of time for the engine to cool down before replacing your spark plugs. This article … Feeler gauges are even more precise and give a wider range of applications. All the parts you need to replace – Spark Plug for 208 I Hatchback (CA_, CC_) and other PEUGEOT models. In general, it’s best to replace spark plugs as part of preventative maintenance based on manufacturer’s specifications. Not all spark plugs are rated for 100,000 miles. We have seen spark plugs of petrol and LPG Gas powered cars. Place a small dab of anti-seize compound on the plug threads and hand thread the plug into the cylinder head. To put it simply, it's the process of cohesively moving engine parts to produce rotational energy (camshaft, crankshaft, and ignition). It is necessary to change spark plugs to maintain high performance and gas mileage. Mercedes-Benz E-Class: How to Replace Spark Plugs. We'll show you how to repair your car or replace any car part. I have yet to do this because I am waiting for the engine, "Very helpful. The wire will just pop off with a little pulling by hand. This way you avoid having to check the same plug twice because of a simple oversight. In general, it’s best to replace spark plugs as part of preventative maintenance based on manufacturer’s specifications. Spark plug socket, usually included in most ratchet socket sets, A spark gap gauge or feeler gauge, available at any auto parts store. How long spark plugs last … Then, clean the area around the spark plug to avoid getting debris in the combustion chamber when you remove the plug. Spark plug wires don’t last forever. The Oldsmobile owner's manual recommends that Alero owners change their spark plugs every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The answer depends on the type of engine in your vehicle. He also gives some pointers on how to repair and replace spark plug coils and wires. Vacuum, blow out, and clean the area around the spark plugs to prevent dirt and grime from falling into the spark plug pocket or the engine. High underhood temperatures cause the wires’ insulation to wear out, allowing sparks to take the path of least resistance and arc to the closest metal object. Worn spark plugs can cause hard starts, rough idling, hesitation, and poor gas mileage. Start the new plugs by putting them in the boot and starting them by hand, then tighten with the socket. Check the owner’s manual for the replacement interval. You can also try a rust dissolver. Here's how to replace spark plugs. There are 4 spark plugs in this first generation. Are there any ill effects of replacing a long thread spark plug with a short thread spark plug? Thus the whole procedure is done. SEE NEXT: Catalytic Converter Symptoms, Causes & Replacement Cost. Next, locate the first spark plug and remove the spark plug wire from the plug itself. Motorcycles will typically have between 1 and 4 spark plugs depending on your specific engine type. Consider cleaning around the threads before reinserting the new spark plugs. The average spark plug replacement cost is something between $115 and $259 from which labor costs are usually between $65 and $190 while parts are priced between $55 and $90. But if your engine affords easy access to the rear bank, you can probably do the job yourself. You should tighten each of the spark plugs with your ratchet. To avoid turning this job into an all-weekend project, remove one spark plug at a time, inspect it, clean it, and — if it’s salvageable — gap the spark plugs. How do I change spark plugs on my Chrysler? E51 Replacing brake pads. Use the feeler blades or the gap setting tool to check the electrode gap of the new plugs, if applicable - see your vehicle handbook or Haynes manual. Disconnect the spark plug lead. Disconnect the air intake from the manifold. Then blow any remaining loose dirt off the engine before you set out your tools and new plugs. The main thing is getting the wires on and in the right, orderly fashion. If you check it yourself, you'll know for sure. How to Replace Spark Plugs If your w204 has hit the 100,000 mile mark, it's time to change those spark plugs! … Remove the spark plug boots one at a time. Most quality spark plugs are suggested to be changed at 60,000 miles, and this is currently the most widely accepted change interval for most spark plug types of today. Label any vacuum hoses you remove so you restore them to the right place. It is crucial to change the spark plug on time. Always use a torque wrench and the manufacturer's spark plug torque specs. Be sure to wipe off the coil before putting on new boots. Well described and to the point.". Once the spark plug is exposed, you can now use the socket wrench and socket to remove the spark plug. Before changing the plug, you must make sure that the power of the generator is off. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. So what are the benefits of changing spark plugs? Re-attach the electrical connector (s). Doing this operation yourself can help you understand the way that your vehicle operates, and in the long run can save you a lot of money when compared with taking it to the shop for new spark plugs. The first step is to make sure your car actually has spark plugs. On COP applications remove debris by blowing air down into the spark plug well hole. Next, gently remove the wire plug from one of the spark plugs and then use a socket wrench with an extension bar to remove the spark plug. Insufficient torque can result in a plug blowing right out of the cylinder head, taking the threads with it. Threads 4 Messages 60. These warning lights may illuminate if the spark plugs are fouled or failing, or if the spark plug wires need replacement. Your Vehicle Starts Smoothly – Replace your spark plug, and when you turn the key in the ignition, you can feel your vehicle start effortlessly. Triple-check spark plug model numbers. The car is hard to start. You should immediately replace the gasket when this happens. Unplug the spark plugs with a spark plug socket and socket wrench. 13 Ways You’re Shortening the Life of Your Car, Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Warm Up Your Car In The Winter, The Difference Between Green and Orange Antifreeze, Auto Dent Repair: How to Fix a Dent in a Car, Car Heater Blowing Cold Air? Spray the spark plug and let it soak for ten minutes. Above all, you need to make sure the gap measurement is the correct measurement for your car. How to Replace Spark Plugs Spark plugs ignite the fuel inside your engine, but cannot do it properly forever. Rotate the plug counter-clockwise to loosen it. This can cause oil leaks to reach the spark plugs. Changing your spark plugs is vital to keeping a healthy car. On an inline 6-cylinder, they are located on the top or side of the engine head. Blow away the dirt and grime that’s settled on and around the plug since it was installed. Get the correct replacement plugs. This article has been viewed 842,939 times. When the accelerator of a car is being used, is there a specific problem that could make white colored smoke be emitted? But spark plugs can just as easily be the cause. If the electrode end is rust-colored, it could be carbon fouling, most commonly cause by using a cold plug. When you consider the gas mileage falloff and the possibility of seized plugs, early replacement makes sense. Apply a small amount of plug wire grease to the plug wire boot (or COP boot) and re-install each plug wire or ignition coil. So How Much Do Spark Plug Change Cost? Remember: if you have carbon tracking on one or more of your spark plugs, replacing your coil boots is necessary. If you’re not comfortable with that, take your vehicle to a pro. We recommend our users to update the browser. 1. When to change Spark Plugs on a Classic Car. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or not, locating the spark plugs in a combustion engine is fairly straightforward. 7 Steps of How to Change Spark Plugs on Onan 5500 Generator. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Great article. Do all spark plugs need to be replaced at the same time? Sign up for our newsletter! As the name suggests, it provides the ignition between the compression and combustion stages of the four-stroke cycle used by modern car engines. Last Updated: August 12, 2020 References. For example, if you’ve already got 80,000 miles on a set of 100,000-mile plugs, they’re 80 percent worn and beginning to take a toll on engine performance and gas mileage. If your vehicle uses extended-life spark plugs, you could go as long as 100,000 miles before changing the spark plug wires. AUTODOC recommends: The replacement procedure is the same for all spark plugs. It's rare that you need to adjust gaps straight out of the box but it pays to check. Chris Latocki is a Master Mechanic in Sarasota, Florida. That’s fine if you’re using stock spark plugs. This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG w211 (2002-2009). Remove the coil hold-down bolt and pull out the entire coil and boot assembly. Avoid thread damage by following these suggested steps. To learn how to tell if you need to replace your spark plugs, keep reading! To change spark plugs, start by carefully pulling out the first spark plug by the boot, which is the connector that connects the spark plug wire to the engine. While most spark plugs can last over 100,000 miles, it is recommended that you change the spark plugs more frequently than that for optimal performance and better fuel economy. Disconnect the ignition coil electrical connector by depressing (or pulling up) on the locking tab. Your car’s engine needs to work harder to compensate for worn or clogged spark plugs. To change spark plugs, start by carefully pulling out the first spark plug by the boot, which is the connector that connects the spark plug wire to the engine. DIY: How to change: Lexus RX XU30 spark plugs – replacement guide - Autodoc CLUB free easy-to-follow tutorials on car maintenance. In some V6 engines, access might be difficult. It's also important to ask about spark plug replacement cost before making an appointment. Reinstall the air cleaner and vanity cover and fire it up. Unscrew the Plug Blow away the dirt and grime that’s settled on and around the plug since it was installed. So, now you know, change your spark plugs every 16,000 miles, give or take, or change them if you have engine problems, especially those related to fuel or carburetor issues. % of people told us that this article helped them. That's when you get misfires, lower gas mileage, poor acceleration and, ultimately, the dreaded “Check Engine” light. I would recommend the Following. He works in automotive repair and diagnostics at both dealerships and independent shops. Hello all, Does anybody know how to change the spark plugs on a 1.6 petrol? Without this article, I would have tried it and most likely suffered a burn. If you don’t maintain this, there could become an accident. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Change-Spark-Plugs-in-a-Car-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Spark-Plugs-in-a-Car-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Change-Spark-Plugs-in-a-Car-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid18002-v4-728px-Change-Spark-Plugs-in-a-Car-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"