How to Change Spark Plugs
The humble spark plug has changed very little over the years—and changing them is as simple as ever.
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You Will Need
- A vehicle owner's manual
- New spark plugs
- A socket wrench
- A spark plug socket
- A socket wrench swivel joint
- And a socket wrench extension
- A spark plug wire puller
- A cleaning rag
- And rubbing alcohol
Steps
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Step 1
Let car cool down
Park your car and wait for it to cool down. This may take a few hours, since the spark plugs are among the hottest parts of your engine.
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Step 2
Locate spark plugs
Pop open the hood and locate your spark plugs by referring to your owner’s manual.
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Step 3
Remove one spark plug
Remove one spark plug wire from the end of the row by pulling its boot, or the little cap where it connects to the engine -- not by yanking on the wire itself.
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You can also use a spark plug wire puller to easily detach the wire.
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Step 4
Attach spark plug to socket wrench
Attach the spark plug socket to the socket wrench. You may need to use a swivel joint and/or a socket wrench extension to reach the spark plug.
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Step 5
Remove spark plug
Remove the spark plug by turning the socket wrench counterclockwise.
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Step 6
Make sure hole's clean
Make sure that the spark plug hole is clean. If necessary, use a rag and rubbing alcohol or compressed air to clean the spark plug hole.
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Step 7
Install new spark plug
Carefully install a new spark plug into the empty hole and tighten it by hand.
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Step 8
Secure new spark plug
Use the socket wrench to secure the new spark plug in place.
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Step 9
Reconnect spark plug wire
Reconnect the spark plug wire onto the new spark plug.
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Changing your spark plugs one at a time prevents incorrect installation that can affect the car’s timing and engine performance.
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Step 10
Move on to next spark plug
When you have successfully changed a spark plug, move on to the next one until you have finished installing all new plugs.
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Diesel engines don’t use spark plugs.
