🔧 Spark Plugs - Replacement

Your Equinox uses individual coil-on-plug ignition, so each coil has to come off to reach the spark plug underneath. Replacing all four plugs restores smooth idle, easier starts, and better fuel economy when the plugs are worn.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool fully before starting; the cylinder head and coils can be very hot.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging ignition coils.
• Do not drop dirt into the spark plug wells.
• Use a spark plug socket with a rubber insert so the plugs do not crack during removal or install.
• Do not over-tighten the new plugs; the aluminum cylinder head can be damaged.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3-inch extension
• 6-inch extension
• 5/8-inch spark plug socket
• Torque wrench
• Flat blade trim tool
• Dielectric grease
• Compressed air
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plug set - Qty: 4
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key or fob from the vehicle.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before touching the ignition coils.
• Work on a cold engine only.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover and intake duct

• Use a flat blade trim tool to lift off the engine cover if equipped.
• Use an 8mm socket to loosen the air intake duct clamps and remove the duct if it blocks access to the coils.
• Set all clips and screws aside in order.

Step 2: Disconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the negative battery cable.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot spring back to the terminal.

Step 3: Remove the ignition coils

• Unplug each coil electrical connector by pressing the lock tab and pulling straight back.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove each coil hold-down bolt.
• Lift each coil straight up and out of the spark plug well.
• Keep each coil in order.

Step 4: Remove the old spark plugs

• Use compressed air to blow debris out of each plug well before removal.
• Use a 5/8-inch spark plug socket, 3-inch extension, and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove each plug.
• Turn each plug slowly at first to avoid cross-threading or thread damage.

Step 5: Install the new spark plugs

• Check the new plugs for damage and verify the gap is correct if they are not pre-gapped.
• Thread each plug in by hand first using the 5/8-inch spark plug socket and extension.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten each plug to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Hand-start every plug first.

Step 6: Reinstall the ignition coils

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside each coil boot.
• Push each coil straight down onto its spark plug.
• Install the coil bolts with a 10mm socket and tighten to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).
• Reconnect each coil electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 7: Reassemble the intake and engine cover

• Reinstall the intake duct and tighten the clamps with an 8mm socket.
• Press the engine cover back into place if equipped.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket and tighten snugly.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Listen for misfires, rough idle, or ticking from a loose plug.
• If the Check Engine light was on before, clear codes with a scan tool after confirming the repair.
• Take a short test drive and confirm normal acceleration.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$320 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$95 (parts only)

You Save: $140-$225 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.