🔧 Spark Plugs - Replacement

Your engine uses 16 spark plugs, so this is a bigger job than a typical V8. The main work is removing the ignition coils, changing the plugs one cylinder at a time, and making sure each plug is torqued correctly so you don’t damage the aluminum cylinder heads.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool completely before starting. Hot exhaust parts can burn you.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing ignition coils.
• Keep dirt out of the spark plug holes. A drop of grit can damage the engine.
• Do not overtighten the plugs. The cylinder heads are aluminum and can be damaged easily.
• Use only spark plugs with the correct gap and heat range for your engine.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3-inch extension
• 6-inch extension
• 5/8-inch spark plug socket
• Torque wrench
• Flat-blade trim tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Dielectric grease
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plugs - Qty: 16
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
• Remove the engine cover if equipped.
• Label ignition coils if you want to keep everything in order, even though the coils are usually interchangeable.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery and expose the ignition coils

• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Remove the engine cover by hand if your truck has one.
• Find the ignition coils on top of each cylinder head.

Step 2: Remove the ignition coils

• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove each coil hold-down bolt.
• Gently twist each coil to break it loose, then pull it straight up.
• Unplug the electrical connector from each coil using a flat-blade trim tool if the tab is stuck.
• Keep the coils in order.

Step 3: Remove the old spark plugs

• Use a 5/8-inch spark plug socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and extension to remove one plug at a time.
• Turn each plug counterclockwise slowly to avoid cross-threading.
• If a plug feels stuck, work it back and forth gently. Do not force it.
• Inspect each old plug for heavy oil, white deposits, or damaged electrodes.

Step 4: Prepare and install the new plugs

• Check the gap on each new spark plug before installing. Use the factory spec for your engine.
• Install each plug by hand first using the 5/8-inch spark plug socket and extension.
• Once seated, tighten each plug with a torque wrench to 13 Nm (115 in-lbs).
• Hand-start every plug first.

Step 5: Reinstall the ignition coils

• Apply a small dab of dielectric grease inside each coil boot.
• Push each coil straight down onto its spark plug until fully seated.
• Reconnect each electrical connector until it clicks.
• Install each coil bolt with a 10mm socket and torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).

Step 6: Reassemble and reconnect power

• Reinstall the engine cover if removed.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
• Make sure no tools are left in the engine bay.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Listen for rough idle, misfires, or ticking near the coils.
• Check the check engine light. If it stays on, scan for codes.
• Take a short test drive and confirm smooth acceleration.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $330-$630 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 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.