🔧 CR-V - Spark Plug Replacement

Replacing the spark plugs on your CR-V restores strong ignition, smooth idle, and good fuel economy. This engine uses coil-on-plug ignition, so you’ll remove one ignition coil per cylinder, then swap the plug underneath.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.8-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a fully cool engine to avoid burns and damaged aluminum threads.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug holes; blow them out before removing plugs.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wires; unplug ignition coils by the connector body.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required, but avoid shorting tools on the battery/terminals.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension 6"
• 3/8" drive extension 3"
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (5-60 Nm range)
• 5/8" spark plug socket
• 3/8" drive universal joint
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Compressed air blow gun
• Feeler gauge 0.044 in (1.1 mm)
• Dielectric grease
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Iridium spark plugs (correct fit for your CR-V) - Qty: 4

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely (warm aluminum threads can strip easily).
• Lay out 4 new plugs and keep them clean (don’t drop them).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open access to the ignition coils

• Open the hood and locate the ignition coils on top of the engine (4 coils in a row).
• If anything is blocking access, move it aside carefully (do not disconnect hoses unless necessary).

Step 2: Unplug and remove the first ignition coil

• Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently lift the connector lock (if equipped), then unplug the coil connector.
• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the ignition coil hold-down bolt.
• Twist the coil slightly and pull straight up to remove it.
• Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs) for the coil bolt during reassembly.

Step 3: Clean the spark plug well

• Put on safety glasses.
• Use a compressed air blow gun to blow dirt out of the spark plug tube (this prevents debris falling into the cylinder).

Step 4: Remove the spark plug

• Install your 5/8" spark plug socket on a 3/8" drive extension 6" and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Loosen the spark plug counterclockwise and remove it.
• A spark plug socket has a rubber insert.

Step 5: Check the new spark plug gap (quick check)

• Use a feeler gauge 0.044 in (1.1 mm) to verify the gap is about 0.044".
• Do not bend or adjust iridium plug electrodes; if one is off, replace that plug.

Step 6: Install the new spark plug (by hand first)

• Start threading the new plug into the hole by hand using the 5/8" spark plug socket and a 3/8" drive extension 6" only (no ratchet at first).
• If it does not thread smoothly, back it out and try again (cross-threading can damage the cylinder head).
• Once seated, use a 3/8" drive torque wrench to tighten: Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the ignition coil

• Optional: apply a very small amount of dielectric grease inside the coil boot.
• Push the coil straight down until it fully seats on the plug.
• Install the hold-down bolt using a 10mm socket, then tighten with a 3/8" drive torque wrench: Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 8: Repeat for the other three cylinders

• Do one cylinder at a time to avoid mixing connectors.
• Use the 3/8" drive universal joint if you need a better angle for any plug.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds; it should run smooth with no shaking.
• Listen for misfires and confirm the check engine light stays off.
• Take a short test drive, then recheck that all coil connectors are fully clicked in.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$420 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $180-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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