🔧 Regal - Spark Plug Replacement

Replacing the spark plugs helps your Regal start easier, idle smoother, and avoid misfires under boost. On your 2.0L turbo, the plugs sit under the ignition coils on top of the engine and are very reachable with basic hand tools.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧤 Work on a cool engine; hot aluminum threads strip easily.
• 🧯 Keep the key far away so the engine can’t be started accidentally.
• 🔋 Optional but safer: disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm wrench.
• 🧼 Blow dirt out of the plug wells before removing plugs to keep debris out of the cylinders.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (5-60 Nm range)
• 10mm socket
• 5/8" spark plug socket (rubber insert or magnetic)
• 3/8" drive extension set (3" and 6")
• Flathead screwdriver
• Compressed air blow gun
• Feeler gauge (inches)
• Pick tool
• 10mm wrench

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plugs (2.0L turbo, iridium) - Qty: 4
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully (at least 30-60 minutes after driving).
• If you choose to disconnect the battery: use a 10mm wrench to remove the negative cable and tuck it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Torque wrench = tool that tightens to a set value.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• Grip the plastic engine cover and pull straight upward to release the rubber grommets (no tools needed).

Step 2: Unplug the ignition coil connectors

• Locate the ignition coils on top of the engine (one per cylinder).
• Use a pick tool to gently lift the connector lock tab (if equipped), then press the release and pull the connector off.
• Don’t pull on the wires—pull on the connector.

Step 3: Remove the ignition coils

• Use a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the bolt holding each coil.
• Twist each coil slightly and pull straight up to remove it.

Step 4: Clean the spark plug wells

• Use compressed air blow gun to blow out each spark plug tube/well.
• This prevents dirt from falling into the engine when the plug comes out.

Step 5: Remove the old spark plugs

• Use a 5/8" spark plug socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet and a 3/8" drive extension (6") to loosen and remove each spark plug.
• Turn counterclockwise until the plug is fully out, then lift it out with the socket.

Step 6: Check and prep the new spark plugs

• Use a feeler gauge (inches) to verify gap is approximately 0.028 in (0.7 mm) for the 2.0L turbo.
• If they’re iridium plugs, avoid bending the tiny center tip; if the gap is off, exchange the plug instead of forcing it.
• Apply a small dab of dielectric grease inside each coil boot (this helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).
• Do not use anti-seize on plated spark plugs.

Step 7: Install the new spark plugs (by hand first)

• Thread each plug in by hand using the 5/8" spark plug socket and extension only (no ratchet at first).
• If it doesn’t thread in smoothly, back it out and try again—this avoids cross-threading.
• Once seated, use a 3/8" drive torque wrench to tighten each plug: Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the ignition coils

• Push each coil straight down until fully seated on the plug.
• Install coil bolts using a 10mm socket.
• Tighten coil bolts with a 3/8" drive torque wrench: Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 9: Reconnect connectors and reinstall the engine cover

• Reconnect each coil electrical connector until it clicks; re-engage the lock tab if equipped (use pick tool as needed).
• Press the engine cover back down onto the mounting grommets.
• If you disconnected the battery, reconnect the negative cable using a 10mm wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds; it should run smooth with no shaking.
• Take a short test drive and do a few gentle accelerations; watch for a flashing check engine light (misfire).
• If you get a misfire right away, re-check coil connectors are fully clicked in and coils are fully seated.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $130-$410 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 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.

Assumption: stock ignition system and factory-spec iridium plugs for the 2.0L turbo.