🔧 Soul - Spark Plug Replacement

On your Soul, the spark plugs sit under the ignition coils on top of the engine. Replacing them restores strong spark for smooth starting, idle, and fuel economy—especially if you have misfires or rough running.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 0.75-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Do this on a fully cool engine to avoid stripped threads and burns.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug holes; debris can damage the engine.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wires—unplug connectors by the lock tab.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required, but if you’re worried about accidental shorts, disconnect the negative terminal.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (5-60 Nm range)
• 3/8" drive extension set (3" and 6")
• 5/8" spark plug socket
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Compressed air blow gun
• Shop vacuum
• Dielectric grease
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Magnetic pickup tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plugs (OEM-spec iridium) - Qty: 4

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and open the hood.
• Let the engine cool completely (at least 1 hour after driving).
• Set your tools out in order so nothing falls into the engine bay.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• Grab the engine cover with both hands and pull straight up to pop it off the rubber grommets.
• If it feels stuck, pull near each corner.

Step 2: Unplug the ignition coil connectors

• Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently lift the connector lock tab (if equipped), then unplug each coil connector.
• Set the connectors aside where they won’t snap back into place.

Step 3: Remove the ignition coils

• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the bolt holding each ignition coil.
• Pull the coil straight up to remove it. (An ignition coil is the “stick” that sits on top of the spark plug.)
• If a coil is tight, twist it slightly while pulling up by hand—don’t pry hard.

Step 4: Clean around the spark plug wells

• Use a shop vacuum to remove loose dirt around the spark plug openings.
• Use compressed air blow gun to blow out each plug well before removing the plug.
• Clean first so nothing falls into the cylinder.

Step 5: Remove the old spark plugs

• Install the 5/8" spark plug socket on a 3/8" drive extension (6") and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Turn counterclockwise to loosen and remove each spark plug.
• If a plug feels unusually stuck, stop and work it back and forth gently—don’t force it.
• If a plug drops, use a magnetic pickup tool to retrieve it.

Step 6: Install the new spark plugs

• Confirm the new plugs match the old ones (same length and tip style).
• Do not change the gap on iridium plugs; they are typically pre-set and can be damaged.
• Carefully start each spark plug by hand using the 5/8" spark plug socket and 3/8" drive extension (6") only (no ratchet at first).
• Thread it in until it seats. This helps prevent cross-threading (damaging the threads in the engine).
• Use a 3/8" drive torque wrench (5-60 Nm range) to tighten each spark plug: Torque to 18-22 Nm (13-16 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the ignition coils

• Put a small amount of dielectric grease inside each coil boot (the rubber end that touches the plug). Dielectric grease is a non-conductive grease that helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier.
• Push each coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.
• Install the coil bolts using a 10mm socket and tighten with a 3/8" drive torque wrench: Torque to 9-10 Nm (80-90 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect electrical connectors and reinstall the engine cover

• Plug each coil connector back in until it clicks. If there’s a lock tab, re-engage it by hand.
• Press the engine cover back onto the grommets until it snaps into place.

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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 verify there’s no check engine light.
• If you have a check engine light or a misfire, recheck that every coil connector is fully clicked in and every coil bolt is tight.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $200-$450 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $160-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 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.