🔧 Spark Plugs - Replacement

The 1.5L turbo engine uses four spark plugs under the ignition coils. Replacing them on time helps prevent misfires, rough idle, and weak acceleration.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a completely cool engine. The turbo and cylinder head get very hot.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable if you want extra safety while working around the coils.
• Do not drop dirt into the plug wells. Keep them clean before removing each plug.
• Use a torque wrench. Over-tightening can damage the aluminum cylinder head.
• Do not use anti-seize on modern Honda spark plug threads unless the plug maker specifically says to.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 5/8-inch spark plug socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3-inch extension
• 6-inch extension
• Torque wrench
• Trim clip tool
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Compressed air or shop vacuum
• Feeler gauge
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plug set - Qty: 4

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• Keep the plug wells clean.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• Pull straight up on the plastic engine cover to release it.
• If it feels stuck, rock it gently by hand. No tool is usually needed.

Step 2: Access the ignition coils

• Use the 10mm socket to remove any air intake duct or cover pieces blocking access to the coil packs.
• Set the parts aside in order so they go back the same way.

Step 3: Unplug and remove the ignition coils

• Press the tab and unplug each coil electrical connector by hand.
• Use the 10mm socket to remove each coil hold-down bolt.
• Pull each ignition coil straight up. A coil pack is the part that sends spark to the plug.
• Twist gently if a coil sticks.

Step 4: Clean the plug wells

• Use compressed air or a shop vacuum to clean dirt from around each spark plug.
• This keeps debris out of the cylinder when the plug comes out.

Step 5: Remove the old spark plugs

• Use the 5/8-inch spark plug socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and extensions to remove each plug.
• Turn counterclockwise to loosen, then lift the plug out.
• Check the old plugs for heavy wear, oil, or white deposits.

Step 6: Check the new plug gap

• Use the feeler gauge to verify the gap on each new plug.
• Adjust only if the plug maker allows it.
• Most new plugs are pre-gapped.

Step 7: Install the new spark plugs

• Thread each plug in by hand first using the 5/8-inch spark plug socket and extension.
• This helps avoid cross-threading.
• Once seated by hand, use the torque wrench to tighten each plug to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the ignition coils

• Push each coil back onto its spark plug until fully seated.
• Install the coil bolts with the 10mm socket.
• Torque the coil bolts to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect each electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 9: Reinstall covers and ducts

• Reinstall any intake ducting or cover pieces using the 10mm socket and trim clip tool.
• Snap the engine cover back into place by hand.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Listen for rough running or misfire sounds.
• Check that the check engine light is off.
• If a misfire code was stored before the repair, clear it with a scan tool if needed.
• Take a short test drive and make sure acceleration feels smooth.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $40-$100 (parts only)

You Save: $140-$220 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.