🔧 Compass - Spark Plug Replacement

On your Compass, the spark plugs sit under the ignition coils on top of the engine. Replacing them restores strong ignition, helps prevent misfires, and keeps idle and fuel economy where they should be.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a fully cool engine to avoid burns and thread damage.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging coils.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug wells; debris can fall into the cylinder.
• ⚠️ Start spark plugs by hand only; cross-threading can ruin the cylinder head.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (ft-lb or Nm)
• 3/8" extension set (3", 6")
• 5/8" spark plug socket (rubber insert or magnet)
• Small flat trim tool
• Compressed air blow gun
• Shop vacuum

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plugs - Qty: 4
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, select neutral, and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely (warm aluminum threads strip easier).
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
• If your new plugs came with a torque spec on the box, keep it handy (best source for final tightening spec).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Lift off the plastic engine cover by pulling upward evenly (use a small flat trim tool only if needed).

Step 2: Locate and unplug the ignition coils

• You’ll see 4 ignition coils (one per cylinder) on top of the valve cover.
• Press the electrical connector lock and unplug each coil connector by hand. Don’t pull on the wires.

Step 3: Remove the ignition coils

• Use a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the coil hold-down bolt (one bolt per coil).
• Twist the coil gently, then pull it straight up to remove it from the spark plug well.
• Set each coil aside in order (so they go back to the same cylinder).

Step 4: Clean the spark plug wells

• Use a shop vacuum to remove loose dirt around the wells.
• Use compressed air blow gun to blow out each spark plug well before loosening the plug.

Step 5: Remove the old spark plugs

• Install a 5/8" spark plug socket on a 3/8" extension (6") and a 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Turn counterclockwise to loosen, then remove the plug carefully straight up.
• If a plug feels extremely tight, stop and work it gently back-and-forth to avoid damaging threads.

Step 6: Install the new spark plugs (hand-start first)

• Place a new plug into the 5/8" spark plug socket (rubber insert/magnet holds it).
• Lower it into the well and thread it in by hand using only the extension (no ratchet yet) until it seats. This prevents cross-threading.
• Use a 3/8" drive torque wrench to tighten the plug to the correct specification for your exact plug design: Torque to the spark plug manufacturer spec printed on the box/instructions.
• Do not add anti-seize unless your plug manufacturer specifically requires it (many modern plugs are plated and don’t need it).

Step 7: Reinstall the ignition coils

• Put a small smear of dielectric grease inside the end of each coil boot (dielectric grease is a silicone grease that helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).
• Push each coil straight down onto the new plug until fully seated.
• Install the coil bolt using a 10mm socket and snug it down evenly.

Step 8: Reconnect connectors and battery

• Plug each coil electrical connector back in until it clicks.
• Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket.
• Reinstall the engine cover by pressing it down evenly.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds; it should run smooth.
• If you get a flashing check-engine light or rough running, shut it off and re-check coil connectors and that each coil is fully seated.
• Test drive 10–15 minutes and re-check for any warning lights.

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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.

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Quick question so I can give you the exact spark plug torque spec: What brand/part number spark plugs did you buy (or plan to buy)?