🔧 Spark Plugs - Replacement

The spark plugs on your Equinox sit deep in the cylinder head under the ignition coils. Replacing them restores smooth idle, better fuel economy, and helps prevent misfires under boost on the turbo engine.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work with the engine completely cold. Hot aluminum threads can be damaged easily.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing ignition coils.
• Do not overtighten the new plugs. The cylinder head threads can strip.
• Keep dirt out of the spark plug wells. Debris can fall into the cylinders.
• Use only the correct iridium plug gap and heat range for the 2.0L turbo engine.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 5/8-inch spark plug socket
• 6-inch extension
• Torque wrench
• 10mm socket
• Trim tool
• Compressed air
• Dielectric grease
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plug set - Qty: 4
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully before starting.
• Open the hood and remove any engine cover if equipped.
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging ignition coils.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• Use a trim tool to lift off the top engine cover if equipped.
• Set it aside carefully so the mounting clips do not break.

Step 2: Disconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the negative battery cable.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot spring back and touch the post.

Step 3: Remove the ignition coil connectors

• Press the lock tab on each coil connector and unplug it by hand.
• Pull on the connector, not the wires.

Step 4: Remove the ignition coils

• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the coil retaining bolts.
• Lift each ignition coil straight up and out.
• Keep the coils in order if you plan to reuse them.

Step 5: Clean the spark plug wells

• Use compressed air to blow dirt out of each plug well.
• Clean first so debris cannot fall into the cylinder.

Step 6: Remove the old spark plugs

• Use a 5/8-inch spark plug socket, 6-inch extension, and ratchet to remove each plug.
• Turn slowly at first so you can feel for cross-threading or resistance.

Step 7: Install the new spark plugs

• Check that each new plug is the correct type and pre-gapped to specification.
• Install each plug by hand using the extension and socket first.
• Once seated, tighten with a torque wrench to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Hand-start every plug first.

Step 8: Reinstall the ignition coils

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside each coil boot.
• Push each coil straight down onto its spark plug.
• Reinstall the coil bolts with a 10mm socket and tighten to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).
• Reconnect each coil electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 9: Reconnect the battery and reinstall covers

• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
• Reinstall the engine cover by pressing it back into place.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for a smooth idle.
• Check the engine light is off and no misfire is present.
• If the engine shakes or runs rough, recheck coil connectors and plug torque.
• Drive gently for the first few miles to confirm normal operation.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $45-$110 (parts only)

You Save: $175-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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