🔧 Kona - Spark Plug Replacement

Replacing the spark plugs restores strong ignition, smooth idle, and good fuel economy. On your Kona, the plugs sit under the ignition coils on top of the engine, so access is straightforward once the engine cover is off.

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 damaged threads.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug holes—debris can damage the engine.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect the battery, use a 10mm wrench and remove the negative terminal first.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring—release connectors by the lock tab first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• 10mm socket
• 10mm wrench
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension set
• 5/8" spark plug socket
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive, Nm/ft-lb)
• Compressed air blow gun
• Spark plug gap gauge (wire type)
• Small pick tool
• Dielectric grease

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plugs (OEM-spec iridium) - Qty: 4
• Ignition coil boots (optional, if torn/oil-soaked) - Qty: 4

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and let the engine cool completely.
• If you’re a first-timer, disconnect the battery negative terminal using a 10mm wrench.
• Lay out parts in order (cylinder 1-4) so nothing gets mixed up.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• Grip the cover and pull upward firmly to pop it off its rubber grommets (no tools on most setups).
• Set it aside where it won’t get stepped on.

Step 2: Unplug and remove ignition coils (one at a time)

• Use a flashlight to locate each ignition coil on top of the valve cover.
• Release the connector lock tab using a small pick tool, then unplug the connector by hand.
• Remove the coil hold-down bolt using a 10mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Pull the coil straight up to remove it. Twist gently if stuck.
• If reinstalling the same coils, keep them in order (don’t swap positions).

Step 3: Clean around the spark plug wells

• Blow out each spark plug well using a compressed air blow gun.
• This prevents sand/grit from falling into the cylinder when the plug comes out.

Step 4: Remove the old spark plugs

• Install a 5/8" spark plug socket onto a 3/8" drive extension and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Turn counterclockwise to loosen and remove the spark plug.
• If a plug feels extremely tight, stop and re-check that the engine is fully cool.

Step 5: Check and prep the new spark plugs

• Verify you have the correct OEM-spec iridium plugs for your Kona (match the box to what was removed).
• Check the gap using a spark plug gap gauge (wire type). Do not pry on iridium tips.
• Put a small dab of dielectric grease inside each coil boot (this helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).

Step 6: Install the new spark plugs

• Start each plug by hand first using the spark plug socket and extension (no ratchet) to avoid cross-threading.
• Once finger-tight, tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 18-22 Nm (13-16 ft-lbs).
• If it doesn’t thread smoothly, stop immediately.

Step 7: Reinstall ignition coils

• Push each coil straight down until it fully seats on the plug.
• Install the coil hold-down bolt using a 10mm socket and tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 9-11 Nm (80-97 in-lbs).
• Reconnect each electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 8: Reinstall the engine cover

• Line up the cover with the mounting points and press down firmly by hand.
• If you disconnected the battery, reconnect the negative terminal using a 10mm wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle 1-2 minutes. It should run smooth with no shaking.
• If the engine light comes on or it runs rough, re-check every coil connector is fully seated.
• Take a short test drive and confirm normal power under light acceleration.

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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.