🔧 Kicks - Spark Plug Replacement

On your Kicks, the spark plugs sit on top of the engine under the ignition coils. Replacing them restores smooth starts, idle quality, and fuel economy—especially if you’re due by mileage or have misfires.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool completely before starting (hot aluminum threads can strip).
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug holes—blow off debris before removing plugs.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect the battery, use a 10mm wrench and remove the negative terminal first.
• ⚠️ Do not over-tighten spark plugs; use a torque wrench.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 10mm wrench
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension (6")
• 5/8" spark plug socket
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive, 5–30 Nm range)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Trim clip tool
• Compressed air blow gun
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plugs (iridium, correct fit for your Kicks) - Qty: 4
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool for at least 1 hour.
• Remove any loose jewelry and tie back long hair.
• Take a quick photo of hose routing.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open access to the top of the engine

• Open the hood and locate the air intake duct going to the throttle body.
• Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the intake hose clamp(s).
• If any plastic clips are holding a snorkel/cover, remove them with a trim clip tool.
• Move the intake duct/resonator out of the way so you can clearly reach the ignition coils.

Step 2: Clean around the ignition coils

• Use compressed air blow gun to blow dust away from the tops of the coils and around each spark plug well.
• This helps prevent dirt from falling into the engine when the plugs come out.

Step 3: Unplug and remove the ignition coils

• Unplug one coil at a time (press the connector tab, then pull straight off).
• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the coil hold-down bolt.
• Pull the coil straight up to remove it. If it feels stuck, twist gently while pulling.
• Work one cylinder at a time to stay organized.

Step 4: Remove the old spark plug

• A 5/8" spark plug socket is a deep socket made to grip the plug so it comes out with the tool.
• Install the 5/8" spark plug socket on a 3/8" drive extension (6") and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Lower it into the spark plug tube until it seats on the plug, then loosen and remove the plug.
• If it feels extremely tight, stop and re-check you’re fully seated on the plug hex.

Step 5: Install the new spark plug (by hand first)

• Put the new plug into the 5/8" spark plug socket.
• Thread it in by hand using only the 3/8" drive extension (6") (no ratchet at first) until it bottoms gently.
• This helps avoid cross-threading (damaging the threads in the cylinder head).
• Set your torque wrench (3/8" drive, 5–30 Nm range) and tighten the plug to Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).
• Do not use anti-seize on plated plugs.

Step 6: Reinstall the ignition coil

• Apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease inside the coil boot (the rubber tip) using a gloved fingertip.
• Push the coil straight down until it fully seats on the plug.
• Install the coil bolt using a 10mm socket, then tighten to Torque to 7 Nm (62 in-lbs).
• Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 7: Repeat for the remaining cylinders

• Repeat Steps 3–6 for the other 3 spark plugs.
• Double-check all coil connectors are clicked in and all 10mm bolts are installed.

Step 8: Reinstall the intake duct and clips

• Reposition the intake duct/resonator.
• Tighten the hose clamps using a flathead screwdriver.
• Reinstall any clips with the trim clip tool.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds. It should run smooth.
• If the check engine light turns on or it runs rough, shut it off and re-check coil connectors and that each coil is fully seated.
• Take a short test drive and re-check for any loose intake hose/clamps (listen for a hissing air leak).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$110 (parts only)

You Save: $140-$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?

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