🔧 Trax - Spark Plug Replacement

On your Trax, the spark plugs sit under the ignition coil pack on top of the engine. Replacing them restores smooth starting, power, and fuel economy, and can prevent misfires.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.8-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a fully cool engine to avoid burns and stripped threads.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug holes; grit can damage the engine.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect the battery, you may lose radio presets.
• ⚠️ Do not use anti-seize on modern plated spark plugs unless the plug maker specifically says to.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension set (3" and 6")
• 5/8" (16mm) spark plug socket
• Torque wrench (10-30 Nm range)
• Feeler gauge set (inch or mm)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Compressed air blow gun
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Spark plugs (OEM-equivalent for 1.4L turbo) - 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 completely (at least 1 hour after driving).
• 🔋 Optional: Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• 🧠 Quick definition: Dielectric grease is a non-conductive grease that helps keep moisture out of the coil boot.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• Grip the cover at the corners and pull straight upward to release the rubber grommets.
• Set it aside on a clean surface.

Step 2: Unplug the ignition coil electrical connector

• Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently lift the locking tab (if needed), then press the release and unplug the connector.
• Don’t yank wires; pull the connector body.

Step 3: Remove the ignition coil pack

• Use a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the coil pack mounting bolts.
• Lift the coil pack straight up and out.
• Wipe the area with shop towels.

Step 4: Clean around the spark plug wells

• Use compressed air blow gun to blow debris out of each spark plug hole before removing the plugs.
• Wear safety glasses while blowing out dirt.

Step 5: Remove the old spark plugs

• Install the 5/8" (16mm) spark plug socket on a 3/8" drive extension and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Turn counterclockwise to loosen, then remove each plug.
• Line them up in order (cylinder-to-cylinder) so you can compare condition.

Step 6: Check and set spark plug gap

• Use a feeler gauge set to check the new plug gap.
• Set gap to 0.70 mm (0.028 in) unless your new plug’s box label specifies otherwise for your Trax.
• Never pry on the center electrode.

Step 7: Install the new spark plugs

• Start each plug by hand using the spark plug socket and extension only (no ratchet at first) to avoid cross-threading.
• Once finger-tight, use a torque wrench (10-30 Nm range) to tighten each plug: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Do not over-tighten; the cylinder head is aluminum.

Step 8: Reinstall the ignition coil pack

• Apply a tiny smear of dielectric grease inside each coil boot.
• Push the coil pack straight down until fully seated.
• Install the bolts using a 10mm socket, then tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 9: Reconnect and reassemble

• Reconnect the coil electrical connector until it clicks.
• Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the grommets and pressing down firmly.
• If disconnected, reconnect the battery negative cable using a 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔍 Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds; it should run smooth.
• 🛣️ Take a short test drive and confirm there’s no hesitation under light acceleration.
• 🧾 If you had a check-engine light for misfire, clear codes with a scan tool (if available) and confirm it stays off.
• 👃 If you smell fuel or hear arcing/ticking, shut it off and re-check coil seating and connectors.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $145-$230 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.2 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.