🔧 Kicks - Spark Plug Replacement

This repair replaces the four spark plugs in your Kicks. Fresh spark plugs help the engine start smoothly, idle correctly, and maintain fuel economy.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work only on a completely cool engine to avoid burns and thread damage in the aluminum cylinder head.
• ⚠️ Disconnecting the battery is not required for this job, but keep the ignition OFF and the key away from the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Do not drop dirt into the spark plug wells. Dirt can fall into the engine when the plugs are removed.
• ⚠️ Do not overtighten spark plugs. The cylinder head is aluminum and the threads can strip.
• ⚠️ Replace one spark plug at a time so each ignition coil goes back in the same location.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 8mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension
• 5/8-inch spark plug socket with rubber insert
• Torque wrench 5-30 ft-lb range
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Compressed air blower nozzle
• Spark plug gap gauge
• Clean shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Iridium spark plugs - Qty: 4
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1 small tube
• Intake duct clamp if damaged - Qty: As needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Kicks on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• ❄️ Let the engine cool fully. A cool engine protects the spark plug threads.
• 🔑 Turn the ignition OFF and keep the key away from the vehicle.
• 🧰 A spark plug socket has a rubber insert that grips the plug so you can lift it out without dropping it.
• 🧰 A torque wrench tightens fasteners to a measured amount so parts are not too loose or too tight.
• 🧰 Dielectric grease is a silicone grease used inside ignition coil boots to help keep moisture out. Do not put it on the metal spark plug threads.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the Engine Cover and Air Duct

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Lift off the plastic engine cover by hand if equipped.
• Use a flathead screwdriver or 8mm socket to loosen the air intake duct clamp at the throttle body.
• Use needle-nose pliers to release any small hose clamp if a breather hose is attached to the duct.
• Move the air duct aside so you can reach the ignition coils on top of the engine.
• Take a phone photo first.

Step 2: Clean Around the Ignition Coils

• Use a compressed air blower nozzle to blow dirt away from the top of the engine.
• Wipe around each ignition coil with clean shop towels.
• Do not remove a spark plug until the area around it is clean.

Step 3: Disconnect the First Ignition Coil

• Choose one ignition coil to start with. Work on only one cylinder at a time.
• Press the electrical connector lock by hand and slide the connector off the ignition coil.
• If the connector is tight, use a flathead screwdriver gently to help release the tab. Do not pry on the wires.
• Use a 10mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the ignition coil retaining bolt.

Step 4: Remove the Ignition Coil

• Pull the ignition coil straight up by hand.
• If it sticks, twist it gently while pulling upward.
• Set the coil aside in the same direction it came out.
• Inspect the rubber boot for oil, cracking, swelling, or carbon tracking. Carbon tracking looks like a thin black lightning mark.

Step 5: Remove the Old Spark Plug

• Use the compressed air blower nozzle to blow out the spark plug well.
• Install the 5/8-inch spark plug socket with rubber insert onto the 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension and 3/8-inch ratchet.
• Lower the socket straight down onto the spark plug.
• Turn counterclockwise slowly to loosen the plug.
• Lift the old plug out carefully with the spark plug socket.
• If the plug feels stuck, stop and tighten it slightly, then loosen again slowly.
• Slow and straight prevents damage.

Step 6: Check the New Spark Plug

• Use a spark plug gap gauge to verify the new plug gap.
• The correct gap for your Kicks is typically 0.044 in / 1.1 mm.
• Do not forcefully bend the fine iridium center electrode. Iridium tips are delicate.
• Do not apply anti-seize to the spark plug threads unless the plug manufacturer specifically requires it. Most modern iridium plugs already have a thread coating.

Step 7: Install the New Spark Plug by Hand First

• Place the new spark plug into the 5/8-inch spark plug socket with rubber insert.
• Lower it straight into the spark plug well using the 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension only, without the ratchet.
• Turn clockwise by hand for several full turns.
• If it does not turn easily by hand, back it out and start again. This prevents cross-threading, which means the plug is going in crooked.

Step 8: Torque the Spark Plug

• Attach the torque wrench 5-30 ft-lb range to the 5/8-inch spark plug socket with rubber insert and 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension.
• Tighten the spark plug to Torque to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).
• Stop as soon as the torque wrench clicks.

Step 9: Reinstall the Ignition Coil

• Apply a small pea-sized amount of dielectric grease inside the end of the ignition coil boot.
• Push the ignition coil straight down onto the new spark plug until it seats fully.
• Use the 10mm socket and torque wrench 5-30 ft-lb range to install the coil bolt.
• Tighten the ignition coil bolt to Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).
• Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 10: Repeat for the Other Three Spark Plugs

• Use the same process with the 10mm socket, 5/8-inch spark plug socket with rubber insert, 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension, and torque wrench 5-30 ft-lb range.
• Replace the remaining spark plugs one at a time.
• Keep each ignition coil matched to its original cylinder.

Step 11: Reinstall the Air Duct and Engine Cover

• Reposition the air intake duct onto the throttle body by hand.
• Use the flathead screwdriver or 8mm socket to tighten the duct clamp snugly.
• Reconnect any breather hose and use needle-nose pliers to reinstall the hose clamp if removed.
• Reinstall the engine cover by pressing it down by hand until seated.
• Make sure no tools or towels are left in the engine bay.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes.
• ✅ Listen for smooth idle. A rough idle usually means a coil connector is not fully clicked in.
• ✅ Check that the air intake duct is fully seated and the clamp is tight.
• ✅ Take a short test drive and verify there is no hesitation, misfire, or check engine light.
• ✅ If the check engine light flashes, stop driving and recheck the ignition coil connectors immediately.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$330 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $135-$220 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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