CHECKING & CHANGING SPARK PLUGS

Spark plugs are a crucial element in making your car engine run. When considering What you’ll need:
changing your spark plugs you need to take into account a couple of things:
Metric / imperial socket
set
• The frequency at which you should change your spark plugs – normally
Torque wrench
every 50,000kms
Spark plug gap tool
• Where your spark plugs are located in your engine – some V6 engines
Spark plug socket
require the removal of intake manifold(s)
New spark plugs

Anti-seize compound -
high temperature variety
(copper)

Dielectric grease

Clean rags
Procedure

Step 1 – Mark and remove high tension lead/coil assembly

Refer to your manual to locate the spark plug high tension (HT)
lead/coils.

Some vehicles do not have HT leads, instead they have an

ignition coil per spark plug or per two spark plugs.

Mark each lead using tape to show the order in which they are
connected. Crossed leads will cause the engine to run rough so it is
crucial you get this step right.

Before removing any spark plug, remove the spark plug high tension
lead by grasping the boot where it connects to the plug. Twist it and
pull it firmly straight out.

Page | 1 of 4

Visit www.supercheapauto.co.nz/how-to/ for more DIY articles, advice & videos

 Step 2 – Clean loose dirt away
If possible use a small paint brush to clean away any dirt or dust
around the base of the plug, which may fall into the cylinder when the
plug has been removed.

Step 3 – Select correct spark plug tool

The correct tool to use is a spark plug socket. This usually has a
rubber insert to protect the plug while it is being removed.

Step 4 – Remove the spark plug

Spark plugs can sometimes be difficult to remove, so you may need
an extension to gain additional leverage. Turn the spark plug counter
clockwise to loosen it and then turn it by hand until removed. Remove
the spark plug from the socket and clean it, brushing away any light
deposits with a wire brush.

Page | 2 of 4

Visit www.supercheapauto.co.nz/how-to/ for more DIY articles, advice & videos

 Step 5 – Clean the plug and check condition
Check the condition of the plug. If the insulator is cracked, the
electrodes are burned or heavily corroded, or the thread is stripped,
then the plug will need to be replaced. If the plug is dirty or oily this
may indicate a problem elsewhere and you should get an expert to
check it out.

Step 6 – Obtain a replacement plug

There are hundreds of types of different spark plugs and Supercheap
Auto has most of them. So make sure the replacement you install has
the correct code number for the type of vehicle you are servicing.

Step 7 – Check and adjust the gap

Check the plug specifications for the correct gap, and measure this
with a wire gauge of the correct diameter. If the gap between the
electrodes is too wide or too narrow, adjust it by bending the group
electrode with a gap adjusting tool and slowly adjust the distance
between the two electrodes.

Step 8 - Refit the spark plugs and torque to specifications

Apply anti-seize compound to the thread and replace the spark plug
into the motor, carefully screwing it in by hand to avoid stripping the
thread. When the plug is finger tight use a torque wrench to tighten
the spark plug to correct specifications. Do not over tighten as this
can damage the plug and the thread.

Page | 3 of 4

Visit www.supercheapauto.co.nz/how-to/ for more DIY articles, advice & videos

 Step 9 – Replace the spark plug / lead coil assembly
Apply some silicon lubricant to the inside of the boot at the end of the
coil leads and push it firmly into place over the exposed spark plug
terminal. Reattach the spark plug coil leads to the same plugs they
were attached to originally, and then remove the tape.

Step 10 – Start the engine

Close the bonnet and start the engine to confirm the plugs and leads
are functioning properly and the engine is not misfiring.

Important: The film and text transcript in this website are intended to be an information source only. Super Cheap Auto Pty Ltd
makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the films.

Super Cheap Auto Pty Ltd asserts its full rights under copyright law. The films in this website may be used or reproduced in whole
for non-commercial and/or personal use provided that any reproduction is unaltered and that an attribution of the source is
included. The film may not be altered, built upon or transformed.

Super Cheap Auto Pty Ltd disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including, without limitation, liability in negligence) for all
expenses, losses, damages and costs incurred as a result of the information in any films being inaccurate or incomplete in any
way, and for any other reason.

Page | 4 of 4

Visit www.supercheapauto.co.nz/how-to/ for more DIY articles, advice & videos