Replacing Spark Plugs Hua S. Wu English 393 December 10, 2009

Agenda Purpose to replace spark plugs Purpose to replace spark plugs Prerequisites Prerequisites Step1: Select the spark plugs Step1: Select the spark plugs Step2: Remove the spark plugs Step2: Remove the spark plugs Step3: Inspect the spark plugs Step3: Inspect the spark plugs Step4: Install the spark plugs Step4: Install the spark plugs Troubleshooting Troubleshooting

Purpose to replace spark plugs Purpose Purpose - Improve fuel economy - Prevent emission system failure - Keep your car in top running condition Spark plugs are used to ignite the fuel and air Spark plugs are used to ignite the fuel and air mixture inside the engine to make the engine run mixture inside the engine to make the engine run Spark plugs are easy to replace (Tune-up is the Spark plugs are easy to replace (Tune-up is the term used for replacement of spark plugs) term used for replacement of spark plugs) Usually takes half to an hour to replace Usually takes half to an hour to replace

Purpose to replace spark plugs Safety information Safety information - Wear latex gloves - Wear safety goggles Equipments needed Equipments needed - Socket sets - Screwdrivers (Phillips or Slotted) - Spark plug socket - Extension (Swivel or straight) - Torque wrench (3/8 inch)

Prerequisites Knowledge Knowledge - Basic hand tool skills - 3 major types of ignition systems - 3 major types of ignition systems 1. Distributor ignition system 1. Distributor ignition system 2. Coil-on-plug ignition system

Prerequisites 3. Waste-spark ignition system Materials Materials - Spark plugs

Step1: Select the spark plugs Check for the replacement interval (driver’s Check for the replacement interval (driver’s handbook) handbook) Selection of spark plugs (Parts stores: Advance Selection of spark plugs (Parts stores: Advance Auto Parts, Carquest, Autozone, Napa Store) Auto Parts, Carquest, Autozone, Napa Store) * Import cars: NGK, Denso * Import cars: NGK, Denso * European cars: NGK, Bosch * European cars: NGK, Bosch * Domestic cars: NGK, Champion, ACDelco * Domestic cars: NGK, Champion, ACDelco

Step2a: Remove the spark plugs – Remove the cover and connectors Remove the engine cover Remove the engine cover (if equipped) (if equipped) Disconnect the ignition Disconnect the ignition coil connectors (as coil connectors (as shown in A) shown in A)

Step2b: Remove the spark plugs – Remove the ignition coils Remove the nuts Remove the nuts which secure the which secure the ignition coils ignition coils Gently pull up the Gently pull up the ignition coils ignition coils

Step2c: Remove the spark plugs – Remove the spark plugs Connect the spark plug Connect the spark plug socket, extension and the ratchet socket, extension and the ratchet Insert the spark plug Insert the spark plug socket into the cylinder head socket into the cylinder head Loosen the spark plug in Loosen the spark plug in counter-clockwise direction counter-clockwise direction Gently loosen the spark plug Gently loosen the spark plug by hand and pull out the by hand and pull out the spark plug spark plug

Step3: Inspect the spark plugs Check for the condition Check for the condition of the removed spark of the removed spark plugs plugs Diagnosis of Spark Diagnosis of Spark Plug Problems Plug Problems gnosis/

Step4a: Install the spark plugs – Install the spark plugs Insert the new spark plug Insert the new spark plug in the spark plug socket in the spark plug socket Tighten the spark plug Tighten the spark plug by hand by hand Set up the torque on the Set up the torque on the torque wrench to torque wrench to manufacturer’s specification manufacturer’s specification

Step4a: Install the spark plugs – Install the spark plugs Torque the spark plug until the torque wrench “click” Torque the spark plug until the torque wrench “click” Repeat these steps for the remaining spark plugs Repeat these steps for the remaining spark plugs Remove the torque wrench and spark plug socket Remove the torque wrench and spark plug socket

Step4b: Install the spark plugs – Install the coils Insert the ignition coils Insert the ignition coils back to the cylinder head back to the cylinder head gently gently Tighten the nuts by Tighten the nuts by hand to secure the coils hand to secure the coils Torque the nuts with Torque the nuts with torque wrench with torque wrench with manufacturer’s specification manufacturer’s specification

Step4c: Install the spark plugs – Install the cover and connectors Connect the ignition coil Connect the ignition coil connectors connectors Secure the engine cover Secure the engine cover by tightening the nuts by tightening the nuts with toque wrench with toque wrench Start the vehicle to Start the vehicle to ensure successful ensure successful installation of the installation of the spark plugs spark plugs

Troubleshooting ProblemCauseSolution Not starting Coil connectors are disconnected Reconnect the coil connectors Engine runs rough, hesitates Spark plugs are loose Use torque wrench and tighten the loose spark plugs

Questions???