Spark Plug: Service and Repair

Spark Plug Replacement

Removal Procedure






1. Remove the spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement.

Notice: Allow the engine to cool before removing the spark plugs. Attempting to remove the spark plugs from a hot engine may cause the plug threads to seize, causing damage to cylinder head threads.

Notice: Clean the spark plug recess area before removing the spark plug. Failure to do so could result in engine damage because of dirt or foreign material entering the cylinder head, or by the contamination of the cylinder head threads. The contaminated threads may prevent the proper seating of the new plug. Use a thread chaser to clean the threads of any contamination.

2. Loosen each spark plug one or two turns.
3. Brush or use compressed air to remove any dirt from around the spark plugs.
4. Remove the spark plugs one at a time and place each plug in a tray marked with the corresponding cylinder numbers.

Installation Procedure






1. Inspect each spark plug gap. Adjust each plug as needed.
- Spark plug gap: 1.524 mm (0.060 in).
2. Hand start the spark plugs in the corresponding cylinders.
3. Tighten the spark plugs.
- Tighten the 3.8 L engine spark plugs to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
- Tighten the 5.7 L engine spark plug on a NEW cylinder head to 20 Nm (15 lb ft).
- Tighten the 5.7 L engine spark plug on a USED cylinder head to 15 Nm (11 lb ft).
4. Install the spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement.