Hyundai Spark Plug Replacement Guide
This tutorial provides instructions on changing spark plugs on the Hyundai four-cylinder 2.0T & 2.4 L engine.
This is also known as the Theta II engine and is used in many models such as Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Genesis, ix35, Santa Fe, Tucson, and many Kia models.
What you will need
- Hyundai OEM Spark Plugs
- Spark Plug Socket
- 3/8 Extension
- Ratchet
Procedure
- Clean the area near the spark plugs and around the ignition coils. Remove any dirt near the spark plugs to avoid them from falling into the cylinders later.
- Use a 10 mm socket to loosen the bolt that secures the coil. The Theta II Kia/Hyundai engine uses a coil-on-plug design.
- Unplug the ignition coil connector by pressing the locking tab and then pulling the connector away. Once the bolt and connector have been removed, pull the ignition coil up.
- If the ignition coil refuses to come up, try twisting it slightly and lifting it up and out.
- Blow dirt away from the spark plug recess before you remove the spark plugs. Use a 16-mm spark plug removal tool, ratchet, and a 3/8″ extension to remove the spark plugs from the engine.
- Rotate counterclockwise to remove the spark plugs. You may need to use a magnet tool to pull out the spark plug.
- It is time to install the new spark plug. It is a good idea to check or at least inspect the gap using a spark plug gapping tool.
- Certain spark plugs may come pre-gapped, while certain plugs should not be gapped. It is recommended to use an anti-seize lubricant on the spark plug threads.
- Install the new spark plugs by hand and tighten them using your ratchet. Do not over-tighten the spark plugs, or you may strip the threads. If you have a torque wrench handy, tighten to spec. Check out the torque specs below.
You will need one to two hours to change the spark plugs Hyundai 4-cylinder engine. Replacing the spark plugs yourself can save you money.
Torque Specifications
- Ignition Coil Bolts: 3.9 ~ 5.9N.m (0.4 ~ 0.6kgf.m, 2.9 ~ 4.3lb-ft)
- Spark Plugs: 11- 15 lb-ft (Verify by calling your dealer)
We hope you found this guide on changing spark plugs in the Hyundai Kia engine useful. Please use the comments section to provide feedback or just leave a comment.
Hyundai Spark Plugs Replacement Cost
Replacing spark plugs on the Hyundai vehicles listed here will cost you less than $30, assuming you already have the tools. If a mechanic at your local repair shop changes your spark plugs, expect to pay between $150 to $250.
How can I reset the Check Engine Light after replacing my spark plugs?
You can use the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner to read and clear the fault codes on your Hyundai Engine Control Unit. This scanner can also diagnose every control module of your Hyundai vehicle.
Theta/Theta-II Engine – 2.0L (1998cc)
(G4KA, G4KD, G4KF, G4KH)
2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T, turbo GDI engine
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe Port Injected 2.0 Turbocharged (2010-)
- Hyundai Sonata GDI 2.0 Turbocharged (2011-)
- Kia Rondo (2007-)
- Kia Forte 2.0 (2009-2013)
- Kia Optima GDI 2.0 Turbocharged (2011-)
- Kia Sportage GDI 2.0 Turbocharged (2011-)
- Kia Sorento GDI 2.0 Turbocharged (2016-)
- Hyundai ix35 MPI 2.0 (2010-)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (Sport Models) GDI 2.0 Turbocharged (2013-)
Theta/Theta-II Engine – 2.4L
(G4KC, G4KE, G4KG, G4KJ)
- Hyundai Sonata (2006-2010)
- Hyundai Sonata GDI (2011-)
- Hyundai Sonata (2011-) (Middle East)
- Hyundai Tucson (2010-)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (2010-)
- Kia Optima (2006-2010)
- Kia Optima GDI (2011-)
- Kia Rondo (2007-)
- Kia Cadenza GDI (2011-)
- Kia Sportage (2011-)
- Kia Sorento (2011-)
- Kia Forte (2010-2013)
We have published lots of repair guides on Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Check them out by visiting the Vehicle Repair Guides section and our post on how to Read Codes and Diagnose Vehicle Problems yourself.
Good point. There is a video added to this guide now that should help you follow through.
This was a good tutorial but if you call something easy and that anyone can do it but then proceed to walk through the tutorial calling for loosening, removing etc., specific parts might I suggest including pictures of the parts you are talking about as the only people who could legitimately follow these instructions are people who wouldn’t need them in the first place.
I was thinking of taking it in but now that I know how easy it is to change the plugs yourself I will just save $200.
I was quoted just over $200 to change spark plugs Hyundai Sonata. I thought I would give it a try after watching this tutorial. The video clip helped a lot. The only diffiuclt part was disconnecting the plugs from the coil.
Thanks so much…keep up the great work. Matt C.