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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. If the ignition coil refuses to come up, try twisting it slightly and lifting it up and out.
5. 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.
6. Rotate counterclockwise to remove the spark plugs. You may need to use a magnet tool to pull out the spark plug.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.

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.

Applicable Kia Hyundai Models