Honda Spark Plug & Ignition Coil Replacement
Is your Honda engine misfiring? Does it have a rough noise during engine idling, a slow engine start, and the check engine light? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing your spark plugs and ignition coils.
Changing the spark plugs on a Honda is easy and can be completed in under one hour. The video in this guide is from a 2015 Honda Civic with a four-cylinder engine. This guide will also help owners of the Honda Accord, CR-V, Fit, and other models with four-cylinder engines.
What you will need
- Honda Iridium Spark Plugs
- Do not gap iridium spark plugs.
- Older Honda vehicles use copper and platinum spark plugs.
- OEM Honda sparks Denso, and NGK make plug brands.
- Honda Ignition Coils
Tools Needed
- 5/8″ Spark Plug Socket
- 3/8″ Ratchet Wrench
- 10mm Socket
- 8″ Extension
- Anti-seize grease
Procedure
- Park your Honda in a safe location. Set the parking brakes and remove the key.
- Pull the hood release under the hood to open the hood.
- It is recommended that you disconnect the battery negative terminal and allow the engine to cool down before starting.
- Remove the engine cover if your Honda has one. Two or four 10mm bolts will need to be removed. Unplug the electrical connector from the ignition coil by pressing first, then pulling the connector away from the plug.
- Remove the 10mm bolts that secure the ignition coils.
- Pull out the ignition coil. If the coils don’t come out, try twisting them slightly.
- Use the spark plug socket, extension, and ratchet to remove the spark plugs.
- Apply anti-seize grease to the threads of the new spark plug. Only apply a thin coat on the thread.
- Slowly move the new spark plugs into the head. Do not drop the spark plugs, as this can damage the spark plug.
- Once the gasket has made contact with the cylinder head, use the torque wrench to tighten them to the recommended tightening torque. Torque Honda spark plugs to specification. Typical Honda spark plug torque is 13 ft/lb, 156 in-lb, 17.63 Nm.
- Install the ignition coil by pressing them down firmly on the spark plug.
- Connect all the wires to the ignition coil. Do not swap the electrical connectors; they must return to their original position.
Tips
- Don’t use power tools to screw the spark plugs.
- If you accidentally strip the spark plug thread, you must remove or repair the head.
- Another possible solution to fix stripped Honda spark plug threads is to use a Spark Plug Thread Repair kit or heli-coil.
- The tightening torque for a spark plug changes with the diameter of the spark plug.
Torque Specification
Typical Honda spark plug torque is 13 ft/lb, 156 in-lb, 17.63 Nm. Verify by calling your dealer.
Recommended Interval
Honda vehicles are reliable, but many owners forget that spark plugs are a maintenance item and should be replaced around 80,000 and 100,000-mile miles. Many owners forget to change the spark plugs on their Honda until they get an engine misfire or hit 150k or even 200k miles.
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Check Engine Light Still On
If the check engine light is still on after you replace the spark plugs and ignition coils, you can use the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner to clear the stored codes. This scanner can also read and clear fault codes through every control module of the Honda vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the spark plugs?
Most Honda vehicles, including the Accord, Fit, Civic, Oddyse, CR-V, Fit, etc., need their spark plugs changed every 90,000 miles. Older models with Cooper spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles. The correct Honda spark plug change interval is printed at the end of your owner’s manual.
What is the correct Honda spark plug socket size?
5/8″ spark plug socket or a 16mm socket.
What is the correct Honda spark plug gap?
A proper plug gap stuck under the hood or near the radiator core support will be listed on the emissions label.
Typical values: .040-.050
Honda spark plug thread size?
The typical Honda spark thread size is 14mm x 1.25mm.
We hope you find the Honda Spark Plug, Ignition Coil Replacement | 4 Cylinder Engine guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Honda.
