Learn how to change the spark plugs on Hyundai four-cylinder engines found on Elantra, Sonata, Santa Fe, Veloster, Accent, and other models.
If your Hyundai check engine light is on or you have over 100,000 miles on your Hyundai, it may be time to change the spark plugs.
What you will need
- Spark Plugs
- Spark Plug Socket
- Ratchet
- Ratchet Socket Extension
- Torque Wrench
Procedure
Park, your Hyundai in a safe area, set the parking brakes, and allow the engine to cool down.
Open Hood – Next, open the hood. Clean the area near the spark plugs and around the ignition coils.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal – Since you will be working with the electrical system, it is safe to disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Remove the engine cover – It is held in place with up to four 10mm bolts that you can access from the top of the engine. If no bolts are on top of the engine cover, pop up the cover.
Remove ignition coils – Remove the engine cover and disconnect the ignition coils. Unplug the ignition coil connector by pressing the locking tab and then pulling the connector away.
- Use a 10 mm socket to loosen the bolt that secures the coil. This vehicle uses a coil-on-plug design. Therefore you will have one coil on each spark plug. Once the bolt and connector have been removed, pull the ignition coils out. If the ignition coil refuses to come up, try twisting it slightly and lifting it up and out.
Remove the spark plug. Blow dirt away from the spark plug recess before you remove the spark plugs.
- Use the spark plug removal tool, ratchet, and a 3/8″ extension to remove the spark plugs from the engine. Rotate counterclockwise to remove the spark plug. You may need a magnetic pickup tool to pull out the spark plug.
Install new spark plugs. It is time to install the new spark plug. Inspecting the gap using a spark plug gapping tool is a good practice. Certain spark plugs may come pre-gapped, while others, such as copper plugs, should be gapped.
- Install the ignition coils and connect the electrical connector to each coil. Reinstall the engine cover.
- Remove all tools from the engine.
- Start the engine and check the operation of the vehicle.
If the check engine light was on due to a bad spark plug or ignition coil, clear the codes with an OBD-II scanner. For more help, check out the guide on how to read and clear fault codes yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best spark plugs for Hyundai?
The original spark plugs installed on Hyundai equipped with the four-cylinder engine are NGK or Denso iridium-coated spark plugs.
Below we have listed two highly rated spark plugs that will fit Hyundai vehicles.
Denso Iridium Long Life Spark Plugs for Hyundai Elantra SX9164
NGK Iridium IX Plug Spark Plugs for Hyundai Elantra
How often should I change the spark plugs on my Hyundai Elantra?
According to the owner’s manual of a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, the spark plugs should be replaced every 105,000 miles or 84 months. Remember that the spark plugs may last longer or need to be replaced as early as 60,000 miles depending on your driving style and conditions. The original spark plugs are iridium coated.
What are the OEM spark plugs installed on Hyundai Elantra?
The OEM Hyundai spark plugs are NGK or Denso. Which one is installed on your car depends on the market where your Hyundai was sold.
What is the Hyundai Elantra 2011-2016 spark plug gap?
Recommend Hyundai spark plug gap range: .035-.042
What is Hyundai Elantra spark plug part number?
Hyundai 18846-11070 1884611070
How much does replacing the spark plugs on a Hyundai Elantra cost?
The average cost to change the spark plugs at the Hyundai dealer or an auto mechanic is between $180-$300. DIY cost (if you already have the tools) is under $50.
Looking for ways to save money on auto repair. Check out more free repair guides on Hyundai vehicles.