This guide will show you how to change your spark plugs on a 2.0L MK4 Volkswagen Golf. Remove the engine cover, and locate the four spark plugs. You can find them by following the spark plug leads coming from the distributor. Each spark plug lead has a large metal end which is secured onto the spark plug.
How do you tighten the spark plugs on a Honda Civic?
Gently hand-turn the spark plugs into position, ensuring they are not cross-threaded. Hand tighten until snug. Reinstall the spark plug lead, which will ‘click’ into place. You may need to use pliers again to manoeuvre the leads into position.
How do you remove the spark plug from a car?
Each spark plug lead has a large metal end which is secured onto the spark plug. We will gently remove these by grasping the metal section with pliers and lifting upwards. Remove and replace each spark plug one at a time to ensure the leads are not mixed up.
How much gap do I need between spark plugs?
They are longer and stick up about a fourth of an inch more (some companies like I.E. are making adapters) but they are said to deliver a smoother idle and higher performance. You will need to gap your plugs to around .40 if you choose to test them out. Once I get some I will update this post.
How do I replace a broken plug in socket?
Put a little anti-seize on your finger and rub it into the treads of your new plug. Stick the plug in your socket and screw it in only using the extension to avoid cross threading. I like to do a back turn first just to make sure the threads are properly aligned.
How do you change spark plugs on a VW Golf?
1:594:12How to replace the spark plugs GOLF 5 1.4i 16V - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a socket wrench or a t-handle bringe a big extender and a 16 millimeter spark plug socketMoreUsing a socket wrench or a t-handle bringe a big extender and a 16 millimeter spark plug socket unscrew. The spark plug. And unscrew by hand to save. Time.
Can I change my spark plugs by myself?
Changing spark plugs takes about an hour (for a four-cylinder engine) and will save you at least a hundred bucks in labor if you do it yourself. In most cases it's a simple job that will help to maintain peak performance and the highest possible gas mileage.
When should I change my VW spark plugs?
Most vehicles should have their spark plugs changed every 30,000 miles but check with your owner's manual for the proper service interval for your make and model. The longer that you wait to change out the plugs, the more carbon builds up on the electrodes and that leads to misfires in the engine.
Why is my mk4 Golf misfiring?
Engine Misfire Causes: Bad Spark Plugs By far the most common cause of an engine misfire are bad spark plugs. A spark plug in each cylinder of your engine converts an electrical impulse into a spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture.
Should I disconnect my car battery when changing spark plugs?
It's also good practice to disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery when working on anything electrical. Be sure to let your car's engine cool thoroughly before replacing your spark plugs. This will make removal of the plugs and the spark plug wire or ignition coil boot easier.
What are the symptoms of a bad spark plug?
What are the signs your Spark Plugs are failing?Engine has a rough idle. If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle. ... Trouble starting. Car won't start and you're late for work… Flat battery? ... Engine misfiring. ... Engine surging. ... High fuel consumption. ... Lack of acceleration.
What brand of spark plug does VW use?
With OEM spark plugs, you know the spark plugs you're getting are designed specifically for your Volkswagen engine. And, they are sold by the same manufacturer that produced your car and all the parts in it. Volkswagen OEM spark plugs are made with: High purity platinum-iridium alloy coated tips.
Should I replace ignition coils with spark plugs?
So, should you replace coil packs with spark plugs? It depends. The most common component to replace in conjunction with the ignition coils are the spark plugs. Worn spark plugs can cause unnecessary load on the coils and there is often some overlap in the labor required to replace both components.
What will happen if spark plugs are not replaced?
Spark plugs will depreciate over time, so various engine issues will arise if they are not replaced. When the spark plugs do not generate the adequate spark, the combustion of the air/fuel mixture becomes incomplete, leading to loss of engine power, and in the worst-case scenario, the engine will not run.
Are coil packs spark plugs?
On newer vehicles, a coil pack replaces the distributor. It is an electronically controlled pack of ignition coils regulated by the car's computer and is used to create the spark for each engine cylinder's spark plug.
How do I know if I have a misfire?
When your engine misfires, it might create a cloud of thick, black exhaust, which is often a sign that your engine is not passing fuel and air correctly. If you find that your vehicle is emitting exhaust in this fashion, you may be experiencing a misfire.
Will spark plugs cause a misfire?
From the spark plugs to the ignition coils, many different things can cause an engine to misfire. The most common causes of misfires are worn, improperly installed, and mishandled spark plugs, malfunctioning ignition coils, carbon tracking, faulty spark plug wires and vacuum leaks.
Introduction
This guide will show you how to change your spark plugs on a 2.0L MK4 Volkswagen Golf.
Step 1
Remove the engine cover, and locate the four spark plugs. You can find them by following the spark plug leads coming from the distributor.
Step 2
Each spark plug lead has a large metal end which is secured onto the spark plug. We will gently remove these by grasping the metal section with pliers and lifting upwards.
Step 3
Remove and replace each spark plug one at a time to ensure the leads are not mixed up. This is the removed lead.
Step 4
Using a spark plug socket, remove the spark plug from the engine. You may need to use a series of extensions or CV joints as the angles can be tight.
Step 5
This is the spark plug we removed from the engine, which is in reasonable condition.
Step 6
Install your new spark plugs into the engine. A light coating of anti-seize on the threads can be helpful and reduce the chances of seized threads. Gently hand-turn the spark plugs into position, ensuring they are not cross-threaded. Hand tighten until snug.
One basic tune-up procedure for just about any car on the road is the replacement of your spark plugs and spark plug wires (where applicable)
I recommend examining and/or replacing your spark plugs every 10,000 miles, or about once a year. In reality, you can probably go longer than that but you never really quite know how long the plugs are going to last, or you may forget to do it if you don't setup a yearly schedule.
Project Photos
Figure 1 This picture shows the location of the two spark plugs accessible to the right of the intake manifold (green arrows).
Save Money and Do It Yourself
Before I started this write up, I gave my local VW/Audi dealership a call to get a general idea of what they are charging to change spark plugs. For this simple task I was quoted a price of $161 dollars for parts and labor. Really $161? Why not do it yourself for around $10-40 dollars and save some money!
Spark Plugs and Coils for the 1.8 Turbo
I personally always use the NGK brand spark plugs which are easily available at Napa Auto Parts For around 10 dollars a set you can get the copper, or for around 35-40 dollars you can buy the iridium IX plugs. I would recommend the Following.
Open the Hood and Let's Get Started
First remove your engine cover by turning all the plastic screws about a quarter turn and you should be able to lift it right off.
