If you own a 2016 Hyundai Elantra or a similar vehicle, and you’re approaching 100,000 miles, it might be time to change your spark plugs. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through the process of replacing the spark plugs on a 2016 Hyundai Elantra with iridium-tipped plugs, and the same process can be applied to many other vehicles as well.
To start, you’ll need some basic hand tools and a little bit of time. Let’s dive into the process of changing the spark plugs on your car.
Removing the Old Spark Plugs
To access the spark plugs, open the hood and remove the engine cover. The cover is secured by snapping onto four pegs. Once the cover is off, you’ll see the four ignition coils. Start by disconnecting the wiring harness to the ignition coil and carefully removing the coils to access the spark plugs underneath.
Before removing the spark plugs, ensure that the engine is not too hot to touch. Using a 5/8 inch spark plug socket attached to a long extension, carefully loosen and remove each spark plug from its socket.
Inspecting and Installing the New Spark Plugs
After removing the old spark plugs, it’s essential to inspect the ignition coils for any signs of oil, which may indicate a leaking spark plug tube seal that needs to be addressed. Then, it’s time to install the new spark plugs.
Ensure that the new spark plugs are the correct model for your vehicle (in this case, NGK Sil zkr 7b11). Check the gap of each new spark plug using a gap tool, and adjust it if necessary. Be cautious not to damage the center tip of the spark plug during this process.
When installing the new spark plugs, it’s important not to use anti-seize on the threads, as this can lead to over-torquing. Instead, carefully tighten each spark plug to the specified torque using a torque wrench. For the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, the torque specification is 14.7 to 24.5 newton meters or 10.8 to 18 foot-pounds.
Final Steps
After installing the new spark plugs, reattach the ignition coils, reconnect the wiring harness, and reinstall the engine cover. With everything back in place, start the engine to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can successfully change the spark plugs on your 2016 Hyundai Elantra or similar vehicle, helping to maintain its performance and fuel efficiency. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
Remember, regular maintenance, including changing spark plugs, is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Thanks for reading!
What type of spark plug does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have?
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has spark plugs with an iridium tip, which is good for up to 100,000 miles.
How do I access the spark plugs on a vehicle?
To access the spark plugs, open the vehicle’s hood and remove the engine cover. Then, disconnect the wiring harness to the ignition coil and remove the ignition coils to access the spark plugs.
How do I properly install new spark plugs?
When installing new spark plugs, ensure the engine is not super hot, use a spark plug socket and long extension to carefully remove the old spark plugs, check the gap on the new spark plugs using a spark plug gap tool, and then hand tighten the spark plugs before using a torque wrench to tighten them to the specified torque.
What should I do if I see oil on the ignition coil?
If you see oil on the ignition coil, it means the spark plug tube seal on the valve cover is leaking. In such a case, it’s recommended to fix the leak to prevent the spark plug tube from filling with oil.
How often should the spark plugs be changed on a Hyundai Elantra?
The spark plugs on a Hyundai Elantra don’t need to be changed until around 100,000 miles.