Where is the spark plug installed?
2 Answers
The spark plug is generally located at the top of the engine cylinder and can be clearly seen after removing the high-voltage ignition coil. Spark plug replacement process: Open the hood, lift the plastic cover of the engine, remove the high-voltage distributor wires, and mark the position of each cylinder to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. When removing them, check for external debris such as leaves or dust, and be sure to clean them thoroughly. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, then use the socket to tighten it further. Reinstall the removed high-voltage distributor wires in the firing order, then snap the cover back into place. Spark plug replacement interval: Under normal maintenance conditions, replacement is recommended after driving 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine type, so it's advisable to follow the user manual. Platinum spark plugs should be replaced at 40,000 kilometers, ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs at 20,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs at 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.
After all these years of repairing cars, the location of spark plugs is actually quite obvious. They are installed on top of the engine cylinders, with one spark plug corresponding to each cylinder. You can see them by opening the engine hood, usually located beneath the ignition coils, though the layout may vary slightly depending on the vehicle model. A four-cylinder car has four, while a six-cylinder car has six arranged in a row or distributed on both sides. When removing them, you must first unplug the ignition coil connector and then unscrew them using a specialized socket. I've seen many people forget to disconnect the negative terminal when replacing them themselves, resulting in a fried ECU—definitely not worth it. Also, the torque when tightening the spark plugs is crucial; too loose and it will leak air, causing vibrations, while too tight risks stripping the threads, which is a big headache. Some cars have tricky placements, requiring the removal of the intake pipe for access—if you lack experience, it's best not to force it.
