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Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Spark Plugs Replacement Guide
How to change the spark plugs on a twelfth generation 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the Coyote 5.0 liter V8 engine.

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2013 F-150 5.0L V8
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4 Left Side Ignition Coils
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Red Locking Tab
This automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners of the 12th generation (2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014) Ford F-150 truck equipped with the Coyote 5.0 liter V8 engine in checking or changing the spark plugs.

Owners of other Ford vehicles with the Coyote 5.0 liter V8 engine such as the Mustang GT, Falcon GT, and Mustang Boss 302 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

Here are a few compatible aftermarket replacement spark plugs with their part numbers: Denso 5339, Motorcraft SP-519, Bosch (9616) HR7NII33X and Autolite XP5363 Iridium.

The tools needed to replace the spark plugs include an 8mm socket with 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench, a 5/8" spark plug socket, a 6" extension bar, a 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench, dielectric grease and anti-seize lubricant (optional).



 
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Pull Up Red Locking Tab
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Release Power Plug
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Loosen 8mm Bolt
Allow the engine to cool down before proceeding with the following steps.

If you have access to compressed air or a wet/dry shop vacuum, clean off the top of the engine to help prevent having a piece of debris drop down in to a cylinder.

Gently pull the red locking tab on the spark plug power plug up to unlock it. Then press down on the black release tab and slide the power plug straight off the ignition coil.

Remove the single bolt holding the ignition coil in place with an 8mm socket and ratcheting wrench by turning it counter clockwise. Set the bolt aside in a safe place.

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8mm Bolt Removed
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Rotate Ignition Coil
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Pull Ignition Coil Out
Rotate the ignition coil back and forth a few times to make sure that the rubber boot at the end is not stuck to the top of the spark plug.

Pull the ignition coil straight out of the engine and set it aside in a safe place.

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Old Spark Plug
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5/8 Spark Plug Socket
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Loosen Old Spark Plug
Attach the 5/8" spark plug socket to a 6 inch extension bar and the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench.

Gently lower the spark plug socket down in to the spark plug well and push it securely in place.

Loosen the old spark plug by turning it counter clockwise.

If the spark plug won't turn, spray in some penetrating oil such as PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench or Kano Kroil and wait 15-30 minutes or more before trying again. If you don't have any penetrating oil, try spraying some WD-40 lubricant or just warm up the engine for a few minutes to expand the metal engine block.



 

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Spin Out By Hand
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Lift Out Old Spark Plug
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Motorcraft CYFS-12Y
Once the old spark plug is loose, detach the ratcheting wrench and spin it out the rest of the way by hand.

Your spark plug socket should have a magnet or rubber insert to hold on to the plug.

Lift the old spark plug straight out of the well and remove it from the socket. The OEM spark plugs on this 2013 Ford F150 with the Coyote 5.0L V8 engine are the Motorcraft CYFS-12Y or "CYFS12Y".

If the end of the old spark plug looks ashy white, the plugs may have been exposed to high temperatures such as engine overheating or they are the incorrect heat range for your driving conditions and/or environment.

If the old spark plugs are dark grey or covered in black soot, the engine may be burning oil and should be checked out by a professional.

I recommend buying the Ford OEM Motorcraft SP-519 spark plugs since they have excellent reviews on Amazon. They have a service interval of 100,000 miles so you won't need to change them again for a very long time.

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Lower In New Spark Plug
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Thread In By Hand
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Tighten With Wrench
Push the new spark plug in to the spark plug socket attached to the 6" extension bar.

An optional step is to apply a tiny amount of anti-seize lubricant to the upper threads of the new spark plug. This will make the plugs easier to remove if they are not replaced again for another 100,000 miles. Do not get any anti-seize on the electrode at the bottom of the new spark plug. Some manufacturers and mechanics insist that anti-seize should not be used.

Carefully lower the new spark plug down in to the well while trying to avoid hitting the electrode tip.

Spin in the new spark plug by hand until it makes contact with the cylinder head to prevent it from becoming cross threaded.

Attach the ratcheting wrench and carefully continue tightening the new plug until just barely past the point when you feel the crush washer at the top of the threads collapse.

If you applied anti-seize lubricant to the threads, less force will be necessary to tighten the plugs. Do not over tighten the plugs to avoid cracking the ceramic part of the plug or stripping the aluminum threads in the cylinder head.

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New Spark Plug Installed
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Apply Dielectric Grease
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Insert Ignition Coil
Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the rubber boot at the bottom of the ignition coil. This will help it form a better electrical connection to the spark plug and also keep out moisture.
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Rotate To Spread Grease
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Re-Insert 8mm Bolt
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Tighten With 8mm Socket
Re-insert the ignition coil straight in to the spark plug well and rotate it back and forth a few times to help spread the dielectric grease.

Thread in the 8mm bolt by hand to prevent it from becoming cross threaded. Tighten it with the 8mm socket and ratcheting wrench until it is snug. Do not over tighten the bolt to avoid cracking the plastic.

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Push On Power Connector
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Press Red Locking Tab
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Spark Plug Replaced
Push the power plug straight on to the ignition coil until it clicks in to place. Slide the red locking tab down.

Start the engine and listen for any strange sounds.

For more, check out my other Ford F-150 Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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