Honda Accord
Engine Spark Plugs Replacement Guide
How to check or change the spark plugs in
an 8th generation 2008 to 2012 Honda Accord with the 2.4L I4 engine.
2009 Honda K24Z2 I4 |
Remove 10mm Bolts |
10mm Bolt Removed |
This
automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners
of the eighth generation (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012) Honda
Accord in checking or changing the spark plugs in the K24Z2 or K24Z3
2.4 liter inline four cylinder engines. Owners of other Honda or Acura vehicles with "K" series motors such as the Civic, CR-V, Integra, RSX, RDX, TSX, Odyssey, and Element may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. A few compatible replacement spark plugs include the following with their part numbers: Denso 3461 (SXU22HCR11S), NGK 5787, Pulstar Pulse gg1i, Champion 9407 (RER8ZWYCB4), Bosch (9619) YR6SII330X, Denso (5356) IXUH22I, Honda 12290-R40-A02, and Autolite XP5702. The tools required to complete this procedure include a 10mm socket with 1/4" drive ratchet, a 5/8" spark plug socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet, a 6" extension bar, dielectric grease and anti-seize lubricant (optional). |
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Remove Other Front Bolt |
Two Screws On Rear |
Removing 4th Bolt |
Allow the engine to cool down before beginning this procedure to help avoid
being burned. Pop open the hood and locate the rectangular black plastic spark plug access cover on the top of the engine just past the dipstick and oil filler cap. Remove the four bolts on the cover with the 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet. Set the bolts aside in a safe place. |
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4 Engine Cover Bolts |
Lift Off Engine Cover |
4 Ignition Coils Exposed |
Lift off the engine
cover and set it aside in a safe place. Below the cover, you'll see the four black/grey ignition coils with their power plugs. |
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Loosen 10mm Bolt |
Ignition Coil Bolt Removed |
Press Release Tab |
If you have access
to compressed air or a wet/dry shop vacuum, clean off the top of the engine
to help prevent from having a piece of debris fall in to the spark plug well
or cylinder head. Remove the bolt holding the spark plug ignition coil in place with a 10mm socket and ratcheting wrench by turning it counter clockwise. Set the bolt aside in a safe place. I'd recommend working on one spark plug at a time to further reduce the risk of having something drop down in to the engine. |
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Slide Off Power Connector |
Rotate Ignition Coil |
Lift Ignition Coil Out |
Press the release
button on the power connector and slide it straight off the ignition coil. Rotate the ignition coil back and forth a few times to ensure that the rubber dust boot at the end of the coil is not stuck to the top of the spark plug. Lift the ignition coil straight out of the spark plug well. |
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Loosen Spark Plug |
Spin Out Old Spark Plug |
Lift Spark Plug Out |
Attach the 5/8"
spark plug socket to the 6" extension bar and the 3/8" drive ratcheting
wrench. The spark plug socket should have a rubber insert or magnet to securely hold the spark plug. Carefully lower the spark plug socket down in to the well and attach it to the top of the spark plug. Gently loosen the old spark plug by turning the wrench 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 in some WD-40 lubricant or just warm up the engine for a few minutes to expand the metal engine block. Once the spark plug is loose, detach the ratcheting wrench from the extension bar and spin out the spark plug the rest of the way by hand. Carefully lift the old spark plug straight out of the well. |
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Old Denso # 3461 |
Lower New Spark Plug |
Thread In By Hand |
Pull the old spark
plug out of the socket and inspect it. The OEM iridium tipped spark plugs on this 2009 Honda Accord LX Premium sedan are Denso 3461 or "SXU22HCR11S". 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. |
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Tighten New Spark Plug |
Apply Dielectric Grease |
Rotate Coil - Spread Grease |
The new iridium
tipped spark plugs should be pre-gapped at 0.044" from the factory. It is
still a good idea to check that the gap is correct using a
spark plug gap
gauge disc. If the gap is not very close to 0.044", exchange the plug for a
new one. 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 spark plug manufacturers advise against using anti-seize. Insert the new spark plug in to the socket and carefully lower it down in to the well without hitting the electrode tip. Spin the new spark plug in by hand in the clockwise direction until it makes contact with the engine block. Attach the ratcheting wrench to the extension bar and tighten the new spark plug to just barely past the point when you feel the crush washer 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. Double check that the new spark plugs are tight before moving on to the next steps. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the opening of the rubber dust boot at the bottom of the ignition coil. This will help prevent the ignition coil from becoming stuck to the tip of the new spark plug and keep out any moisture. Lower the ignition coil down over the tip of the new spark plug and rotate it a few times to spread the dielectric grease. |
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Slide On Power Plug |
Re-Insert 10mm Bolt |
Tighten Ignition Coil Bolt |
Slide on the power
connector until it clicks in to place. Re-insert the ignition coil bolt and tighten it with the 10mm socket and ratcheting wrench. |
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Replace Spark Plug Cover |
Tighten Four 10mm Bolts |
Spark Plugs Replaced |
Lower the spark
plug cover on to the top of the engine and tighten the four 10mm bolts. Start up the engine and listen for any strange sounds that may indicate a problem. Be sure to record the spark plug change in your vehicle's service records. For more,
check out my other
2008-2012
Honda Accord Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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