Everything you never wanted to know about working on your MkV VW.

DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs

April 11th, 2008 Posted in 2.0T FSI, 2.5L

Tools and Supplies needed:
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens
3/8″ drive torque wrench
3/8″ drive socket wrench
6″ 3/8″ drive socket extension
spark plug socket
needle nose pliers
antiseize
4 new spark plugs (ECS Tuning)
4 new OEM coilpacks (ECS Tuning)

Step 1: Remove your engine cover.
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 2: Disconnect the wiring harness from the coilpacks.
  DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 3: Carefully pull the coil packs up off the plugs.  Needle nose pliers can be slid in under the edge of the coil pack to help push it up.  If you are re-using the coilpacks, pay attention to which cylinder they came from.
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 4: Using the socket wrench, extension, and spark plug socket… loosen and remove the spark plugs.
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 5: Get your new spark plug ready.  Verify the gap (they should be pre-gapped to 0.030″).  Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the threads.
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 6: Using the extension and spark plug socket, screw the new plugs until they are hand tight.
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 7: Tighten the spark plugs until snug.  If you’re the anal type, here’s where you break out the torque wrench and tighten to spec (20 Nm).
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 8: If you’re installing new coilpacks, have them ready.
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 9: Install the coil packs by pressing them firmly onto the plugs.  If you’re re-using the old coil packs, try to put them back on the same cylinder they came from.
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 10: Reconnect the wiring harness.  Press each connector on until it clicks.
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs golfmkv roflwagens

Step 11: Put your engine cover back on and enjoy.

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  1. 9 Responses to “DIY: changing spark plugs and coil packs”

  2. By orangemkv on Aug 24, 2009

    Thanks….

  3. By tl1000smva on Jun 20, 2010

    do you have to change coil packs with every plug change??

  4. By tl1000smva on Jun 20, 2010

    …you answered my question further down the write-up. BTW..great write-up; and great pics.. Thanks.

  5. By Webber on Oct 10, 2010

    Two questions: 1. How do you release the wire harness from the coil packs?
    2. What type of intake system do you have installed? Evolution ?
    Thanks,
    Webber

  6. By tbadera on Oct 11, 2010

    Each connector has a tab on the top, you have to pull the tab away from the coil pack… then pull the connector off. Once you have all 4 unplugged you should be able to pull the whole harness back towards the firewall a little.

    Yes, EVOMS intake.

  7. By vivalog on Jul 2, 2011

    I think no need to change the coil pack until u find any fault

  1. 3 Trackback(s)

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