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Ford Escape Engine Spark Plugs Replacement Guide
How to change the engine spark plugs in a 3rd generation 2013-2016 Ford Escape with the EcoBoost 2.0L I4 motor.

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2015 Escape 2.0L Turbo I4
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Lift Off Plastic Engine Cover
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Engine Cover Removed
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the 3rd generation (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and maybe also the refreshed 2017 model year) Ford Escape SUV in checking or changing the engine spark plugs in the EcoBoost 2.0 liter inline four cylinder motor.

Owners of other Ford or Lincoln vehicles such as the Focus, Fusion, C-Max, Mustang, Fiesta, Transit Connect, Edge, Flex, Explorer, Expedition, Taurus, F-150, EcoSport, MKC, MKZ, MKS, MKX, MKT and the Navigator may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The tools needed to complete this procedure include an 8mm socket, a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench, a 5/8" spark plug socket, an extension bar, a 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench and a tube of dielectric grease.

The OEM spark plugs are Ford part number CYFS12Y2 or CYFS-12Y-2. Other options for the 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine include the Autolite XP5863, the Motorcraft SP537 (or "SP-537") and the Denso ITV20TT.



 

Please verify the correct replacement part numbers for your Escape by using the Amazon Part Finder website. The part numbers may vary depending on the model year, trim level and whether the SUV has the 1.6L I4, 2.0L I4 or 2.5L I4 engines.
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Spark Plug Ignition Coils
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Press Release Tab
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Disconnect Power Plug
The first two steps are to open the hood and then gently pull off the plastic engine cover.

Set the plastic engine cover aside in a safe place.

If the engine is hot, I'd recommend letting it cool for an hour or two before attempting this procedure to prevent from burning your fingers.

If you have access to compressed air or a wet/dry shop vacuum, thoroughly clean off the top of the engine to help reduce the risk of having debris fall down in to the cylinder well.

It would also be best to only check or change one spark plug at a time to further reduce the change of having debris fall down in to the engine.

Press the release tab on the electrical connector before sliding the power plug straight out of the socket on the ignition coil module.

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Loosen Counterclockwise
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8mm Bolt Removed
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Rotate Back & Forth
Loosen the single bolt that holds the ignition coil in place by turning it counterclockwise with an 8mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench.

Set the 8mm bolt aside in a safe place.

Gently rotate the ignition coil back and forth a few times to make sure that the rubber dust boot at the bottom of the assembly is not stuck or "frozen" to the top of the old spark plug.

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Pull Out Ignition Coil
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Spark Plug Well
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5/8" Spark Plug Socket
Lift the ignition coil out of the spark plug well and set it aside in a safe place.

Attach the 5/8" spark plug socket to the 6" extension bar and the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench.

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Loosen Counterclockwise
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Detach Wrench - Spin Out
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Old Spark Plug Removed
Lower the socket in to the well and attach it to the top of the old spark plug.

Gently loosen the old spark plug by rotating it counterclockwise.

Try to avoid using excessive force to loosen the old spark plug to prevent from cracking the ceramic portion of the plug.

If you have trouble loosening the old spark plug, spray a small amount of penetrating oil such as PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench or Kano Kroil and wait at least 15 to 30 minutes before attempting to loosen it again. If you don't have any penetrating oil, try spraying some WD-40 or warm up the engine for a few minutes to help expand the metal engine block.

Once the old spark plug is loose, detach the ratcheting wrench and spin it out the rest of the way by hand.

Lift the old spark plug out of the well and detach it from the socket.



 

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Inspect Old Spark Plug
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Ford Part # CYFS12Y2
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Lower In New Spark Plug

Carefully inspect both ends of the old spark plug.

If the electrode end of the old spark plug looks ashy white, the plugs may have been exposed to high temperatures due to overheating or they might be the incorrect heat range for your driving conditions or environment.

On the other hand, if the old spark plug is grey or covered in dark black soot, the engine may be burning oil and should be examined by a professional mechanic.

I recommend buying the Ford Motorcraft SP537 spark plugs since they are iridium tipped and should last 100,000 miles.

(An optional step is to apply some anti-seize grease to the threads on the spark plug. Most spark plug manufacturers recommend that you should not use anti-seize grease since it can lead to over tightening. Some mechanics believe that using anti-seize grease on the spark plugs will help prevent them from becoming stuck or "frozen" in to the cylinder head if they are not removed again for another 100,000 miles.)

If you have a spark plug gap gauge, check that the new spark plugs are gapped to the manufacturer's specification listed on the side of the box. They should already be pre-set from the factory.

Push a new spark plug in to the socket and carefully lower it down in to the well.

Your spark plug socket should have a rubber insert or a strong magnet to hold the new plug securely in place.

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Spin In Clockwise By Hand
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Tighten With Wrench
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Apply Dielectric Grease
Spin in the new spark plug in the clockwise direction by hand until it makes contact with the cylinder head.

If you are re-installing the old spark plug, tighten it to just a small fraction of a turn past hand tight.

If you are installing a brand new spark plug, tighten it to just past the point when you feel the new crush washer collapse.

Do not over tighten the spark plug to prevent from cracking the ceramic body or stripping the aluminum threads.

Double check that the new spark plug is tight before moving on to the next step.

Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the opening in the rubber dust boot at the bottom of the ignition coil.

The dielectric grease will help keep out any moisture and prevent corrosion.

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Lower In Ignition Coil
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Re-Insert 8mm Bolt
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Tighten 8mm Clockwise
Lower the ignition coil in to the cylinder well and rotate it back and forth a few times to help spread the dielectric grease.

Re-insert the 8mm bolt and spin it in a few turns in the clockwise direction by hand to prevent it from becoming cross threaded.

Tighten the bolt in the clockwise direction with the 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench until it is snug.

Try to avoid over tightening the bolt to prevent from cracking the plastic ignition coil housing.

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Push In Power Plug
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Rubber Friction Fasteners
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Push On Engine Cover
Push the electrical connector straight in to the socket on the ignition coil until it clicks securely in to place.

Line up the rubber friction fasteners on the underside of the plastic engine cover with the metal mounting posts on the top of the engine.

Gently push the plastic engine cover down in to place.

Start the engine and listen for any strange sounds which may indicate a problem such as a disconnected power plug or a loose spark plug.

Be sure to record the spark plug change in your SUV's service records.

For more, check out my other 2013-2016 Ford Escape DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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