Dodge Dart
Engine Spark Plugs Replacement Guide
How to check or change the engine spark
plugs in a 2013 to 2016 Dodge Dart with the Tigershark 2.0L I4 motor.
2013 Dart 2.0L I4 Engine |
Loosen Hose Clamp |
Pull Off Air Intake Hose |
This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Dodge Dart in checking or
changing the engine spark plugs in the Tigershark 2.0 liter inline
four cylinder motor. Owners of other Chrysler, Dodge and RAM vehicles such as the Town & Country, 300, 200, Avenger, Charger, Journey, Challenger, Durango, Grand Caravan, and Ram C/V Tradesman minivan may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The OEM iridium tipped spark plugs in this 2013 Dart SXT were Champion part number REC10WMPB. A few other compatible spark plugs with their part numbers are as follows: Autolite XP5325 Iridium, Autolite APP5325, Denso 4505 (PKH16TT), and ACDelco 41-835. The tools needed to complete this procedure include a large flathead screwdriver, a small flathead screwdriver, a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench, a 5/8" spark plug socket, a 6" extension bar and a 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench. |
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Disconnect Sensor Plug |
Pull Off Engine Cover |
Engine Cover Removed |
The first two steps
are to open the hood and then move to the left (passenger) side of the
engine. Loosen the metal hose clamp on the air intake by turning the screw counterclockwise with a flathead screwdriver. Then move to the right side of the engine cover. Press the release tab on the sensor's electrical connector before pulling it straight off. Gently lift off the plastic engine cover and set it aside in a safe place. |
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Top of Engine Exposed |
Spark Plug Ignition Coil |
Push Out Red Lock Tab |
Gently slide out the red plastic locking tab on the ignition coil module with a small flathead screwdriver. | ||
Press Release Tab |
Disconnect Power Plug |
Loosen Counterclockwise |
Press in the
release tab on the electrical connector before sliding the power plug
straight off the ignition coil. Loosen the bolt that secure the ignition coil to the engine by turning it counterclockwise with the 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench. |
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10mm Bolt Removed |
Rotate Ignition Coil |
Lift Out Ignition Coil |
Remove the 10mm
bolt and set it aside in a safe place. Rotate the top of the ignition coil back and forth a few times to make sure that the rubber dust boot is not stuck or "frozen" to the top of the old spark plug. Carefully lift the ignition coil straight out of the spark plug well and set it aside in a safe place. |
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5/8" Spark Plug Socket |
Loosen Old Spark Plug |
Spin Out Counterclockwise |
Attach the
5/8" spark plug socket to an extension bar and the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench. Lower the socket over the top of the old spark plug. Gently loosen the old spark 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 15-30 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 about 5 minutes to help expand the metal engine block. Once the spark plug has been loosened, disconnect the ratcheting wrench and spin it out the rest of the way by hand. |
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Lift Out Old Spark Plug |
Champion REC10WMPB |
Lower In New Spark Plug |
Lift the old spark
plug out of the well and detach it from the socket. 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 may 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. (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 the new spark plug in to the 5/8" socket. Your spark plug socket should have a rubber insert or a strong magnet to securely hold the new plug in place. Carefully lower the new spark plug in to the well. |
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Tighten Clockwise |
Apply Dielectric Grease |
Re-Insert Ignition Coil |
Spin in the new
spark plug by hand in the clockwise direction until it makes contact with
the cylinder head. Attach the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench to the extension bar. If you are re-installing the old spark plug, tighten it to just a very 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 keep out any moisture and help prevent corrosion. |
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Replace 10mm Bolt |
Tighten Clockwise |
Push On Power Plug |
Rotate the ignition
coil back and forth a few times to help spread the dielectric grease. Spin in the 10mm ignition coil bolt a few turns by hand in the clockwise direction to prevent it from becoming cross threaded. Tighten the bolt with the 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench in the clockwise direction until it is snug. Try to avoid over tightening the bolt to prevent from cracking the plastic ignition coil housing. Push the electrical connector on to the ignition coil. |
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Slide In Red Locking Tab |
Ignition Coil Replaced |
Push On Engine Cover |
Slide in the red
lock tab to secure the power plug to ignition coil. Line up the friction fasteners on the underside of the plastic engine cover and push it down in to place. |
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Re-Connect Sensor Plug |
Tighten Air Intake Hose |
Spark Plugs Replaced |
Push on the power
plug for the sensor on the right side of the engine cover. Re-attach the air intake tube and tighten the hose clamp by turning the screw in the clockwise direction with the flathead screwdriver. 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 car's service records. For more,
check out my other
2013-2016 Dodge Dart DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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