Jeep Patriot
Engine Spark Plugs Replacement Guide
How to check or change the engine spark
plugs in a 1st generation 2007 to 2016 Jeep Patriot with the 2.0L I4 motor.
2016 Patriot 2.0L I4 Engine |
Spark Plug Ignition Coil |
Slide Out Red Lock Tab |
This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the first generation (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016) Jeep Patriot SUV in checking or
changing a blown fuse or relay in the engine bay electrical panel. Owners of other Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat and RAM vehicles such as the Compass, Renegade, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, 500, Town & Country, 200, 300, Pacifica, Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Journey, Grand Caravan, RAM 1500, C/V Tradesman and ProMaster Van may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The OEM iridium tipped spark plugs in this 2016 Jeep Patriot were NGK (2262) ZFR5F-11. A few other compatible replacement spark plugs with their part numbers are as follows: Denso (4503) PK16TT, NGK (7098) ZFR5FGP, NGK 2477 ZFR5FIX-11, Denso (4701) IK16TT, Autolite AP5224, Pulstar (be1h10), Motorcraft SP-445, ACDelco 19308030 and Champion RC12WMPB4 (9202). The tools needed to complete this procedure include a flathead screwdriver, a Torx T30 screwdriver, a 5/8" spark plug socket, an extension bar and a 3/8" drive ratchet. |
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Press In Release Tab |
Disconnect Power Plug |
Loosen Torx T-30 Screw |
The first step is
to open the hood.
If your Patriot is equipped with a plastic engine cover, gently pull it straight off the top of the engine and set it aside in a safe place. If you have access to compressed air or a wet/dry shop vacuum, thoroughly clean off the top of the engine to reduce the change of having something fall down in to the spark plug well. I'd recommend only checking or changing one spark plug at a time to further reduce the risk of having debris fall down in to the cylinder. Slide out the red lock tab on the spark plug ignition coil's electrical connector. You might need to use a flathead screwdriver to push back the locking tab. Press in the release tab on the electrical connector before pulling the plug straight off the ignition coil. Loosen the single bolt that secures the ignition coil housing to the top of the engine by turning it counterclockwise with a Torx T-30 star bit screwdriver. |
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Remove T30 Screw |
Rotate Back & Forth |
Pull Out Ignition Coil |
Set the T30 screw
aside in a safe place. Rotate the ignition coil back and forth a few times to make sure that the rubber dust boot at the bottom is not stuck or "frozen" to the top of the old spark plug. Lift the ignition coil straight out of the spark plug well and set it aside in a safe place. |
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Spark Plug Well |
5/8" Spark Plug Socket |
Loosen Counterclockwise |
Attach the
5/8"
spark plug socket and the extension bar to the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench. I like to secure the spark plug socket to the extension bar with some tape to prevent it from getting stuck in the well. Lower the socket in to the well and push it down on to the top of the old spark plug. Loosen the old spark plug by turning it counterclockwise. Try to avoid using excessive force. 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 or just warm up the engine for a few minutes to expand the metal engine block. |
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Detach Wrench - Spin Out |
Lift Out Old Spark Plug |
Inspect Old Spark Plug |
Once the old spark
plug has been loosened, detach the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench from the
extension bar. Continue spinning out the old spark plug with your finger tips on the extension bar. Carefully lift the old spark plug out of the well. Pull the old spark plug out of the socket and inspect both sides.If the electrode end of the old spark plug looks ashy white, the plugs might have been exposed to high temperatures such as engine overheating or they could be 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 could be burning oil and should be checked by a professional mechanic. I recommend buying the NGK 2477 ZFR5FIX-11 iridium tipped spark plugs since they have excellent reviews on Amazon and should last up to 100,000 miles. If you have a spark plug gap gauge, check the gap on the new spark plugs. They should already be pre-gapped to the correct setting from the factory. |
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Lower In New Spark Plug |
Tighten Clockwise |
Apply Dielectric Grease |
Push the new spark
plug in to the socket and then lower it down in to the well. Spin in the spark plug by hand in the clockwise direction until it makes contact with the engine block. Attach the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench to the extension bar and tighten the new spark plug in the clockwise direction to just a tiny bit past the point when you feel the crush washer collapse. If you are re-installing the old spark plugs, only tighten them to just a small fraction of a turn past hand tight. Try to avoid using excessive force to prevent from cracking the new spark plug or stripping the aluminum threads. I would not recommend using a torque wrench to prevent from over tightening the plugs. Double check that the new spark plug is tight before moving on to the next steps. Apply some dielectric grease to the rubber dust boot at the bottom of the ignition coil module.The dielectric grease will help prevent corrosion and keep out any moisture or debris. |
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Lower In Ignition Coil |
Re-Insert T30 Bolt |
Tighten T30 Clockwise |
Lower the ignition
coil down in to the spark plug well. Rotate the ignition coil back and forth a couple of times to help spread around the dielectric grease. Re-insert the Torx T-30 screw and tighten it in the clockwise direction to secure the ignition coil housing to the top of the engine. Try to avoid over tightening the T30 bolt to prevent from cracking the plastic ignition coil assembly. |
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Push On Power Plug |
Slide In Red Locking Tab |
Spark Plugs Replaced |
Push the electrical
connector back in to place on the ignition coil. Slide in the red locking tab to secure it. If your Patriot has a plastic engine cover, push it back in to place. Start the engine and listen for any strange sounds that might indicate a problem such as a loose spark plug or a disconnected ignition coil power plug. Be sure to record the spark plug change in your car's service records. For more,
check out my other
2007-2016 Jeep Patriot DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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