How easy/difficult it is to replace the spark plugs?

Hello and thanks for your question!

Depending on your experience, replacing the spark plugs on this vehicle could be a little more involved than usual, as the intake manifold will need to be removed first. Your location will ultimately determine the price of the estimates, but for this car I would consider $500 on the high end, assuming they are doubling the price of the parts and including a new intake manifold gasket set. I would be asking what that quote includes.

If you are feeling up to it, I will be more than happy to walk you through the process. The intake manifold is the big black plastic piece on the top of the engine. Attached to this will be the black rubber tube housing the air filter. All of this will need to be removed, along with some small electronic parts.

Let me know, we are here to help.
William

Here are the instructions for the repair, along with the associated diagrams and images:

REMOVAL
1. Remove intake manifold (explained below)
2. Remove ignition coil.
3. Remove spark plug with a suitable tool.

REMOVAL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD
1. Remove the air duct (inlet) and air duct (between air cleaner case and electric throttle control actuator).
(Circled in image 1.)
2. Remove the reservoir tank. (No need to drain coolant or remove coolant lines)
(Circled in image 2)
3. Remove the oil level gauge.

CAUTION:
Cover the oil level gauge guide openings to avoid entry of foreign materials.

4. Remove electric throttle control actuator and position aside.

CAUTION:
- Handle electric throttle control actuator carefully and avoid impacts.
- Never disassemble or adjust electric throttle control actuator.

5. Disconnect the harness connector and EVAP hose from the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve.
(Highlighted in image 3)
6. Disconnect vacuum hose for brake booster from intake manifold.
7. Remove intake manifold support front (1) and bolt from rear (2).
- Bracket (2) is not removed. Remove bolt from intake manifold.
(See image 4)
8. Remove intake manifold.
- Loosen bolts in the reverse of the order shown.
(Refer to image 5)
9. Remove EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve from intake manifold, if necessary.

CAUTION:
Handle EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve carefully and avoid impacts.
10. Remove intake manifold support (center) from cylinder head, if necessary.

NOTE:
The intake manifold support (center) functions as the guide when the intake manifold is installed.

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
- Pay attention to the condition and orientation of the gasket, demonstrated in image 6. I recommend replacing with a new gasket for peace of mind and for a complete repair.

Let us know if you need anything, we are here to help.
William

Thank you for answering and your time and help.

You are welcome CANNON1349 is one of our newest experts. Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.