2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2.4L (LE5) spark plug change

On the fourth day before Christmas I was given 4 sets of iridium spark plugs to change out for the Chevrolet Malibu 2.4L L4 Ecotec engine. This is a really simple job, just that the engine cover must be removed in order to gain access the spark plugs and coil overs. This is the last 'mechanic' video of 2014. See you in 2015. :)

[@walter1554]

Great video man, to the point and no jaw bumping Thanks for the lesson.

[@napierdelticdiesel]

Good video, but do check the gap on the new plugs. My new AC Delco iridium's were set about .036 and one was practically closed shut (no gap). Not the .044 required. I used anti-seeze on the upper threads of the plugs and on the coil over bolts and dielectric grease on the coil/plug openings. Also the engine cover has two posts on the back that require you to lift up the back of the cover too to free them. Changed mine at 100K Km's or 63K miles.

[@wnp2004]

napierdelticdiesel I’m glad you pointed that out, it was killing me watching him lift it from the wrong side. Lol

[@williamwaters4506]

Great video, anti-seize is good idea. You saved me money and the job was easy.

[@RayleighCriterion]

Never use anti-seize with sparkplugs. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without the use of anti-seize. ... Anti-seize compound can act as a lubricant altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage.

[@yobootystank8160]

@@RayleighCriterion 👍🏾👍🏾

[@nessalove4]

For those watching and are planning on doing it yourself, if the top cover isn't aligned right, it will cause check engine to pop up dude to a misfire.

[@bigsauce8875]

nessalove4 how do you fix it?

[@marcbenedict3676]

If by top cover you mean the engine cowl/cover it is because it is attached to the throttle body and you need a good seal around it from the clamp that is hard to get at 1:30. Just run your hand around the the intake and make sure it's a good seal

[@NintendoAmigo]

My cover is not aligning after I took it off now the oil cap won’t reach I have to put it underneath the cover

[@EvaderKMP]

I noticed that little slot on the engine cover let's you see that screw to tighten around the throttle body instead of trying to feel around for it. My malibu is sick at the moment.

[@All4fundude]

@Mr10alpine Thank you for the video! It was very helpful, especially with getting the cover off. Once again big thanks

[@hmoltzz]

Great video. Plan to do this next week, thanks for uploading.

[@Mr10Alpine]

No prob. Thanks for watching.

[@NPaulBears]

Saved me some dickin around on my new Malibu. Thanks!

[@AmricanEagl]

I did exactly what you said but while i was tightening the cove I broke three bolts 😢 I created another issue now

[@remo687]

Your definition of "simple" is way different than mine :P

[@solutionone3777]

OK thanks for the reply! Take care.

[@Helicard]

This scared the shit out of me. I remember when spark plug were on the outside of the engine

[@Mr10Alpine]

Haha. its probably not going to be for long when they perfected an engine that will not use spark plugs, but rather, an activated heat/spark, similar to carbon fouling, only it will be placed between the valves. Now that will be truly scary.

[@alexkincaid8747]

Great video very helps thank you

[@KillswitchStreamer]

Sorry Chevy, but that "engine cover" intake is a terrible design. Good work!

[@lkrock007]

I’m glad mine wasn’t the only one that sounded like hell coming out.

[@hmoltzz]

Really appreciate it man!

[@Mr10Alpine]

No prob.

[@hairlessmonkey86]

You couldnt pick a more windy day?

[@traceydeanrainey]

What top cover are you talking about ? Are you calling the ignition coil on boot the top cover or the plastic engine cover and what would a plastic engine cover have to do with plugs and coils ?

[@nikkiw1222]

I'm missing bolts to my valve cover gasket for in the middle I have an oil leak in the chambers and I'm trying to do a complete seal is there a special way these bolts go in?

[@kingv911]

Everywhere I read it says DON'T use anti-seize.

[@ulyssesgarcia4634]

One question bro , do you have to disconnect the battery before doing this ??

[@jacklord4418]

+Ulysses Garcia yes - side

[@jshewman]

Thanks, Dude.

[@elialpezpescaydiversion3]

I went to autozone to buy a fuel injector but they gave me something different. I have a malibu like your car. i hve the wrong part right ?

[@elpah1]

Is this pretty much the same for 2013 LTZ2?

[@radith]

Perfect. Thanks

[@Jackyl16]

Was this film durning a hurricane?

[@elpah1]

Is this pretty much the same to a 2013 LTZ2?

[@rinkikurmi7151]

good car

[@solutionone3777]

just popped in to see how ya been.

[@Mr10Alpine]

Just slow, no material yet. Otherwise, I'm alright. Thanks for checking.

[@StiiizyAP]

Fam... windy as SHIT , and you decide to do it on that day. Good video tho 😂😂😂😂

[@Mr10Alpine]

Actually the wind wasn't as strong as it sounded. Just a gentle breeze, not enough to stir any dirt, but the openings covered was just enough insurance.

[@jamalthigpen1966]

What size socket did you use

[@vibezwitjvlogs1896]

How many spark plugs does this engine have?

[@devantenevels6642]

Any help with dash board light won't turn up or down during the day but at night it will

[@tyofredo3707]

Devante Nevels maybe I could help there’s a little nube at the left side of the steering with a light symbol try turning it right that brightens the light

[@devantenevels6642]

@@tyofredo3707 yes i know I went to get something fixed I think the dude fixing broke something because it won't change any more

[@hunterkyle2021]

How many miles did you car have and how reliable was it before you got rid of it?

[@horacecurtis5883]

hi i have a 2009 Chevy Malibu Lt when should I change my spark plug

[@devantenevels6642]

When they are bad or at a tune up

[@haroldoviana8271]

Muito bom este video quanto custa um MALIBU nos dias de hoje nos USA ? No BRASIL MODELO 2010 R$ 35.000,00 Reais

[@Gonsalo1218]

as I can tell if my 2009 chevy malibu has oil in the Transmit

[@davidlopezt1610]

You still have that car

[@hmoltzz]

I just purchased the exact same spark plugs i was wondering if you adjusted the gap on them?

[@Mr10Alpine]

Nah, they usually come pre gap these days, so there is no need to gap them. But just to be sure, go ahead and check them anyway; just be careful not to break the iridium tip, it's very thin and brittle. The gap should be .044" between electrode and the iridium tip.

[@lonniehunter731]

Mr10Alpine it is very hard to change spark plugs

[@Mr10Alpine]

As long as you don't strip the threads, break them or otherwise, they're simple to remove. Most are pretty straightforward, on some the intake must come apart to access the rear spark plugs. Otherwise, they are easy to replace.

[@nestornunez7043]

Lonnie Hunter i have the same problem is very hard to change and i dont want to change because im afraid to break the spark plug... Did you changed? Any recomendation?

[@tomb44]

+nestor nuñez If youre nervous about doing plugs, better get a pro. Mistakes can be costly. With that said, its pretty straight forward... Dont force them coming out if they are seized and hand start them going back in. Always use anti-seize and tighten to "just snug".

[@elialpezpescaydiversion3]

I have a question

[@abrahamguillen8949]

Do you need to put a gap on the spark plug tip? Just want to make sure?

[@Willams78]

Most plugs are pre-gapped these days. Mines were when i purchased mine to tune my car up.

[@abrahamguillen8949]

@@Willams78 thanks you

[@Willams78]

@@abrahamguillen8949 when you do purchase then make sure to ask also. I also stick to the O.E. Spark plugs too.

[@abrahamguillen8949]

@@Willams78 good to know. Thanks

[@solutionone3777]

Hey buddy I was wondering if the spark plugs are the same on both Vin numbers? 2.4 has 8th Vin numbers as 1 or w one supports flexible fuel I think. I just did this on my 2011 2.4 Vin code 1 and sometimes it drags ass and I think I hear spark knock. If Autozone gave me the wrong plug could it cause this?

[@Mr10Alpine]

They should be the same for both VIN numbers. I got mines from the dealer, and possibly Autozone gave you the wrong ones. Mines were AC Delco stuff.

[@emadfikry1023]

what's the item model no. & OEM part no. for this spark plug ac delco ?

[@Mr10Alpine]

To be honest I have no idea, I got these out of the dealer, and I have a couple more upcoming soon too. Hopefully I'll get them and post them up.

[@juanmendezya]

nunca calibraste bujias y si alguna se cerrara tendrias un gran fallo ojo

[@goldencarecar9929]

Cual es su calibración?

[@julienmuhirwa8244]

Can bad spark plug make a car to take off slow?

[@humbertovelazquez8873]

Yes

[@rodneyb1425]

I gotta 2010 Malibu LS

[@MoNk3yiNfeCtiON8]

I had to completely remove my front bumper to check a light bulb..

[@Willams78]

I wish I would’ve known about the bumper having to be removed before I bought the car because I would’ve left It on the lot. Good car though but I spent around 3-400 for all the bulbs to be changed mainly because of the labor. 😡

[@auntsassy2134]

Right? I’ve had to change the bulbs twice and cussed the engineer who designed it. So stupid!

[@mannyg3352]

do you know where the EGR valve is located on this motor?

[@saint5ify]

I have a 2009 Malibu with the 2.4 and these cars do not have an EGR valve. They only have a blowby valve. Do you have clogged cats because an OBD will read that or you could take it to a shop to have them cleared. Also with the 2.4 (LE5) engine, sometimes slight revs help these cars with back pressure issues and clogging. Hope this helps, late reply but hope it helped.

[@laroneaglin6399]

So it’s just 4 Spark plugs

[@EdxBoy_]

How many spark plugs are there total?

[@Mr10Alpine]

4.

[@wyattgill1392]

Anyone else having their 10mm not work

[@lanellholton2173]

I need some help!! has anyone ever replaced an oil pan gasket on the 09 malibu 4cyl. 2.4l eco

[@granturismo315]

thought u had to change these every year.

[@DanPellegrino486]

Not at all, they aren't a time based service. The electrode wears away and the gap increases over use. These plugs are iridium and rated for 100,000 mile intervals.

[@granturismo315]

Dan Pellegrino oh awesome I learned something new everyday :)

[@emilianozapata1954]

at how many miles did you do this homie?

[@Mr10Alpine]

+Emiliano Zapata Depends on your driving habits. I changed mines at the recommended 100,000 mi (160,934 KM) per GM manual.

[@fredlwal]

Have you noticed any improvement in mpg?

[@Mr10Alpine]

Sure did, even got a noticeable throttle response. The original ones weren't too bad, just worn out.

[@teelynnofficial]

+Mr10Alpine hey can i change them even if it not at 100k miles. i feel a little hesitation pickingup?

[@Mr10Alpine]

+Tim Petry That depends but it could be a fuel problem as well (weak fuel pump, dirty injectors). Or you might have a dirty throttle body that is barely opening, as these don't use the old fashioned cable like the old days. Lastly the MAF sensor could be dirty and could use a little cleaning.These are some of the checks that should be performed for a hesitation problem. Don't forget to check the air filter too.

[@teelynnofficial]

+Mr10Alpine thnkx Mr.

[@teelynnofficial]

+Mr10Alpine Dude i think ur on to somthin here. lol

[@rodneyb1425]

does it have the wires that should be changed too or just plugs

[@Mr10Alpine]

No wires, just boots, and they can be changed if they're torn. But in this case the boots were good so they were reused.

[@raymodg.8039]

Why are you breathing in the microphone so loud?

[@daphneellis2963]

That is wind blowing. I really hope you considered a certified mechanic

[@mothannamothanna5815]

I don't liked the first step .... that tall one

[@bearg9943]

All ways check gap

[@Mr10Alpine]

Mark Grissom I gap-and double check to make sure they are gapped to specs, including this one (checked owner's manual for specs). Since they were pre-gapped, I just went ahead and put them in, and these are iridium plugs, you have to be extremely careful when gapping them, careless gapping will break these tiny iridium electrode tips. The old principle has been the same, check gaps prior to installation, or engine might not run properly.

[@ramiroespinoza3063]

Who designed all this cars? You have to take half of the motor out just to change spark plugs. Nothing better than the old cars. I have a 2011 and just made oil change. And guess what? The oil filter it’s on top of the motor. Shitty cars.

[@x60hz]

That's nothing. Look and see what's involved in changing a headlight. Torture!!!

[@davidecklund7217]

hahaha especially when they go out once a year for some dumb reason. gotta love the whole bumper removal and some of the wheel housing for 1 stinking bulb

[@felipevalles8041]

por favor Ramiro esto es nada comparado con las bujias de los mitsubishi de 6 cylindros, please Ramiro this is nothing comparing the spark plugs of the V6 mitsubishi engines.

[@TheAirforce141]

Lmaoooo

[@Jalapenogoesintight]

Hurts my ears.

[@elpah1]

Is this pretty much the same for 2013 LTZ2?

[@elpah1]

Is this pretty much the same to a 2013 LTZ2?

[@robertcamana8948]

io