2010-2012 Ford Fusion 3.0L V6 - Spark Plug Replacement

Changing spark plugs on a 2010-2012 Ford Fusion with the 3.0L V6 engine is tricky. Here's how to do the hardest parts - including getting the intake manifold off.
I didn't originally plan on making a video on this, but I ran into several problems and didn't find much help online. Although I made this video after the fact, it does include shots of the engine with everything apart. I took these for my own benefit so I would know how to put it back together. I wanted to share it here to help others facing the same task.
Spark plugs - Motorcraft SP-518A (also has CGSF22NA1 on the box)
Air intake manifold gasket - Ford 9L8Z*9H486*B
EGR gasket - Ford E6AZ*9D476*B
Fuel line disconnect tool - ARES 70024 (Amazon)
Most bolts are either 8 mm or 10 mm.

[@sjn7220]

Thanks, well described. I did this a couple years ago and it was a pain but doable for the amateur. The EGR bracket you mentioned was the biggest pain that I remember. I would also recommend replacing the PVC valve while you have access to it in the back. It's important to replace the spark plugs at 100k mi or so as worn plugs can ruin the computer. I used iridium Autolites, there was some rebate at the time that brought them down to a buck or so each.

[@coaltrainpalmer7282]

Wow thanks ford

[@jerradtalley451]

Thanks for the video. I ran into trouble with the bracket that bolts onto the head. Removing the battery made a huge difference. With extensive & universal joint wasn’t to bad to get out. We’ll see about back in not there yet.

[@hinesd1960y]

Thanks for the awesome video. I have a better understanding of why they charge so much to replace them. I would rather pay a mechanic to install mine. If i had a 4 cylinder that would be a different story!

[@steminsider]

I came to the same conclusion. I scoffed at the $400 or so the dealer wanted for the job until I tried to do it myself. Figuring it out took me way more time than I care to admit. It is still a pain even if you know how to do it.

[@Sp-zn8kh]

Thanks for the video it was really helpful

[@daklestad]

Very helpful, especially to remove the egr bolts...I had good luck with leaving the bracket, and I didn't need to do anything with the fuel rails, although I may need to replace injectors later which would involve this same exact procedure to get access then would need to de-pressurize the fuel rails

[@theshield1613]

Very reliable motor.

[@mikedouglas6866]

You don’t need to disconnect the fuel line🤦🏾‍♂️

[@jhdcape]

Thanks for the info .I need to replace a fuel injector and couldn't find any video for this motor.

[@steminsider]

Glad I could help. It really is surprising how few videos there are for this engine.

[@charlesbauswell459]

Me too

[@antoniojohnston8824]

thanks so much

[@christophershoemaker8848]

i wish you showed the actual process of this it isn't all that helpful just by pointing at things honestly. trying to figure out how to get my intake mounting bracket back on and it's impossible to find anything on it

[@Stayhonest100]

Good video thanks for sharing! Thanks Ford . Lol

[@user-en4if1iw6r]

Do you happen to know where the inertia switch is? We've looked where the manual says but nothing is there or from what we can tell.

[@steminsider]

I take it you are referring to the switch that turns off the fuel pump in case the car is in an accident. My owner's manual says the 3.5L cars have a reset switch located up underneath the glove box. It does not appear that the 2.5L and 3.0L cars have the switch, and it only requires turning the ignition off and then back on to reset it.

[@mattmaverick703]

I have a 2010 Fusion Sport very similar looking to your car same color except yours is the LX top of the line.

[@erikajohn1839]

What’s the firing order ?

[@devonl.barnett7008]

Awesome video best video of explaining steps to take for a spark plug replacement...thank u

[@steminsider]

You are welcome. Glad it helped.

[@omargonzalez5533]

Wats the firing order

[@kylehalloran2711]

If you remove the battery, was there any point of removing the fuse?

[@steminsider]

I was concerned the fuel line would be under pressure when you disconnect it and spray fuel everywhere. By pulling the fuse and then cranking the engine a few times, the fuel pump shouldn't run (no fuse) but the fuel injectors should still open. This should relieve the pressure on the fuel line. I can't promise this is a necessary step, but it worked well for me. I didn't have any problems when I disconnected the fuel line. Leaving the fuse in would let the fuel pump run and keep the fuel line pressurized which wouldn't accomplish anything. If you choose to skip this step, then yes, you can leave the fuse in. I'd be interested to hear how well this works.

[@goldwolf0606]

With the battery connected but no fuel pump or fuel injection fuses in, This is a good time to do a compression test on all 6 cylinders so you know the health status of your engine. Also change the PCV valve since you are there already too. It’s a lot of work to disassemble everything again just for that stupid valve.

[@fdamien80]

To relieve the fuel pressure so fuel won’t splatter everywhere when disconnecting fuel line.

[@lalitocrz2395]

What’s the firing order??

[@omargonzalez5533]

Is 123 in the back? And 456 in the front

[@erikajohn1839]

Did u ever figure out the firing order if so let me know

[@HoosierDaddy_]

From left to right, cylinders 2 4 6 on the front and 1 3 5 on the rear of the engine

[@covidisalie2139]

Thanks tips you forgot the egr valve bolts

[@buzz1843]

I'll just change out the 3. Geez!!

[@stevenr7272]

Probably like 4 years ago...I came to the same conclusion when I had a misfire on one of the front three. This morning I got a misfire on one of the back. It's almost certainly an ignition coil but now I got to take it off!

[@joesmith6524]

all that too change spark plugs?

[@steminsider]

Unfortunately, yes.

[@andresrodriguez985]

Fr thoe😠😂

[@elijah_grissom]

A mechanic tried charging me $1200 to fix this!

[@steminsider]

Good grief. That is ridiculous!

[@billwheeler951]

Never saw a plug removed

[@steminsider]

That is true. I didn't intend to make a video on this. It was only after I struggled to do this myself (largely because I couldn't find any good videos) that I decided to make this to help others. I know it would have been better to make the video while I did the job. I did the best I could after the fact to explain the necessary steps. It isn't ideal, but I figured it is better than nothing.

[@shawnt6202]

Jesus. My Chevy Cruze is easy as pie. Bought my kid a used fusion and everything is a pain. I’ll never buy another Ford!

[@native4329]

I did it without taking everything off

[@5eddyr21]

How?

[@goldwolf0606]

Eddy Rivera he’s a liar... you can’t change back spark plugs without removing plenum.

[@spencertb6034]

That’s not possible you wouldn’t even be able to get the coil out