How to replace the spark plugs in a Subaru WRX/STI

NGK IR Plugs Set of 4
geni.us/RF3mCV [Amazon]
In this video, I show you step by step how to replace your spark plugs in a 08-14 Subaru WRX or STI. This video should simplify the process of replacing your spark plugs in your Subaru WRX or STI.

[@OscarLopez-gq4he]

finally a video that shows where the wires go to the coils spent hours trying to find what wires went to what cylinders

[@BlakesGarage]

Glad I could help ya out 👍🏻

[@Dteezyt05]

Thanks for making this. Almost wasted $300 to have this done at the shop. Took me about 3 hours, but glad I didn't lose money!

[@greekgman71]

This is by far the best instructional video for performing any kind of maintenance I have ever used! Great job! Got me through my plug job in about 2 hours

[@HarlemsGarage]

Tiny tip here... just finished my spark plugs and there was no need to remove the pump, I just squeezed the clamp and removed the hose going to it

[@itstursi-fu2tq]

HUGE tip thank you for this

[@antdo]

lol. That cheese stick bit had me Rollin. When you first pulled it out. I was like wth is that.

[@SesshomaruSama15]

that was where he earned my sub

[@MonsterMendez]

For real lmaooo

[@Dessla]

when you love a subie, spark plug changing comes a passion. change my in less than 20mins

[@frontier_etc]

Wow, I've always wanted a WRX but haven't had one yet. Just changed the plugs on my car's inline 4 engine and it took probably 10 minutes. This is insane

[@brandonlogan2600]

😂😂

[@bigbysfacepalm]

Great video. Top tip for extra insurance that you don't cross thread the plugs when you install: You can stick the plug in a small piece of spare vacuum hose as an extension and hand turn it in. You get a better feel of the threading when you do it this way rather than doing it with a spark plug socket. You can tighten it down with the socket.

[@nolanivy5693]

I use those for all plugs lol

[@jairmartinez6979]

A

[@asiannascarfan]

Thanks for making this video. I had a bad coil pack in cylinder #4. I would have never tried to replace it myself before watching this video. Saved me God knows how much money.

[@ecpoirier]

I've been watching a whole lot of KZbin videos during this Covid-19 lockdown, and ordered some plugs after seeing how easy it looked. Problem is, other people's 2010 WRX is different than my 2010 WRX. THANK YOU for posting a video that I can rely on to be accurate. Have I said THANK YOU?

[@BlakesGarage]

yep only difference for you will be the air pump so it should be even easier for ya. Just setup the ratchets like I show and boom you'll be done in no time.

[@williamkyc]

Hands down you have the best DIY videos. I wish you did more videos before you traded the car in.

[@BlakesGarage]

+William Cheung thanks Will!

[@garryschmidt1697]

Going to attempt this today. Not my first time doing plugs, but def first time on my 13 WRX. Thanks for a clear cut visual and instruction! Subbed!

[@Nyzromeo]

how did it go O_o

[@needleonthevinyl]

Thanks for the video, I just did this on my 05 Legacy GT. I couldn't easily get the coil out of the head on the rear cylinder on the driver's side, so I just took the nuts of the motor mounts and jacked up the engine. That made the rest easier and less stress on the coil wires. Also I didn't use a cheese stick, but did use NGK 7913 plugs (same as OE). Took an honest hour and 20 minutes or so start to finish.

[@BlakesGarage]

+Seth Baker I have heard that some of the motors need lifted thanks for the heads up on the 05 Legacy GT. Next time get the Trader Joe's cheese sticks they last longer.

[@charlesthomas3991]

Thanks. This video helped. Changed the plugs this past weekend. Bought the same plugs which were in stock at Advance Auto. They are: NGK Laser Iridium SILFR6A 7913

[@andrewphilpott1020]

This is a great guide to this tricky job, rotating the back ones 180 degrees makes life easier. Also I removed the rubber part out of my spark plug socket as I got the socket stuck on the plug once it was tightened up! 😉

[@josephloguidice1841]

Hi Blake. Thanks for this video. I did my plugs in a 2013 WRX today and I was a bit intimidated by the rear driver plug. It was still difficult for me, but I expanded the view and followed each movement you made with that damn coil pack and the same to get the plug in. The others were not so bad, as you had said, but the frame is a real restriction with those coil packs. Good video and very helpful.

[@litoteh]

Thanks for the video! I was able to complete the spark plug replacement in 2.5 hours. I was going to have a heart attack when the engine was cranking for 3 seconds and then started, instead of instantaneous start up. My tuner recommended 0.028 gap as opposed to the factory suggested gap of 0.030. I did go NGK 2309 one step colder plugs. Now for a tune. Keep up with the awesome vids!

[@BlakesGarage]

+litoteh Thanks man. Also that is normal for the car to take longer to start after resetting the ECU. A lot of times you have to crank the car over then take the key out then try again and your golden.

[@LeonAzzollini]

I like how thorough you are mate, great videos

[@MillionzKnivez]

Just replaced plugs on my 2013 wrx thanks to this video

[@icecoldflurry]

Just changed my spark plugs and this video made it much easier. I totally agree with the comment of driver's side rear is the hardest to do so I would suggest doing it first and the rest is cake. Definitely recommend knuckle extensions and if you have a lock on the extension it makes it that much easier to pull the socket out. I also would recommend to perform a compression test while you have everything apart. Simple procedure and will give you a piece of mind before you start modding your car.

[@ChristopherMorris-q1b]

Excellent video. I really appreciate the detail and showing the difficult parts clearly.

[@dimwitrj]

I thought this was going to be a 4hr video like the first time I changed my plugs in the Subaru.

[@BlakesGarage]

+Rj Albano Well its not the shortest video. But I hope it will help people speed up the change out process. I think I could do it pretty fast now. Filming and changing up angles makes everything take much longer.

[@wutdadilyo]

Thanks Blake for this video! I needed to figure out how to change my coil pack on cylinder 4 of my 2011 wrx hatch and your video gives perfect and concise instructions on how I can do so. My only suggestion would be to be weary of your camera settings (I have a feeling you have it set in auto focus mode) because its blurry on parts where I would love for your video to be clear to see what you're talking about. Otherwise, great video and keep up the great work! I have subscribed to you so I can learn how to continue to maintain my vehicle!

[@justsomeguy7123]

Good stuff man! I knocked it out in 3 hours, including messing with Spotify, cleaning off the part that I removed, and drink breaks.

[@BlakesGarage]

Hell yeah glad I could help

[@Revo5608L]

Great video, well done. Just replaced the plugs in my 2014 WRX with OEM. I admit I put this off far too long, 100,000 miles... But I have to say after seeing a few videos of plugs from WRX/STIs I'm surprised how rich they suggest the cars are running. My plugs looked much healthier after 100,000 miles to which I attribute having the car tuned by COBB following break in.

[@shadowdemon7770]

2010 WRX here. thank a million, you have no idea how much this helped. just saved me $250!! didn't want to attempt it because of how much of a pain it is and how you ran the risk of cross threading. that was not even an issue. took me 3 hours, but I got it done. thanks again man.

[@BlakesGarage]

+Enrique Jimenez Awesome Enrique! Thats exactly what I make this videos for great job glad you took on the task now your a pro!

[@shadowdemon7770]

+Blake's Garage and I feel accomplished! now if only fixing the the leaking power steering fluid was that easy. that one's gonna cost me. until then I just keep refilling the reservoir. so if you could break your power steering rack and then show me how it's replaced. I'd greatly appreciate it. thanks again :)

[@NicholasLeader0]

@Shadow I had the same issue with my 2011 WRX.

[@shadowdemon7770]

Nicholas Leader yeah, apparently it's a known issue with 2008 through 2012 (I think) l wrx and sti models. but they wont issue a recall. I'm looking at $1,600 to replace and for an alignment

[@NicholasLeader0]

shadow demon check out this thread if you haven't already: forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2057538

[@jonperez8222]

awesome video glad i came across it. my subie just hit 60k and i plan on doing all the work myself since ive heard average price for the 60k maintenance at a dealership is between 500 to 1000 which is ridiculous. you made this look much easier than i though. thank you again

[@JiBenJiBee]

This vid helped me a ton today! I was first going by a vid of the spark plug change on a 15+ STI and they must have a tiny bit more room between the valve cover and frame rail than my 09 WRX because they were saying they could use the spark plug socket with the 3" extension and that's it. Well, that setup wouldn't fit most places for me ,but the spark plug socket with a 3/8 u-joint socket did fit, and then with a 6" extension to the ratchet, worked like a charm.

[@BlakesGarage]

Glad I could help 👍

[@hermesalejandrocerdenia1153]

I own a 2014 STI limited edition. Thank you for sharing.

[@SquaskewBros]

I did spark plugs on my Mazda Tribute, and to get to the back 3 spark plugs you have to take the intake manifold off, along with a bunch of other stuff. Makes this look easy, lol

[@Sabusoz28]

You should take the connector off the coil pack before you remove the pack. If you twist and turn the coil pack with the connector still attached it could damage the plug and require a rewire. This process is definitely a PITA have a nice variety of extensions and some knuckles will definitely make the job a bit easier.

[@kitchwatembo]

"especially if you haven't taken the negative side of the battery off first" , cracks me up every time

[@michaelbullington3182]

Good details, I work the same way. The anti-seize issue have been around awhile; it's usually operator error, due to putting too much on. I use it and never have had issues. If you have ever had to deal with a seized plug, then you know why it's needed. There's possibly a coating already on 'em out of the box, maybe it just doesn't need it. Dielectric grease is a similar issue.

[@jorgecj57]

I'm going to eat a cheese stick before I change the spark plugs on my subaru wrx/sti 06, great..Thanks Blake for this video

[@NisSubieTechA]

Thanks for the walk through. Saved me some time on getting #4 out.

[@archangelpaladin44]

thanks for the vid, I was having a hard time finding instructions for getting the pump out of the way, just what I needed

[@BlakesGarage]

+archangelpaladin44 Glad I could help!

[@Eri94]

Ahh this is great! I finally found a used subi and I'm going to pick it up in a few days. This is very much needed. Thanks!

[@BlakesGarage]

+From S2k to awesome glad I could help. Congrats on the new purchase.

[@tone3973]

First time doing this and I followed your video. All I can say is F”””k cylinder 4! 😡 I had my ratchet stuck in their like an idiot, I didn’t have the right swivel like yours this job was a nightmare for me hahah. Having the right tools is key for this

[@LB-kv5ve]

Another great DIY, thanks Blake. Just did the plugs in my 2010 WRX.

[@petrmiskerik]

Thx for great video. I also think using anti seize lubricant (copper paste) on spark plugs is a good idea. Much better than seized (by AL oxyde destroyed) threads in head of your engine.

[@davidmudrik6539]

Nice tutorial, took me like 3 hours to do mine the first time I did spark plugs on my previous hatch lol

[@BlakesGarage]

+David Mudrik Thanks David! Yeah I think I can do it unjust around an hour now.

[@3leafz]

Thanks for video upload, i originally thinking to diy, but after watching your tutorial, I will just leave the headache to the dealership.

[@bigjoe495]

Wow , awesome video! I have to change my plugs soon. Im pretty Mechanically inclined. But looking at the Subaru engine I’m a bit nervous to change the plugs. That being said your video has definitely made it look less intimidating. I will give it a try in the summer! It’s too cold in Canada in the winter LOL

[@BlakesGarage]

Yeah this should help big time

[@LebrunJemz]

I feel you buddy, i live in Canada also! Just got done the Drivers side Spark Plugs, now time for the passengers for tomorrow!

[@tougeskyite]

Great video, it was very helpful. I used a gear wrench with the flex teardrop head and everything went pretty smooth. Still more of a pain in the ass than changing spark plugs should be though.

[@julianwalls9529]

@Blake's Garage could you post a tool list maybe? I think I have everything just want to double check thanks for the awesome videos!

[@MrFernandoVelasquez]

Wow watching this video made me appreciate how easy it is to change my Evo 8 spark plugs.

[@unknownunknowns]

luis velasquez But you got to look at if the pros OUTWEIGH the cons.

[@SimanSlivar]

Stefan Unson no they dont... Ive own both lol

[@unknownunknowns]

Robert Hollar how so? If you can explain.

[@SimanSlivar]

Stefan Unson overall car is better. Ill say the sti's only real advantage is its room. I guess you could say its a little better out-of-the-box off-road. Evo is better at handling, easier to maintain, and easier to upgrade. Both are good cars but the evo is just better at almost all area's. Then agian it should be, it was a more expensive car.

[@unknownunknowns]

Robert Hollar Evo better at handling? I thought the STI’s boxer engine would lower its center of gravity than an upright one from the EVO, thereby giving it better handling.

[@Killermonkey1594]

Dude this video is amazing, thank you. My replacement is coming up soon and i feel much better about doing it myself and saving a bit of cash

[@EulogizingSleep]

Did mine 40,000 miles ago at 60k as recommended and will never be doing them again lol. It was a huge pain and they were really clean. Plus I don’t plan on keeping the car much longer, i want a newer one lol

[@MrImprezaWRX1]

Nice video! I remember changing my spark plugs, they where such a pain.

[@BlakesGarage]

+MrImprezaWRX Yeah definitely not the easiest thing. I kinda thought it would be worse though.

[@nathanprezaps1045]

Thanks for the great tutorial, really helped alot with the air pump part and how to 180 spin the rear coil packs worked like a charm!

[@BlakesGarage]

+Isaiah Gamil Awesome I'm glad it helped!

[@suvacirema2247]

Best video I’ve seen on this topic

[@Red05200]

broi thanx a lot for this i know there other vid like this but this one is very specific for my car xD

[@TarifaAutomotive]

Great video quality, strait clear and through. Five stars all the way!

[@BlakesGarage]

Thanks Man!

[@jerseyman1O]

Thanks for the video man. I managed to do the drivers side but it got dark so couldn't do the other. Will finish tomorrow. Good thing it's easier lol.

[@BlakesGarage]

+James Bond good stuff! Passenger side is way easier for sure.

[@jerseyman1O]

Just finished. Way easier lol. Only took me an hour. Thanks once again. Car runs even better!

[@barrythomas6429]

This was a piece of cake. On the 2006 turbo model you have to disconnect the engine mounts and jack up the engine one side at a time.

[@hermesalejandrocerdenia1153]

Do you have a video on how to replace front and rear differential oil?

[@kaestnerducran7628]

Great Video. Thanks for being in depth in explaining everything. Keep up the great work.

[@christianmatos5635]

Things like this explains why you should go for an Evo IX

[@NicholasLeader0]

My listing of tools / parts (ignoring anti-seize as not recommended by OEM NGK): OEM NGK spark plugs Lineman pliers 10mm deep socket (maybe impact rated) 12mm socket - probably 1/4 drive spark plug socket (1/4 drive?) torque wrench for spark plug socket (1/4 drive?) flat head screw driver knuckle joint AKA pivot AKA swivel AK AKA universal joint (1/4) drive? dielectric grease for ceramic on spark plugs spare vacuum hose to hand turn / thread spark plug

[@screwTHEwood]

wow this is such a good video. u give me so much confidence in myself to do this. thanks!

[@BlakesGarage]

+screwTHEwood great that exactly why I made this video to help guys out. Thanks for the nice comment

[@stevendhanjal3679]

You got a great attitude, and very high spirited Blake.. "Keep doing whatcha doin !! 👌

[@TakeDeadAim]

I pulled my ForesterXT(2014) plugs at 100k and they still looked new. Then again, I'm running stock tune. Iridiums are pretty much a lifetime plug. No need to replace unless your MPG tanks or you have a noticeable loss of performance and/or poor idle.

[@EKCPeacekeepin]

Kind of figured it was going to be a pain in the rear. Better than some engines I suppose where you have to jack up the whole engine to change one side of the plugs.

[@BlakesGarage]

+EKCPeacekeepin Yeah that just sounds annoying.

[@echeguawguaw]

Do a time belt soon :) we have the same miles lol

[@pianotorious47]

I thank you and your majestic beard for this excellent video :)

[@inspiredpig]

great video btw gunna come back and rewatch when i do mine in a months time

[@originalmusic401]

Great video, clarity was superb, keep up the grant content man! I don't own a WRX yet, but I plan to in the future. :D

[@steibsteven7396]

That surprise cheese stick doe lol

[@AwesomeBob]

The dielectric grease on the porcelain can also help insulate if the porcelain cracks.

[@ppe187]

Been waiting for a video like this on KZbin.👍🏽 Great vid.

[@BlakesGarage]

+ThaiWrex Thanks!

[@06wrxdude]

Oh Spark plugs... Always a fun time on a Subaru! 😰 Great tutorial👌

[@BlakesGarage]

+06WRXDUDE Thanks DUDE!!!

[@TaylorWhiteVlogs]

12:00 Obligatory "that's what she said". Once again, nice video man.

[@BlakesGarage]

+Taylor White LOL I was waiting for one of those!

[@theapplewizard]

never seen cheese sticks used as spark plugs before :)

[@BlakesGarage]

+Wesley SmithThey work good, Reeellllyyy Goooodddd.

[@senlim1688]

in a week wanna buy legacy, but after watch this, decided to not to buy subaru, hell of pain just replace sparkplug, dont know what the pain if have blown head gasket.. scary, tks anyway for the video

[@barrythomas6429]

If you think this was complicated .. you should try replacing the plugs in 06/07 turbo models. It is necessary to actually undo the engine mounts and raise the engine clear of the frame (:

[@CJKozzSTC]

thanks for the help Blake! Btw, you look like a Subaru owner, just saying.

[@BlakesGarage]

+ColinTastic haha... thanks glad I could make the task a little easier.

[@CJKozzSTC]

And just to be sure that was not an insult, Subaru owners are known for luscious beards and ripping a mean vape!

[@xXfireball127Xx]

Wow this is a really good video. Thank you!

[@codylenhardt4967]

If you have been running a generic AP tune for a long time that is why your plugs were so fowled. The Cobb maps are very conservative and run really rich to make it a bit safer.

[@sjmedia5610]

Subscribed as soon as I saw the cheese stick

[@xXOAXxTempest]

literally just did this trying to fix the rpm surging in my car...i did not have a nice set of extensions to do the rear driver and GD it was a bitch..Also mine had never been changed (i just purchased the car 2nd owner in nov.) at 140 they were a pain to break loose! look like it went much easier for you LOL...awesome vid tho very good quality info and film!

[@BlakesGarage]

+Corey Van Leeuwen They were a pain to break loose I didn't really film that part as i needed two hands. But wow original plugs at 140K thats crazy. Did it fix your issue? Also are we talking Miles or Kilometers?

[@xXOAXxTempest]

Km, thats my bad should have put that makes a BIG difference LOL. But, no the plugs didnt fix the issue. Changing the front O2 Air/Fuel tomorrow. That's what i originally thought the problem was i just tried the plugs first as they are only 40$ and the O2 cost me 250 damn Canadian dollar so i went the cheaper route first and new plugs never hurt no one :P

[@BlakesGarage]

Corey Van Leeuwen I kinda had the same issue. I found out it was a loose MAF sensor. If you haven't cleaned you MAF yet it may help. Good luck!

[@zerocontingency6750]

not looking forward to doing this on my Sti good stuff, Blake!

[@azi69s]

Extremely helpful thanks mate

[@eSquid4]

Great video do you have a video of changing front diff/trans fluid ? ... and how to refill it...

[@ianbishop1814]

I'm looking for that same video if anyone has it

[@damienboyd5196]

Just wondering how similar a 2015 Non-turbo engine is in my legacy. Thanks for the insight.

[@kevincortez6227]

great video. but people should know NOT to use antiseize on NGK spark plugs. NGK specifically states not to use antiseize.

[@Divergen7]

Didn't hear you say cheese stick so I was lost when you actually ate it haha! xD

[@BlakesGarage]

+Divergen7 HAHA!!! Awesome.

[@B18bVtec]

Honda, in and out 3 minutes tops.. Subaru 7 days later.

[@unknownunknowns]

But is driving it more fun? LOL!

[@JAYDMGYM]

Tru lol. There’s and 02 bugeye I want to buy for 6k but after watching this I think I’m gonna keep my ek hatch. I’m not ready for that Subaru struggle yet😂😂

[@unknownunknowns]

Jdm_ jay Maybe it is more difficult than a typical car but HOW OFTEN do you have to replace them? You can just spend a weekend doing it. So the pros of having a boxer engine outweigh the cons, to me.

[@JAYDMGYM]

Stefan Unson yea but see I’m new to the car seen I’m just learning things about cars that’s why I bought my civic I feel like a Subaru would be really hard for me to work on at the moment

[@JoshuaStokes]

One of the downsides of the boxer engine layout, the benefits are worth it imo

[@mahermic0001]

"Look at all that nasty stuff, got to get that out of the engine compartment"...dumps almost all of the debris into the engine compartment hahaha good video

[@BlakesGarage]

+MaherMic I know right LOL whoops.

[@johnmchugh2562]

Good quality video...as always, keep it up!

[@livelifeoutdoors182]

Hey mate, any tips on how to get the coil back to sit on the spark plug for the 4th cylinder? It wont slide back in like #2

[@crispycoleman77]

Please do injectors next!

[@beauvalera1415]

Great video

[@madenot1]

This looks so much easier than my SG9

[@SmokeyBear363]

I loosen the motor mount nuts and use a jack stand to tilt the motor on each side. 30 mins max. Obviously this is on a lift... gravy baby!! Lol

[@SubieChinz]

would you recommend changing the coil packs as well since you're already doing the spark plugs either way? I had a cylinder 1 misfire and I just don't want the hassle of doing the same thing over again if it is one or the other.

[@LucaCarMods]

Damn! I hope they are long life spark plugs.. Compared to "normal" engines it's a PITA.

[@BlakesGarage]

+Luca Car Mods They say they last 60K.

[@dimwitrj]

Btw it's harder on a Forester due to the factory subframe spacers which lowers the engine further down into the bay. Us Forester guys need to add an extra step which is loosening the mounts n raise/tilt the engine to clear the frame rail. 😧

[@BlakesGarage]

+Rj Albano I have heard of this. I think 1/4 inch drive helps out a lot getting into the tighter spaces but I could see that being a PITA.

[@NicholasLeader0]

When do you recommend changing the ignition coils - what until they fail? Thanks for the video.

[@TheCwwl]

Wiggle the tip right in that hole! I'm subscribing just for that sentence lol

[@BlakesGarage]

+Cody Walker Ah yeah! Thanks man.

[@TheCwwl]

No problem you make great quality vids man looking forward to more great concept content

[@DaddyElfMan]

good video.. 1 question.... any way to test the coil packs/do they go bad or need replacing at an interval as well.... thanks