Chevy Sonic spark plug change 1.8 (2012-2016)

Hey guys so were doing a quick spark plug change this applys to all 1.8 liters 2012 to 2016 chevy sonics. I went with the NGK IX plugs . Part code 6418 quick and easy 20 minute job that will save alot of money vs going to the dealer . If you wanna see more DIY videos or Car related videos subscribe to the channel and if you like the video leave a like. Thanks for watching guys ✌

[@MS-rs8le]

Nice how to video BUT may I correct you on a few things. 1) not called a hex bit but a torx T40 bit 2) Spark plugs NEED to be torqued correctly .It is important to torque all connections equally in a engine to ensure balance and performance.Dont just hand tighten things? A 2012 sonic 1.8 liter requires 18 ft/lbs of torque on each spark plug 3) Never change spark plugs in a engine that is warm or hot, Reason is expansion of aluminum cylinder head . This will screwup torque specs especially inserting a cold spark plug into a hot or warm cylinderhead? . Always best to install into a cold engine? 4) Most manufacturers that produce "Iridium" spark plus "Pre Gap" them at the factory and do NOT recommend them to be re gapped seeing it can damage the spark plug.As an example AC Delco Iridium spark plugs do NOT recommend re gapping their plugs and warn NOT to do so Hope this little bit of extra info helps Thanks

[@AllanS69]

Thank you sir,

[@brassmule]

The old fashioned way of doing spark plugs is going until they bottom out, and then 1/2 a turn. A torque wrench is the best method, however. I do take issue with "Never change spark plugs in a engine that is warm or hot, Reason is expansion of aluminum cylinder head" since there are two certain Ford engines that you literally have to do the spark plug removal with the engine hot and WITH an impact gun - two things that yes, otherwise you generally do not do - or else you'll be in a world of hurt (and may still be anyway). Some manufacturers now also recommend doing spark plug changes when the engine is "warm" rather than cold, as well - not hot like a Ford Triton needs but not sitting overnight, either. In car maintenance, as in life, there are no absolutes. Your advice is good but never say never, imo.

[@godzilla-442]

Thanks for the video , the hardest part was figuring out that I needed to pop out the locking clip that holds the connector to the coil pack . Had to closely watch your video a few times before I noticed it. After that took it was a breeze , Good job

[@ThisMortalCoil5139]

Thank you, sir. All I needed.

[@RspecNick]

Glad it could help

[@justusrhines9031]

Thanks for posting this. I want to point out a couple things you didnt mention in the video. 1. Before putting in new plugs, put a coat of antiseize on the threads to help with the next removal 2. Put a fresh coat of dielectric grease inside the boot 3. Be sure you use a sparkplug socket when removing/replacing plugs to protect the porcalin surfaces of your new plugs 4. Be VERY cautious putting in your new sockets so as to not cross thread. If you crossthread your spark plugs it will cost you a fortune........

[@brandonevans743]

You don’t put anti-seize on spark plugs

[@travisabrahamson5092]

Correct. I use a small dab of clean motor oil on the thread that's all.

[@virginianalangan6786]

Put new anti seize on spark plug or not? Thanks

[@Dowan_Gim]

Thanks for the video.

[@jimmyjohnson5008]

Where did you get the cold air intake

[@DaQty13]

Ty ty ty.... this vid helped me out a lot

[@RspecNick]

I'm glad it could help 👌

[@theonewhoknocks2835]

this looks so insanely easy compared to my stupid Charger

[@Franciscoreyesmtz]

Excelente video muchas felicidades Una pregunta a cuanto calibraste tus bujias Saludos desde reynosa Tamaulipas México

[@carlosbonifacio8009]

What's the gap on the spark plugs? Isnt .25? Or it depends on the manufacture of the plugs? I got the ngk iridium ix

[@RspecNick]

.24-.28 should work fine. Usually they come pre gapped tho

[@carlosbonifacio8009]

@@RspecNick not mine. Mine came up to 40

[@RspecNick]

@@carlosbonifacio8009 I wanna say mine were around .26 but I dont remember off the top of my head.

[@theonewhoknocks2835]

0.031 inch is spec for these plugs. i measured all of mine and they were good

[@antixisunknown]

thank you this was very helpful keep up the awesome work mannn

[@RspecNick]

Thank you glad it could help.

[@bremoar8409]

Are you using the same 1/4 inch roundhead ratchet to take out the spark plugs? If not, which size ratchet? Also, you said 5” and 3” extensions and a 16mm deep socket. Are those extensions and deep sockets 1/4 drive as well?

[@RspecNick]

Yes I'm using a 1/4 inch and extensions you can mix and match but I found the 3 inch and 5 inch make for enough comfort room

[@RspecNick]

And I just realized that I'm using a 3/8ths ratchet for the ignition coil but I'm using a 1/4 for the plugs for the extra torque off of it.

[@bremoar8409]

Rspec Nick thank you!

[@RspecNick]

bre moar your welcome

[@rinardman]

I think you may have it reversed. A 3/8" ratchet is bigger (longer) than a 1/4" (shorter), giving more torque. Your video is good, though.

[@MooseWell_]

Hey there, I have a 2016 Chevy sonic with about 49,000 miles. The engine is making a clicking noise and I’m wondering if that’s because I need to change to he spark plugs

[@MooseWell_]

It’s also a 1.4 liter Ltz turbo if that matters

[@RspecNick]

@@MooseWell_ these cars usually have a clicking noise to them from the fuel pump. Unless the car is running rough or you notice a big decrease in power or even a misfire code pops up I really wouldnt worry to much about the plugs.

[@MooseWell_]

Okay sounds good, thank you!

[@bokdcutie]

Must be the fuel injectors. Sometimes my cover losses and makes a ticking noise so I just put a piece of tape and problem solved

[@rnavaille3]

That clip is real bitch to get off. Thank you for giving a detailed description of how you did it.

[@RspecNick]

Glad it could help honestly

[@Beast_is_a_dumbass220]

I’m a 20 year Master Tech and no matter how careful I am, I always break connectors. I messed up the coil pack connector so bad on my wife’s Sonic that I had to wrap it with tape to stay on🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

[@paulwilson2201]

Good educational video! Did you replace the spark plug boots as well and if not are they easy to replace?

[@RspecNick]

I did not replace the boots because the rubber still looked good and there pretty on the coil so I just left them alone but I bet there either in a set spot or glued on cause new coils come with them automatically

[@Eddie2425]

Good video. But if you don't torque down the spark plugs to spec, they will back out! They need to be tighter than you would think. Also, your cold air intake is actually a "hot air" intake. You need something that goes into the fender well.

[@RspecNick]

Eddie J ive had the car for a year now man and put 45k miles on it and i didnt have an issue with the spark plugs before when i changed them ? Also yea i know i put a video of the intake install up on my channel saying dont go with the 1st series of cold air intakes cause there more of a hot air intake l.

[@Eddie2425]

Rspec Nick you probably got them tight enough then. Sometimes it happens sometimes it doesn't. Just remember the cooler the air you get the more power you make!

[@MS-rs8le]

Eddie you are absolutely correct on the issues of spark plug torquing and you are also 100% right about hot intake. I guess these kids think its cool to have such an aftermarket intake but dont see the real problem of hot air causes problems Best is like you said fresh air from outside the engine compartment Thanks for reading

[@amorestperpe]

I'm trying to follow this but my car seems to be missing the orange connector tabs. Everything is the same, except that tab and what it's in is just not there...

[@RspecNick]

What year is yours ?

[@amorestperpe]

@@RspecNick, 2015 this is a link to a picture of it app.box.com/s/ccm3is4e82ebu0xwo9c1yb1sqckql2n0 it's like that whole orange rocking housing has been broken off.

[@woiowoiow190]

Should I unplug my battery before spark plug installation.

[@RspecNick]

Most people do to avoid any electric issues that might happen if you want to be safe then yes

[@RspecNick]

For anyone who watched this amd the video helped go ahead and subscribe to my channel im doing the front brakes and maybe the front shocks as well smash that subscribe button guys its free

[@anthonyharris4844]

Very helpful video for sure :)

[@Guyerbassist]

For somone who has never done any diy car stuff, how hard would this be? It doesn't look too difficult, but im lacking in confidence haha. Also is this the same as a 2012?

[@RspecNick]

Super easy for sure.

[@Guyerbassist]

@@RspecNick can you make a list of all the tools you used? I want to try to do it myself just wanna make sure I dony break anything lol

[@RspecNick]

@@Guyerbassist yea I can figure out everything I used

[@Mario456SS]

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being a new 632 crate engine install & 1 being adding oil to your latest “Who-Ride”… this is a respectable 3.. Working with tight spaces can have unpredictable outcomes. 😂

[@MrKrowDog]

My ignition coil won’t budge off. Could you help me out on another way to pull it off? I don’t want to break it.

[@RspecNick]

MrKrowDog if you take the screws out tap it on it's sides and the middle and then pull on it it should go loose after the screws are out the only thing holding it on is the spark plugs

[@MrKrowDog]

Rspec Nick I’ll try that.

[@RspecNick]

MrKrowDog it should just pop off if it hasn't come off in awhile tho it will resist it for sure

[@wz2500]

What spark plug gap?

[@legionpk2054]

what if you have oil there?.. how can i remove it?

[@RspecNick]

Oil on the bottom of the plug ?

[@thekidgutierrez7072]

Can you use the zzp coil pack for the none trubo chevy cruze or sonic

[@RspecNick]

I'm not 100% sure on that. I never really dug that deep into the car performance wise.

[@thekidgutierrez7072]

OK thanks

[@vegetablegod]

I cannot get the orange tab to push back in. It's driving me crazy!

[@RspecNick]

vegetablegod on the ignition coil? Try keeping pressure up tight against it while pushing it back in it might be slightly off it's track

[@TheRealCantaraBella]

I have a 2013 Chevy Sonic, and i don't have that big intake like you do

[@RspecNick]

The intake is aftermarket it's not the oem intake.

[@TheKittenTickler]

Who else broke the orange clip?

[@PimpinCoFilms]

Not yet! But now that I know I'll be extra careful

[@rastangaiden5310]

i broke the orange clip damn puzzle brainteaser .

[@Beast_is_a_dumbass220]

I broke the whole damn connector

[@onlyantman6630]

where did you get that air intake at looks good

[@RspecNick]

Is a spyder cold air intake there's a version 1 and version 2 mine was a version 1 but people complained about how it was more of a hot air intake that they redesigned it so it didn't wrap over the top of the engine

[@paulwilson2201]

Are these spark plugs pre tapped or do you have to gap them yourself?

[@RspecNick]

The spark plugs should come pre gapped.

[@paulwilson2201]

@@RspecNick that's good to know. I have a 2012 chevy sonic ltz 1.8 L engine. I'd like to see you make a video on how to boost fuel economy on 1.8 Sonics.

[@RspecNick]

@@paulwilson2201 you might be waiting a very long time lol best gas mileage I've ever had in mine was 41mpg and I was babying the car like you wouldn't believe I average about 25to 29 mpg on a regular basis

[@myseloking7313]

Did you have a check engine light on before you replaced the spark plugs

[@20fopros]

Pre gapped, but always check the gap

[@wdbearfan]

ty bro!!!

[@RspecNick]

No problem glad it could help 👌

[@jtcotton63]

Does anyone happen to know the torque specs for the spark plugs? I can't seem to find them anywhere on the internet :/

[@RspecNick]

18 ft ilbs at a gap of .028 😉

[@ZeroCool396]

Who in there right mind would put a intake like that on a chevy sonic.....ANY ONE .....NO need for it.It's a 1.8 engine.

[@RspecNick]

Literally thousands of people do it the design is ehhh but tons of people do it.

[@brandonvictor9388]

Personal preference?

[@walleyeye]

I will do it for the simple fact that eventually the rubber intake hose will degrade and rip allowing too much air in and throwing a code. Its a common issue and known problem.

[@kingkevin88888888]

Their

[@ZeroCool396]

​@@kingkevin88888888 People Who Continually Point Out Typos Are 'Jerks'