How to Replace Spark Plugs 08-12 Ford Escape

Shop for New Auto Parts at 1AAuto.com 1aau.to/c/243/D/spark-plugs
1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace rusted, corroded, or stuck spark plugs. This video is applicable to the 08, 09, 10, 11, 12 Ford Escape
🔧 List of tools used:
• Flat Blade Screwdriver 1aau.to/oVI/1AXAA00013
• 10mm Socket 1aau.to/oGC/1AXAA00017
• 8mm Socket 1aau.to/oGC/1AXAA00017
• Trim Tool Set 1aau.to/ojy/1AXXX00004
• Hose Clamp Pliers 1aau.to/oz/1AXAA00076
• Snap Ring Pliers
• 5/8 Inch Spark Plug Socket
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oWu/1AXAA00016
• Torque Wrench 1aau.to/oo8/1AXAA00044
• Brake Parts Cleaner
• Paper Towels 1aau.to/oe5/1AXSS00035
• Pick 1aau.to/ofh/1AXAA00037
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/aDS/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@brianchristensen1894]

Holy crap! I was thinking of changing out my plugs myself but this is way beyond me. I used to do all of this on my mom's car when I was a kid in the 1960's when it was simple. Now one needs a degree in aerospace technology and a truckload of tools. At least I can still change my own oil...for now.

[@hollowheresy]

I’m glad I took vacation this week, otherwise I’d have to quit my job to get this done. 😂

[@ccbarnes5a]

Excellent video. I like all the detail that was included. I was able to get it all done in about 5 hours. The gaps of the spark plugs I removed were all about 3 times the plug specification. I'm glad I got the job done. Thanks for the help.

[@MarkK01]

Like Adam has, it is fairly easy. It just takes a couple hours of your time. The dealership would have charged me $600.00. For under $100.00 I did it myself. This guy does the best video. Very useful.

[@1AAuto]

+Mark K Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@darrylgrodi6668]

My God so much for ford having a better idea.

[@GadgetGirl.74]

Excellent video! I was able to change the spark plugs on my daughter's Escape. It took me a bit longer though, as I'm accustomed to working on imports that are less labor intensive, lol. I'll check this off my bucket list.

[@Dogfun251]

Very good instructions. There was nothing complicated about this job, it just took a bit of time. Be sure to buy an intake gasket kit ahead of time - mine came with the EGR valve gasket.

[@steadyeddie7453]

Also a good idea to mention the PCV valve while you have the intake off, since the valve is under it. And give the PCV valve hoses a good check. They tend to suck shut. Thanks for the video.

[@davidstoneking5768]

Thanks, that’s a good idea!

[@ryanbarrett1949]

These videos are really well done and much appreciated... I'll be looking to support your company for sure. I wish there was an extension on this video covering proceeding to changing the fuel injectors

[@Rocklyn]

This is a great video...you do a fantastic job of explaining everything step by step. It made the job very easy for me. I just finished up. My car is running like a champ now. Thank you so much!

[@1AAuto]

+Rocky Nill Thanks for checking us out!

[@jaybilawchuk2225]

What a great detailed video. Doing my same buggy 2012 today, and it’s so nice to have a proper video to follow! Thank you!

[@jaybilawchuk2225]

I followed this video step by step tonight. Everything went so smooth. Fired right up and ran like a top. Thanks!!

[@1AAuto]

+Jay Bilawchuk Thanks for checking us out!

[@ace00007]

@@1AAuto So will replacing the plugs help with poor gas mileage. My son got a used 2012 with about 130,000 miles and even when he babies it he's only getting about 12 mpg. What else might be causing such poor gas mileage?

[@jonny123596]

@@ace00007 i own a 2012 and am about to do this in the next few days, ill let you know. then again my gas mileage ain't too bad as it is now

[@flexjay87]

Christ o Mighty Ford, is your head " Engineer" " Rube Goldberg" ? cuz damn !

[@JuanGonzalez-gi6jt]

I guess I'm a lucky one. Mine is a 2010 4 cylinder, the coils and plugs are literally right on top of engine .you can get to remove the plugs right away.

[@blankdude9996]

Well lucky you 🤣

[@kennysturm7343]

Thank you guys for making these videos! It's really helps out

[@cerberuskull9382]

Great video! I just changed my plugs and coils while watching. I do think it would be helpful to give the torque specs in foot pounds instead of inch pounds. I think most of us have ft/lb torque wrench vs an in/lb one. Keep up the awesome videos. Super helpful

[@kashfortheking]

You could probably get a conversion for that on Google.

[@JonathanRinny]

I just did this job before i started i obviously bought all the spark plugs and checked the gap. I also bought the manifold gasket and the egg gasket. it took me exactly one hour and 30 min from start to finish. it's super easy!

[@davidthomas6949]

Brah.... any other car it takes 15 minutes. Stop being one of those positive people

[@shadowsreview3886]

I was jvst abovt to start this job bvt forgot the egr gasket going to get it now then I'll start tearing everything apart wish me lvck

[@knightwizaed6921]

Changed mine today, thank you for taking the time to make this video 📸 Thanks again

[@BigTitsEat4Free]

This was a great video and made installing my new spark-plugs with my friend Sam super easy! It really isn't as hard as people in the comments section say, I had absolutely zero mechanical experience, however me and my buddy knocked this out in an hour and a half. Much rather spend quality time with a buddy learning that I can do something I've never done before than pay $120 +parts at some shop

[@1AAuto]

+adam Thank you for your feedback; we are happy we could help!

[@gmbiproductions499]

adam your exactly right ...they do this stuff purposely....first time I ever had to remove this many parts to access spark plugs

[@bigfish7491]

SuPeR eAsY Yeah, maybe if all your cable connections are new and don't get brittle/stuck from the heat, and you actually enjoy pulling apart 30% of your engine compartment to replace what should be accessible without taking anything else apart

[@microbe2008]

THANK YOU very much for the great video !!! This will guide me to change my spark plugs very easily. GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@Goldchannel12]

I just did this job for the first time on 2012 v6. I thought it was gonna be a shit job but it turn out to be super easy I think it took me extra 25 minutes to take the Intake manifold off.

[@stefjones9711]

Thank you! Really well done video, followed step by step. Initially I was thinking I was getting in way over my head but it went so much better than I would have thought! THXS again!

[@1AAuto]

+@stefjones9711 Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@emt8756]

I just finished mine. Runs a lot better!

[@angelmoreno8440]

Perfect step by step video👍🏻!!

[@kashfortheking]

I’m not going to take on this job and probably hire it out. That said, it’s good to know how it’s done so you don’t get screwed. Thanks for the video.

[@1AAuto]

+kashfortheking Thanks for the feedback!

[@johnb613]

Thanks, Great video, I'm planning to put new spark plugs and gasket on my 2009 Escape. Very similar to 2006 Fusion which I did a few years back.

[@1AAuto]

+John B Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@anthonysince1969]

What a pain in the ass. The last time I changed spark plugs in a car I could see the wires and you pull the wire and change the spark plug without tearing the whole engine apart. Worth every penny to have someone do it.

[@bigfish7491]

I think this is what it's engineered to do - force you to take it in to a shop (and you know they want you to take it to a ford dealership) by making it an incredible pain in the ass to do it yourself

[@kiralight2929]

Outstanding 😎👏 took me through the woods and out the other side. Thank you!

[@davidstoneking5768]

Thank you!! This was super helpful!! Did you use any anti-sieze before installing? Haven’t had to change plugs on any of my vehicles in several years, so maybe its not needed anymore?

[@fastdonald]

Very good video! Super helpful.

[@mikejungferman4744]

Wow things used to be a lot easier, but thank you for the video, i have the 09 3.0 l

[@mannyguajardo181]

You guys are awesome 😎 thank you for all your help

[@criticalcontentcreation716]

Hello, just a couple of questions. Do you have to recalibrate the throttle body after this? Can I use throttle body cleaner instead of parts cleaner? Idk if there is a consequential difference in cleaners. Should I use anti seize on the spark plug threads? Thanks!

[@remimark19]

I watch your instructional vids all the time,awesome and clear information.I have a ‘08 escape v6.What type of spark plug did you use?my Haynes book says one number other retailers say another and I could not make out the type you used.

[@1AAuto]

+remimark19 The part in this video fits your application, and the install should be the same or similar. Buy this part on 1AAuto.com: www.1aauto.com/search?q=NGETK00021

[@MrMethuser]

Very good video! Thanks

[@1AAuto]

+Grant Brisk Thanks for checking us out!

[@AFatherToTheFatherless]

For anyone wondering, let me provide you the info 1AAuto lacks to provide in their videos nowadays: this is for the 3.0 V6 engine

[@alexvieira7945]

A lot of steps to replace spark plugs!, good thing Toyota makes such easy engines to work on :) Replace spark plugs on toyota Celica: take out spark plug, put new spark plug in, that easy lol.....great video btw!! 😊

[@DanielGennaro]

Lmao exactly...! my previous car was a corolla. for the heck of it I looked up the How To on KZbin,... a 3 min video, "take cover off replace plug"

[@hannnahm]

Geeeeeeeezus no wonder it cost me so much money to replace the damn things at the shop when they changed my oil! I owe my mechanic an apology...

[@JS-te4gz]

Was yours a 6cyl?

[@krperry2007]

Thank you very well done!

[@WilliamMondesir]

What the heck???? All of this for a spark plug....

[@paulg.5075]

Thats nothing. I had a GM van that required you to drop the subframe to get at the ones on the back side. This is a cinch.

[@wiscgaloot]

@@paulg.5075 I remember those vans! What an absolute bitch that was.

[@cr4zygoose201]

Get an escape for a winter beater they said... it will be a fun truck they said....

[@cr4zygoose201]

@@paulg.5075 oh man gmc safari? Yup lol man you could fit a lot in one of those using it for a work truck though. Its too bad the snub nose made maintenance such a hassle lol

[@redneckrandy8416]

Well, it’s better than doing plugs and wires on my 96 Camaro z28 with the LT1…

[@arcticfirst]

Heads up to everyone that this is for the V6 engine, not the 4 cylinder engine.

[@rudym6772]

Yeah the 4 cylinder had a smaller engine and you dont have to do all pf this at all

[@beantown_billy2405]

Are you supposed to replace the coils every time you replace the plugs?

[@emanuelwise9222]

I had a recently had a tuneup done and my Ford since then have gotten worst..My questions is do the coils makes a difference if not replaced?

[@TatunkaMani]

I have a Certified 2012 Escape with an Extended Warranty. My Check Engine Light implies coil/ spark plug issue on cylinder #4. Should I Get the Ford Dealer to do the work?

[@mattbrackett8393]

Hey there, is there any spark plug gapping involved in the plugs on this? I am about to take this job on, great video by the way!

[@omengcorpuz]

How about for 2011 escape ? Same? What type of spark plug I’m going to use? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@Twister8700]

Nice Video! The manifold bolts: If they have a torque angle spec. then they are not reusable. This is because they are a torque to yield and they have been stretched and set once already. You may get away with it. Why risk it bolts are cheap. Trouble shooting a manifold leak not so much.

[@lesterkonieczny1574]

Great engineering....

[@suhib8965]

Thank you so much

[@1AAuto]

+Suhib Alghzo Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@montazeralamri]

Good work .. Today I looked at you in the program maps and found you in Gardner near Kansas .. I am from Iraq Greetings to you and your work beautiful

[@1AAuto]

+Muntazir Al Amri Thanks for watching our videos we hope they help you!

[@montazeralamri]

@@1AAuto I am from Iraq. I work as a mechanic when I watch you on KZbin. I learn some things that help me in work. Also, I need several work. Can I get it from your workshop for a price?

[@andrewf.3162]

I've got a v6 in my 2012 Ford escape. Is that a 4 valve or v6 in this video? I was told my sparks were behind the engine.....

[@eduardojavierlopezramirez3351]

Is it the same torque for a 2012 4 cylinder Ford Escape?

[@retrorainbow]

What size torque wrench? The one in the link is 1/2" but idk why I thought I'd need a 3/8"?

[@mikestefanik6255]

Do you need to replace the intake manifold gasket too

[@russdventure]

Any suggestion on torque wrenches?

[@davidrohder7897]

Total insanity !!! Way to go ford . Who ever designed that should get fired .....

[@mos8541]

why didnt you check the gap on the new plugs??

[@Tadzmobetta]

Have a question about the applications on an additional battery place in ‘08 GMC 2500HD; work truck model long bed. 6.0! Can you do a how to on that please?

[@1AAuto]

+Thomas Depew At this time we do not have any videos showing this installation but are always expanding our video library. We would suggest checking through some other KZbin channels or forums for your vehicle.

[@ianhylton1974]

Can you make a video on how to replace the spark plugs on a Chevrolet Malibu 97-03

[@donalddodds6708]

Thanks

[@wiscgaloot]

Yikes. My brother's Escape needs new plugs. How much is a shop likely to charge for this!? It looks insane.

[@shadowsreview3886]

My local shop want $500 to do this job bvt they also said they wovld change the valve cover gasket while everything was torn apart

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

What's a reasonable estimate for hours on this job at a shop? Three hours?

[@thomvogan3397]

I remember when all you needed to remove to change your plugs was the cable boot. Ain't progress grand

[@maxmarc1000]

Don't the new plugs need to be gapped according to oem specs?

[@christopherboone9802]

Yep... 0.045 to 0.049

[@northdakotaham1752]

Definitely need to be checked before installing.

[@lucasaldrich5949]

Do you think you can make repair videos for the Dodge Nitro 2007-2011? I would really appreciate it

[@1AAuto]

We're always cycling through cars filming hundreds of common repairs for common vehicles every month. We'll add this to our list of repairs to film. Check back again and hopefully we'll have it soon. +Lucas Aldrich

[@davidthomas6949]

Just scrap the thing.... j

[@DanielGennaro]

My goodness- I miss my Toyota more and more each day... only a Ford.. take apart entire car to replace spark log. Seems logical!

[@sonny323]

FORD FIX OR REPAIR DAILY

[@cr4zygoose201]

Right. I mean why make spark plugs accessible?!! Smfh.

[@josiahbrannon462]

Technically speaking, any Toyota from 2008+ you have the take apart the bottom end of the engine for basic repairs. Shut up and learn your shit before you down Ford. Besides none of us claim the emplorer, expedition or escape.

[@sunday_funday7765]

Can you do a valve cover gasket video on this engine. none exist.

[@alstevens44]

How many miles before you change the spark plug in this car

[@mimibuick]

Generally every 100k. When replacing make sure to use Iridium or at least Double platinum.

[@brendantorres5737]

I replaced all spark plugs and ignition coils. What else can be a problem of my car misfiring?

[@rodneyflores408]

Did you doubke check the wiring?

[@jc-xo8yd]

compression

[@999______]

Your cam Retainer bearings may be coming loose from the heads

[@RastaPasta]

Gah dang it just keeps going and going gotta take half the car apart to even start the spark plugs I’ll just throw it away and buy a new one 😢

[@shadowsreview3886]

How long should this job take ideally?

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

I asked the same thing!

[@AFatherToTheFatherless]

What motor is this

[@mg82949]

what a procedure just to change spark plugs ! good lord.

[@ghassanakarim8802]

And I thought my Peugeot is complicated ,thank god I don't need this to replace plugs ,also from Iraq thank you.

[@1AAuto]

+Ghassan A KARIM Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com

[@bonifaciocruz462]

Can give me the link to buy the torque

[@1AAuto]

www.1aauto.com/search?q=torque+wrench

[@Globerson]

What’s the gap need to be set to???

[@raymondwishart540]

According to the owners manual 0.045-0.049 inch (1.15-1.25mm)

[@computeraisle]

I have a 2011 Escape (I detest the 2013 plus versions - they are NOT SUV's) my daughters Dodge Journey is very similar (3.5l VVT engine) I've done theirs but not mine yet.

[@JuanGonzalez-gi6jt]

Second video I watch ,regarding sparkplug replacement, but they fail to explain how to calibrate spark plugs.

[@1AAuto]

+Juan Gonzalez Thanks for the tip! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@mg82949]

Thank God I have a 4 cylinder !!

[@fabio40]

New coils??

[@fabio40]

You didn't check the gap on the plugs. I know they usually come pre-gapped, but you should always check it. What is the gap for this Ford Escape?

[@raymondwishart540]

Owners manual says 0.045-0.049 inch (1.15-1.25mm)

[@jimthomas9273]

I didn't see where the spark plug gap was mentioned.

[@SimonWiesner]

I replaced the front three and its running great now. I will have to remove the manifold later for this...ugh

[@seeya205]

That could mess up your engine. The front bank will produce more power than the rear bank.

[@Nscalemike56]

No wonder Dealerships have high labor rates

[@TedTremendous]

All this work just to change spark plugs!?! This is a design flaw. Hondas and Toyotas make it easy. Great video though.

[@jeffewing8476]

Open heart surgery looks easier than changing these plugs.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

I thought Toyota V6 was bad, nope, piece of cake compared to this mess 😂

[@JonathanRinny]

Whats the spark plug gap? I bought a set of Motorcraft plugs from ford before I saw this video

[@1AAuto]

+JonathanRinny Thanks for checking us out. The spark plug gap should not exceed .055". Hope this helps you out!

[@nicholas2275]

Not 2008 compatible, this a 4?

[@davidserrano2119]

I snapped a bolt from one of the cylinders someone please help me.

[@davidserrano2119]

Update: I was able to remove it by showing the screw and have to get a new one.

[@Mark-fh5lp]

Holy crap all that just to change spark plugs LOL what a piece of junk. You took apart half the engine to do a damn spark plug job lol

[@mikeporter6795]

"No results found for "MS97193", Check the spelling, try a more general term, or select a category below.

[@sayian2k]

hey, what is the gap specs for the spark plugs???

[@1AAuto]

+sayian2k Thanks for checking us out! These spark plugs will come pre-gapped so there is no need to change them, they are ready to install as is!

[@sayian2k]

@@1AAuto nice, thanks

[@devonpeoples362]

.045-.048

[@devonpeoples362]

Sometimes they do need some adjusting

[@midnightdarkgoddess]

I don’t have all this things in the way of my spark plugs. 😳

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

the under hood on this is not like my 08 v6

[@3dmagictricks]

Thank God I bought a Toyota.

[@Tig3rj]

Was wondering how to do this on my Escape.. The front 3 seem pretty easy..then I was looking how to get to the back 3.. Watching your video. Screw that! Have to take the intake cover just to get to the back ones?? I'll take it in and get them done or sell the Truck as the damn thing is flawed with rust in the wheel wells and common on ALL Escapes.

[@davidthomas6949]

Yeah I just bought one and am already insanely regretful I did. NOTHING IS SIMPLE. and I cant tell is my frame is rotted out because the damn fucking thing is a unibody POS and I seriously dont know what is what under there. Hell the front bumper is sticking out just an inch and even THAT I cant fix. It s truly a nightmare.

[@darrylgrodi6668]

Where are the plugs?

[@richardjohnson130]

Did you forget to "GAP" the spark plugs?

[@1AAuto]

+Richard Johnson These spark plugs are pre-gapped.