Subaru Outback easy spark plug replacement

[@chenupy77]

This is a HI-FI video and an awesome way of explaining procedures to make everyone heroes of their vehicle

[@heavilytossedsalad]

You are an absolute KING. Thank you for making this. Made it so easy for me to do!

[@mickelyantz7218]

All I can say is THANK YOU!! I have a '99 Forester and this made it a breeze to change the plugs and wires. I'm not an expert but I think they were the original plugs and wires too! Either way - thank you sir!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Mickel Yantz thank you. I am glad it was helpful.

[@vtindyfan802]

Thanks for the Video!... I have to change my plugs and I like to to do my own work - when I can. I can save money and get some satisfaction that I fixed something on my own...

[@JazzHandzLMT]

Father and son doing work on cars. Great video

[@everestcomputer]

thanks man! this made it very clear. had them changed in about 15 minutes(had to drain washer fluid) on my 03 legacy gt.

[@mrfester42]

Spark plugs on this 2.5 L engine should be torqued to 15.5 ft/lbs according to the Haynes Repair Manual for 2000 to 2009 Legacy, 2000 to 2008 Forester, Legacy Outback and, All Bajas!

[@NorthernNomad93]

The way he hand tightened would be more than sufficient

[@carljohnson2406]

I was wondering what the torque specs were. Thanks for posting it. btw where did you get this info? and can i find more torque specs other than the spark plugs?

[@mrfester42]

@@carljohnson2406 It says right in my post. The Haynes Repair Manual for 2000 to 2009 Legacy, 2000 to 2008 Forester, Legacy Outback and, All Bajas

[@carljohnson2406]

@@mrfester42 mb I didn't realize. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@DanielRodriguez-nk7nb]

Thank god I saw this video bc i was thinking of buying a subie but it was killing me that i didnt know how or manage how to replace the spark plugs bc they r boxer engines

[@Dr.k3051]

Wow this helped so much! Thanks for the great explanation.

[@fundamentalbass2576]

Great video. I was dreading doing this, and putting it off. Not now. Cheers.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

I am glad it helps. Just send me a message with any questions or help needed.

[@gregnixon1296]

It’s good that this is a once every 7 years job.

[@serphil09]

Thank you very much for this video! I did this today and followed your instructions! saved me a lot of money and I appreciate it!!

[@NelsonSam]

Excellent video. Made for easier job. Thank you

[@BK3411]

Outstanding video my friend. Wife bought a 2004 Subaru Outback (without my knowledge, LOL!) with 144k on the clock. Very easy oil change on this car, and now with your video for the plugs and wires it'll be a piece of cake. Great tip on the anti seize too. Thanks again!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Thank you, these are great cars and very easy to work on. If you ever have questions or need help just reach out. Don't forget to like and share.

[@RIPdBOON]

How did the Outback treat you since it's been 3 years later?

[@Still_I_Ride]

This is so insanely helpful!

[@MrLazySmurf]

You totally read my mind in regards to taking it to a mechanic. haha. I'll try this tomorrow first thing! Thanks!

[@haywoodyoudome]

WARNING!!! Don't watch this thinking it's this easy on a newer Subaru. This is probably the easiest year and model to replace the plugs on.

[@bryrus1]

Thanks for the video. Now I can change my spark plugs. I got a 2002 outback and I thought it was hard to do. Thanks again.

[@mitziroutier8970]

I just watched the video on how to change spark plugs and it was very helpful it only took me about 45 minutes. Thank you for your help… but now I need help with something else, struts and shocks. I need instructions, and or one of your videos on how to change them. My name is Mitzi thank you.

[@FLUFFYCAT_PNW]

Dope video! Thank you very much. Just managed this in Auto zone parking lot on my girl's car, and only needed the socket extension. Happened to get wiper fluid all over the parking lot, but couldn't have done this without your video. Thank you very much. 🎉

[@jalexb915]

This is the Blair Witch of auto mechanic videos :/

[@treebasher]

🤣🤣🤣

[@cheskybaba4864]

- Subaru dealer wanted to charge me $190 to change out the plugs!!! My plugs cost me $8 (recommended ones) - total cost under $35.

[@zacharydalton9989]

Just a heads up. If you try it on a 1999, it is about 50 times harder... the spark plugs are blocked by the frame so you have maybe 4 to 5 inches of room to work with.

[@parkinson1963]

Zachary Dalton yep I have that model. I use a 19mm socket on the back of the spark plug socket to make it easy. I have 3 different 19mm sockets and extensions to make it work.

[@jamesjackson3810]

Ahh. Damn. Here I was feeling lucky to have the rarest ej25 config ever made...

[@greasyfirearms2a287]

I got lazy and only did 3 one of them in nearly impossible to get to

[@greasyfirearms2a287]

I got lazy and only did 3 one of them in nearly impossible to get to

[@steviemason7770]

Thanks for the video; have an awesome day!

[@jozf8163]

Thank you!! Great information! Bad camera work though =(

[@maxamillionese8519]

With this Video and still take to a mechanic. Your just Lazy .. lol thank you from Los Angeles..

[@asyagonzalez5617]

I gotta say. Super informative, however the cameraman makes it a bit hard to focus on what you’re saying

[@MarkGendala]

Great video... One observation; when working on the "washer fluid bottle side", spend extra 5 min. to remove the battery - makes the job so much easier if you're doing it for the first time.

[@tumorfarmer]

Thank you for showing where the spark plugs are, I didn't know how to get to them on this new of cars, some spark plugs are in such crazy locations! I thought these were too hard to get to, but with you showing where all the bolts, clips & plugs are, is a HUGE help! I wouldn't have thought of putting the anti seize on the plugs. Do you recommend the platinum spark plugs, or should I just stick with the regular spark plugs? The platinum plugs claim to give better fuel mileage, is that true?

[@billhanna8838]

Ha just saw another post were the guy was cursing doing this job , Guess he should have watched this , Thanks

[@vtindyfan802]

I have a 2003 Outback with 154K - the last time the plugs were changed was 115K. I already changed the Air Filter, Plug Wires & Coil Pack as part of the Tune Up. I have a new Fuel Filter to put in as well. I checked the Subaru Dealership for the hell of it & they wanted $250 just to do the plugs. There is really no rush for Me to put the parts in - I will do it on a nice Autumn Saturday afternoon here in Vermont. Great Video!...

[@tiffanykohl5112]

Thanks for posting! I've been working on my 2000 subaru outback by myself and have to change the plug and wires. I have a misfire. You just made things so much easier for me.

[@aronotremba7934]

Used your video to change my plugs today. Thank you so much!

[@fitzroy-q4g]

Bloody good video pity about the drunken camera operator.

[@S.R.L6600]

Love the video I have a 1999 Subaru just hit 100,000 miles and your video helped find the plugs fast

[@lzh3131]

I like nice guys like you. I’m fixing up my friend’s Legacy wagon, it’s been neglected. Thank you very much!

[@ryanfischer2889]

Good tutorial man. I sure hope its as easy on my 08 outback 2.5 as it was for you.

[@wiciuwiciu2783]

How it went?

[@vermili0n]

Wow I thought it was more difficult, I’ve been holding it off but just changed my buddies in his Honda and thought damn that was easy I need to do my own and found this video.. thanks!

[@roberthall4066]

thanks heaps, I have been avoiding this job and hoping that the hesitating issue would resolve itself.

[@JnJShiffler]

My Haynes Manual says 15.5 ft-lb (21Nm) torque and gap of 0.039-0.043" (not turbo) for turbo 0.028-0.031" gap

[@aaronsaari1325]

Thanks a bunch for the video! I was pretty intimidated of replacing the plugs on my 2000 Subaru Outback. But, your video showed just how basic it is and I greatly appreciate it.

[@BruceWayne-ei6jn]

Great video! I just bought a used 2000 Outback with 136,000 miles and sketchy maintenance history, and she's only getting 11 MPG with Exxon premium no-ethanol. And I ran a tank of Sea-Foam gas additive to no effect. Air filter is clean. Most folks are getting 20 MPG. So, I think I should replace plugs. I can't afford to pay $200 to some dude who probably won't gap them as carefully as I will, nor care about anti-seize on the threads. Before I do this on my first Subaru, is there any important difference between this 2001 Outback (in this video) and the 2000 model (for spark plug replacement)? Also, you said spark plug cables can get stuck to the plugs, so what is the best way to un-stick them if I encounter that? Spray PB Blaster or WD-40 and wait a day? Twist and pull? Also, what is the absolute BEST brand/ type spark plug? I already bought NGK mid-range-quality (recommended by Oreily's), but if it really matters, I can buy top-rated instead. Thanks for such an excellent video!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Great questions. Twist and pull is the best method to get the wires off you don’t want to use any lubricant to remove them. The NGK plugs should perform very well. You may want to go ahead and replace the plug wires at the same time with a quality set. Subarus are great cars with some quirks. But that’s what makes them lovable.

[@BruceWayne-ei6jn]

Thank you.

[@MrStingBlade]

Hello, its 2 years later but is that what fixed your issue? I brought a 2011 for 500 bucks since I needed a ride but this gss milage is terrible.

[@BruceWayne-ei6jn]

@@MrStingBlade - Yes. Sea Foam additive got me up to 16 MPG with regular gas with ethanol. I ran Sea Foam 4 times over the years. I think it cleaned dirty fuel injectors. Thanks.

[@MontyRoyal963]

ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS ON YT

[@YourCarGuyDR]

monty royal thank you.

[@rfcdgaf]

Wow, should've done this myself instead of paying my shop $400 to do it...

[@Zakumei]

"this job is gonna suck" But no actually its fine, just *disassemble the car around it* yeah sorry as a 3 time subaru owner, I've just come to accept that its always going to be a pain to do sparkplugs. Its one of the few jobs on a Suby that just does not come for granted.

[@alofano]

Great video and thanks for helping. I would like to get a Crosstrek BUT the Blown Gasket Engine scares me to death ! Any insight please and Thank You Sir.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Andre LOFANO for the most part all of the Subaru engines are pretty robust when well maintained the head gaskets aren’t all that bad to do. I maybe doing a video soon on head gaskets if I can work it into my schedule.

[@YRR_J]

Thank You! Been procrastinating the check up on the plugs, as the car seems to work decently, even after sitting a looong time. I have to say I've been too lazy to even check how the obstacles can be removed... And the Haynes manual has nothing even mentioned about what to do in the actual engine bay, just some general info. I'm dumbfounded because there is probably all the info on how to take the whole engine apart and rebuild it. I even changed the clutch and flywheel on it as the bearing in the original dual mass stuff went bad. I wish I had taken a better look if the flywheel could have been rebuilt with a new bearing. Though back then I resorted to some cheap Exedy clutch and an age old, crappy random flywheel that I found from a friends back yard... I really miss the smoothness.

[@Zakumei]

also you said the old sparkplugs had "erosion" around them. you're thinking of *Corrosion*, erosion is what happens when rocks are made smooth by weather over time.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

No I mean erosion as when the ceramic insulation and the electrode erode widening the gap on the plugs. Keep trying you might get there one day.

[@kylexlittle]

I love the word easy.

[@gideondecker8189]

great video. simple/concise and no excess bullshit. well done!

[@GreenGrass584]

Thanks alot that's gonna help

[@craigpate4140]

Great video, I was just wondering if I would be able to do this. You showed it is very doable. Thank you. Is there anything else I should do when I do the tune up? Plugs, wires, air filter, anything else?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Craig Pate sounds like you have a good plan. The only other item to look at is fuel filter. It is right next to the washer fluid reservoir. Thank you for the feedback.

[@SuperJiggawhat]

I'm pretty sure if I was to look up "honest mechanic" this guy and his videos would pop up, but I haven't tested this. Great video man and you're 100% correct, Subaru engines are awesome.

[@michaelmcewen1483]

Very helpful, but you definitely need a new camera man. Hold the camera steady! Quit jerking it around and rubbing the mic!

[@TrashMatador]

Man, I just watched this video and swapped plugs n wires on my 01 outback. It drove perfectly after swapping them out. I came back to my car a couple hours later to go get some food and now it’s sputtering in park (which it only sputtered going from neutral to 1st gear) and won’t get up to speed. Again, it was driving perfect after swapping it all. PLZ SEND HELP I HAVE WORK TOMORROW 😭

[@fiona9911]

very clear~

[@victorsalavarria8113]

Super helpful

[@reevesautomotivefarm9614]

Thanks

[@Northwesternforcefield28]

Why don’t people say so many times what size the socket is, or name the tool sizes they use- important part of doing it….

[@L2O2V2E]

I have a 2000 Subaru outback‘s Limited addition and my spark plug just won’t screw in for some strange reason I feel like it has no teeth. Am I doing something wrong? By the way they repaired the belt The mechanic told me I had to get a brand new engine. Mind you that’s after they fix the belt so I took it home and now the spark plug is loose. I have a buddy of mine that’s going to come by tomorrow but he’s not a Subaru specialist or anything like that.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

It is possible that the cylinder head is stripped out. It is possible to repair it. It is tough to do while the engine is in the car.

[@L2O2V2E]

Thanks

[@lilreaper1928]

Awesome video, thanks for making it look easy and I hope it’s this easy doing it on my car cheers

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Rocky Solomon I think you will find it to be pretty easy. Let me know how it goes and good luck.

[@claywest4609]

Thank you, big help! Those were some recessed spark plugs, way in there deep.

[@lull2988]

Another subie pro. Thank you for this informative video!

[@lifeisgood070]

shit. Washer fluid is in a different spot for stick shift and 07's.

[@WhereIsMyDinnerWoman]

Dude, you made this look so easy. I do not want to pay 300 to 350 for someone to do 30 minutes worth of work. I'm going to give this a try this weekend. I'll let you know how it went.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

It’s really not bad to do at all.

[@WhereIsMyDinnerWoman]

@@YourCarGuyDR i got around to do it today. Took me only 30 minutes. Dude, thank you.The old sparks were fried! Car is running sooooo much better now!! Thank you!!

[@bigd33103]

I’m so glad this is easier than my 94 camaro.

[@griffinmonahan3963]

Never knew Tom Hanks worked on Subarus

[@griffinmonahan3963]

very helpful though, thank you

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Griffin Monahan yes my son was learning to run the camera.

[@erberIsSillyhawk]

what motor ya got my EJ 25 i have to remove motor mounts!

[@skepticalmechanic]

Looks like u were really cranking down on that last spark plug... 😬

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Always gently. Gotta keep it from stripping.

[@4ksandknives]

Jesus... I'm going to replace my spark plugs on my 2001 impreza now..

[@mattmallow1863]

Ok where your spark plugs go in I have oil coming out of the holes. There's a gasket around where the plugs go in what is that called

[@YourCarGuyDR]

The seal around the spark plug hole can be changed when you change the valve cover gaskets and should come with the valve cover gasket kit.

[@williamvandolson5559]

Excellent presentation! TY!

[@dvd11blue]

Hey dude r u available to answer a 2.5 subi question, since u have rebuilt?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Sure

[@joonajks]

Is the Subaru Outback a reliable vehicle for heavy driving, in your opinion?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Joon kinloch yes I have owned several and put lots of miles on with no real issues. It is important that if you are buying a used one to make sure it has been taken care of. Look for oil or coolant leaks and see when the timing belt was last replaced.

[@joonajks]

Your Car Guy DR thank you sir! I’m looking at 2000 outback for Delivering services

[@davidaud4652]

Different on a 2015 forester.

[@waltkohler4030]

Do you have any videos on 2000 Subaru legacy downstream o2 sensor

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Unfortunately I do not. I have replaced several in the past. The worst problem is that they tent to be seized into the exhaust pipes. Make sure you use a good oxygen sensor socket and plenty of leverage. Some penetrating oil will be very helpful.

[@alofano]

Would it be the same for a Crosstrek 2018 ?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Andre LOFANO not sure if the cross trek is exactly the same but should be very similar.

[@pablopenagoseducator]

Hey Car Guy DR ...This video is awesome Keep it up! spark plugs for this car don't need to be gapped, do they?

[@rfcdgaf]

Holy fuck, can't believe I paid my shop $400 to do this

[@jogape17]

Love the headlights… this vid helped a lot…anyways I was hoping you can help me out here… the spark plug wire on cyl 4 keeps popping off

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Have you tried replacing the wires with new ones?

[@jogape17]

@@YourCarGuyDR I have and I think autozone hates me by now of how many times I’ve changed my wires with the warranty 🤣 cus that cyl 4 wire gets burned fast

[@jakekidd5040]

Where did you get the headlights?

[@peytonlouise5893]

HONESTLY 😭😍

[@richardboyd4477]

Thank you 🙏

[@daviddanielson5538]

Is there a special socket for this? that plug is deep inside engine.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Best to use a standard spark plug socket and a 3” extension.

[@daviddanielson5538]

@@YourCarGuyDR thank you very much for info!

[@mattjohnston5807]

Thank you👍

[@soradispaul]

great video for people like me who dont mind-and even enjoy-tinkering around to save some money. i just bought a 40$ ratchet set, but i think i need an extender bit? i didnt expect the plug “wells” to be so deep. can you confirm? thanks again!!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Yes they are deep. A short extension should work.

[@Mrscrapiron5]

The owners manual for my 2014 Outback calls for plug replacement at 60k, which is where my car is at right now. That seems really early, based on my experience with other modern cars. Know of any particular reason for that? Also, what can a person do to minimize the risk of breaking threads in the valve cover when removing plugs?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

David Eckstrom the replacement interval set by the manufacturer is based on the type of plugs they install and the duty cycle of the engine. Most plugs in modern vehicles will go beyond 60k if the engine is functioning properly. Breaking the threads when removing plugs is rare unless they were installed improperly previously. For example if they were cross threaded. Use the proper tools and a little anti seize and you shouldn’t have any issues.

[@janellekilroy2008]

Thank you! This was so helpful!

[@morningstarr4340]

Just found this video and hoping it will help me relieve a p0301 Cylinder 1 misfire on a 2002 2.5 Outback got a few weeks back. Thanks for a thorough guide for a guy with zero experience working on cars, apartment livin.' Hopefully this will do the trick when the time comes.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

If this doesn’t fix it you may need the coil pack for that cylinder.

[@richardboyd4477]

Do I need to disconnect the battery when doing this job ?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

No you do not.

[@mnothem1]

How do you keep from cross threading? That is my biggest worry. Also, what about dropping the sparkplug in the bock? Also, how would I get access to those wrench extensions?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Michael N in order. To keep from cross threading use you fingertips to turn the extension until the plug has gone in most of the way. Don’t worry about dropping the plug in. It can’t fall into anything. You local auto parts store should carry a variety of tools.

[@gregknutsen673]

What year is it

[@Feedbacker1]

Just bought my first Subaru it’s a 2003 Legacy. Looks easy enough. Do you have to gap the plugs?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

It depends on which plugs you buy. Most platinum or iridium plugs come pregapped.

[@claytech4u]

Sounds like you were having this on the ground sound sucks

[@josuevargas8831]

Now 2011

[@quocducnguyen]

What year is this please? I have a 2004 outback and I think the spark plugs are completely horizontal and there is about an inch and a half of clearance before hitting the frame.

[@quocducnguyen]

Sorry forgot to mention. I have LL bean 6 cylinders 3.0 engine

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Quoc Nguyen this car is a 2001. The 2004 should be similar. It looks worse than it is.

[@HavokStrifeX]

That's at least two times the space of my WRX. If you wanna have a real good time, try it on a BRZ.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Yes the BRZ is very tight.

[@phil1353]

I bought my subaru outback in Houston 2 weeks ago. 112k miles. I relocated to Colorado. I got my first two misfires at 4,000 elevation with cruise control on. Check engine light stays on and cruise flashes. I stopped at auto parts store and ran the codes. Cylinder3 and Cylinder4 misfires. I cleared the codes. Got to Durango, Co and started misfiring again. As I continue to climb in elevation, I continue to get misfires. I want to believe its just the spark plugs. I've been getting the same misfires cyl3 & cyl4. Your thoughts? Thanks!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

At 112k miles it should be due for plugs and wires also if it hasn't been done yet. Occasionally you will find the coil pack failing but that is not as common. Start with the plugs and wires.

[@kylepatterson5044]

i have oil leaking past the plug wire

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Usually that is the plug seal in the valve cover leaking. It really isn’t a very difficult task to change the valve cover gaskets.

[@colinbarrett5120]

I have a 2000 Subaru Legacy Outback, would this be about the same layout?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Yes it should be almost identical.

[@HachiRokuX]

I love you Sir!!!