🔧 Trax - Spark Plug Replacement

Your Trax uses four iridium spark plugs beneath a single ignition-coil assembly on top of the engine. Replace all four plugs together with the engine completely cold to prevent damage to the aluminum cylinder head.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool completely before removing the spark plugs.
• 🧤 Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect against dirt and sharp edges.
• 🔑 Switch the ignition off and keep the key away from the vehicle.
• 🚫 Do not apply anti-seize compound to the new spark-plug threads; it can cause over-tightening.
• 🔋 Battery disconnection is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench rated 10-80 Nm
• 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension
• 5/8-inch magnetic spark-plug socket
• Torx T30 socket
• Compressed-air blow gun rated 90 psi maximum
• Spark-plug gap gauge marked in 0.01mm increments
• Small flat-tip screwdriver
• Clean microfiber cloth
• Nitrile mechanic gloves
• ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• OEM-spec iridium spark plugs, preset to 0.7mm (0.028 inch) - Qty: 4
• Dielectric ignition grease - Qty: 1 small tube

Replace all four spark plugs together.

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Trax on level ground, select Park, and apply the parking brake.
• ❄️ Allow the engine to become completely cold, preferably for several hours.
• 🧹 Clean loose dirt from the top of the engine before opening the spark-plug wells.
• 📏 Verify each new plug has a 0.7mm (0.028-inch) gap. Do not force or bend the delicate center electrode on an iridium plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the Engine Cover

• Wear the safety glasses and gloves before beginning.
• Grip the plastic engine cover at its edges and pull straight upward to release its rubber mounting grommets.
• Set the cover aside where it cannot be stepped on or damaged.
• Pull near each mounting point, not the center.

Step 2: Disconnect the Ignition-Coil Connector

• Locate the electrical connector on the ignition-coil assembly above the spark plugs.
• Use the small flat-tip screwdriver only if needed to release the connector lock gently.
• Press the connector tab and pull on the connector body, not its wires.

Step 3: Remove the Ignition-Coil Assembly

• Use the Torx T30 socket, 6-inch extension, and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the ignition-coil retaining fasteners.
• Keep the fasteners in a clean, safe location.
• Grip both ends of the coil assembly. Rock it gently while pulling straight upward.
• The rubber boots may resist because they seal around the spark plugs.
• Place the assembly on a clean microfiber cloth with the boots facing upward.

Step 4: Clean the Spark-Plug Wells

• Use the compressed-air blow gun at no more than 90 psi to clear dirt from all four wells.
• A spark-plug well is the deep opening containing each plug.
• Keep your face away from the wells while blowing out debris.
• Do not remove a plug until its well is clean.

Step 5: Remove the Old Spark Plugs

• Use the 5/8-inch spark-plug socket, 6-inch extension, and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen the first plug counterclockwise.
• Lift the plug from its well with the magnetic socket.
• Repeat for the other three plugs.
• Stop if a plug becomes unusually tight. Turn it slightly inward, then work it outward carefully instead of forcing it.

Step 6: Inspect and Check the New Spark Plugs

• Use the spark-plug gap gauge to confirm a gap of 0.7mm (0.028 inch).
• Check that each plug's ceramic insulator is uncracked and its sealing washer is present.
• Do not coat the threads with anti-seize, oil, or grease.
• Compare each new plug with the removed plug.

Step 7: Install the New Spark Plugs by Hand

• Place one new plug into the 5/8-inch spark-plug socket attached only to the 6-inch extension.
• Lower it carefully into the well and turn the extension clockwise by hand.
• Thread the plug several full turns without the ratchet. It should turn smoothly.
• If it binds, remove it and start again. This prevents cross-threading, which means damaging the cylinder-head threads by installing the plug crooked.
• Repeat for all four plugs.

Step 8: Torque the Spark Plugs

• Attach the 3/8-inch torque wrench to the 6-inch extension and 5/8-inch spark-plug socket.
• Tighten each plug once to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).
• Stop immediately when the torque wrench clicks.
• Do not tighten the plugs again after the click.

Step 9: Reinstall the Ignition-Coil Assembly

• Inspect all four rubber coil boots for cracks, oil, or moisture.
• Apply only a thin film of dielectric ignition grease inside the open end of each rubber boot. Dielectric grease is an insulating silicone grease that helps keep moisture out.
• Align all four boots over the spark plugs and press the coil assembly straight down until fully seated.
• Start the retaining fasteners by hand.
• Use the Torx T30 socket and torque wrench to tighten the ignition-coil fasteners to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 10: Reconnect the Electrical Connector

• Push the ignition-coil electrical connector into place by hand until its lock clicks.
• Gently tug the connector body to confirm it is secure.
• Make sure no wiring is trapped beneath the coil assembly.

Step 11: Reinstall the Engine Cover

• Align the engine cover mounting points with their rubber grommets.
• Press directly over each mounting point by hand until the cover is fully seated.
• Confirm the cover is secure and does not contact loose wiring.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and let it idle for two to three minutes.
• 👂 Confirm the engine idles smoothly without shaking, tapping, or misfiring.
• 🔍 Check that the malfunction indicator lamp does not flash. Shut the engine off immediately if it flashes or the engine runs very roughly.
• 🚗 Take a short, gentle test drive and verify normal acceleration.
• 📝 Record the mileage and replacement date for future maintenance.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹7,000-₹13,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹3,500-₹7,000 (parts only)

You Save: ₹3,500-₹6,000 by doing it yourself!

Local labor rates vary. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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