VW MK4 How To Change The Spark Plugs In A 1.8T

Overview

Thanks to jm05pv from the ‘tex for this DIY that explains how to change the spark plugs on a 1.8T.

Category:

Difficulty:

Benefits:

Original Author:

VW recommends that the spark plugs be replaced every 40,000 miles on this engine. It’s a pretty simple procedure that should take approximately 30 minutes if you have all the tools and parts ready.

Note: A benefit of replacing worn out or fouled spark plugs is that fuel economy will improve.

Tools

Here’s a list of recommended tools to complete this job:

1) 3/8″ drive torque wrench (capable of measuring 22 ft/lbs)
2) 10″ 3/8″ drive extension
3) 3/8″ drive ratchet
4) Phillips-head screwdriver
5) Flat-head screwdriver
6) 5/8″ spark plug socket (3/8″ drive)
7) 5mm Allen socket (3/8″ drive)(or equivalent Allen wrench)
8) 10mm socket (3/8″ drive)
9) Anti-seize

Parts

Here are the parts needed for this project:

Four NGK PFR6Q spark plugs. (These are the OEM factory replacement) Remember to check the plug gap. (.032″ is specified)

A cheaper alternative are NGK BKR6E plugs, but they won’t last as long.

Instructions

DISCLAIMER: No warranty or guarantee is provided for the information provided on this site; you use it at your own risk. Although contributors to DIYNexus have an impressive depth of knowledge, neither they, nor DIYNexus can be held liable for any technical inaccuracies, typographical errors or consequences from the use of this information. Depending on the project, it is possible to void your factory warranty, disable a safety feature, create a hazardous condition, be injured or killed. 🙁 If you are uncomfortable or inexperienced working with anything described on this site, please consider having the work done professionally.

1) Open the hood and you’re presented with a plastic engine cover. To remove it, use the Phillips-head screwdriver to turn each of the four hold-down screws 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Then, lift the cover straight off.

2) Using the ratchet and 10mm socket, remove this 10mm nut. When done, lift and tuck the box out of the way to the right.

3) Now we need to remove these three 5mm Allen-head screws using the Allen socket and ratchet. Once they are out, pull away the metal piece and place it off to the side.

4) The next thing we need to do is remove the electrical plug on each coil pack. To do this, use the flat-headed screwdriver to CAREFULLY undo the clip on each one. Then pull the connector back and off. Repeat this for all four coils.

5) It’s time to pull out the coil packs. This can be done by grabbing one from the top and carefully pulling it out by hand. If the coil pack seems to be stuck, you can try using the flat-head to help free it.

6) To remove the plugs, you’ll need to use the large extension, the ratchet and the 5/8″ spark plug socket. Attach them all together and carefully feed them down into one of the spark plug holes on to a spark plug.

7) Loosen the plug by turning counterclockwise until it has been completely unthreaded and carefully pull the entire assembly out. Repeat this for the three remaining plugs.

Now you’re completely done with the disassembly procedure!

Replacing the plugs is basically an “installation is reverse of removal” task.

A few things to note:

• Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the threads of the new plugs before installing them.

• Always thread the plugs into the head by hand using just the socket and extension. They should thread in smoothly all the way until they seat on the gasket. This will prevent crossed threads.

• Use the torque wrench to tighten them to 22 ft-lbs or 30Nm.

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