VW MK4 How To Change The Spark Plugs In A 24v VR6

Overview

Thanks to abydielsgli from the ‘tex for this DIY that explains how to change the spark plugs on a 24v VR6.

Category:

Difficulty:

Benefits:

Original Author:

VW recommends that the spark plugs be replaced every 40,000 miles on the 24v 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 18 ft/lbs)
2) 10″ 3/8″ drive extension (or a combination of extensions like the author used)
3) Channel-lock style pliers
4) 3/8″ drive ratchet
5) 5/8″ spark plug socket (3/8″ drive)
6) Small flat-head screwdriver
7) Anti-seize

Parts

Here are the parts needed for this project:

Six (6) NGK PZFR5D-1 spark plugs

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 large plastic engine cover.

2) Remove the engine cover by pulling straight up. It should basically just “pop off”. Once off, you’ll see the six ignition coil connections.

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

4) Once the clips are all popped off, push them aside to make more room.

5) Next, we’ll remove the coil packs from the spark plugs. Place the pliers over the coil pack as shown in the pic, then pull and twist until the coil pack pops out. You can line the jaws of the pliers with some electrical tape or cloth to prevent damaging the plastic. If you’re careful though, doing the removal this way won’t damage them at all.

6) Here’s what it looks like when you get it completely out. Go ahead and remove the remaining five using the same procedure.

7) Now it’s time to use the large extension (or group of extensions), 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.

8) Loosen the plug by turning it counterclockwise until it has been completely unthreaded, and carefully pull the entire assembly out. Repeat this for the remaining five 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 18 ft-lbs or 25Nm.

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