Changing Spark Plugs in a Ford Escape
To change the spark plugs in a Ford Escape, follow these general steps:
1. Gather the necessary tools and materials: You will need 6 spark plugs (Motorcraft is recommended) and 6 upper intake manifold gaskets.
2. Prepare the vehicle: Make sure the engine is cool and parked on a level surface.
3. Remove the upper intake manifold: The process of changing spark plugs in a Ford Escape involves removing the upper intake manifold. This can be time-consuming but is not overly difficult. It’s important to note that the specific steps may vary depending on the year and engine type of your Ford Escape. It’s recommended to consult the vehicle’s manual or a reliable source for detailed instructions specific to your model.
4. Disconnect the Coil on Plug (COP) connectors: Squeeze the connectors for each Coil on Plug (COP) to disconnect them. There is a COP for each cylinder.
5. Remove the COPs and spark plugs: Remove the bolts holding the COPs in place and set them aside. Then, remove the old spark plugs.
6. Install the new spark plugs: Install the new spark plugs and tighten them to the manufacturer’s specifications. It’s important to use spark plugs that meet Ford material and design specifications, such as Motorcraft or equivalent replacements.
7. Reassemble the upper intake manifold: Reinstall the upper intake manifold, ensuring all connections are secure.
8. Repeat for the remaining spark plugs: Repeat the process for the remaining spark plugs.
9. Test the vehicle: Start the engine and check for any issues. If everything is running smoothly, you have successfully changed the spark plugs in your Ford Escape.
Please note that these steps are a general guide and may not cover all the specific details for every Ford Escape model. It’s always recommended to consult the vehicle’s manual or a reliable source for detailed instructions specific to your model.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Contents
- Will bad spark plugs throw a code?
- Can I drive with a bad spark plug?
- What else should I replace when replacing spark plugs?
- What are the symptoms of a bad spark plug?
- How often do you change spark plugs on a Ford Escape?
- Is it cheaper to replace spark plugs yourself?
- What not to do when changing spark plugs?
- Is it OK to change spark plugs yourself?
- How often does a Ford Escape need a tune up?
- How long does it take to replace spark plugs yourself?
Will bad spark plugs throw a code?
Often, there’s an odor of unburnt gasoline that will be noticeable whenever a spark plug goes bad. On a new enough vehicle, you’ll likely also see a check engine light. That light will most likely be throwing a code for an engine misfire on one cylinder.
Can I drive with a bad spark plug?
Ideally, you should replace them immediately. However, you can get by for a short while, as long as they aren’t misfiring. Poor spark keeps fuel from being burned inside the combustion chamber. This reduces power and fuel economy, and it makes it harder for the engine to idle.
What else should I replace when replacing spark plugs?
The most important thing to remember is to change the wires when you do the spark plugs.
What are the symptoms of a bad spark plug?
What Are the Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs?
- The Car Has Trouble Starting. Image via Flickr by Kevin Reese.
- The Engine Idles.
- The Car Fights to Accelerate.
- The Engine is Very Loud.
- The Engine Misfires.
- The Vehicle gets Poor Fuel Economy.
- The “Check Engine” Light is On.
How often do you change spark plugs on a Ford Escape?
100,000 Miles
100,000 Miles: Spark Plug Replacement
Once you’ve put 100,000 miles on your odometer, it’s time to replace your Ford Escape’s spark plugs.
Is it cheaper to replace spark plugs yourself?
Replacing spark plugs is usually a straightforward job. If you do it yourself—which should take about an hour for a four-cylinder engine—you’ll save on labor costs.
What not to do when changing spark plugs?
- Spark plug change – the most common mistakes.
- Working on the hot engine:
- Polluted environment: particles.
- Unsuitable tool: spark plug falls out or tilts.
- Use of oil and lubricating grease:
- Tightening the spark plug without torque wrench:
- Cleaning and reinstalling of sooted spark plugs:
Is it OK to change spark plugs yourself?
If you’re not comfortable with that, take your vehicle to a pro. But if your engine affords easy access to the rear bank, you can probably do the job yourself. Just be sure you gap the spark plugs properly and use a torque wrench. The tools shown are available at online suppliers and auto parts stores.
How often does a Ford Escape need a tune up?
Ford Escape: 7,500-Mile Maintenance
To get started, you’ll want to bring your Ford Escape into the shop around the 7,500-mile marker. You’ll also want to keep returning every 7,500 miles so you can receive these procedures at their recommended intervals.
How long does it take to replace spark plugs yourself?
It will take about one hour to replace your spark plugs for a four-cylinder engine. A V6 and V8 may take longer than an hour. Changing a vehicle’s spark plugs is a DIY thing, but it may sometimes get complicated.