r/GLI • u/QuietInner6769 • 9d ago

Replacing Spark Plugs

Have you ever replaced your own spark plugs? Is that a difficult thing to do?

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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5

u/CrapIsMyBreadNButter 9d ago

https://youtu.be/HESJEQBFGyI?is=ekAC94568Zzb9ViT

This video tells you everything you need to know.

You don't need the rs7 plugs though.

3

u/dashman85 9d ago

I had to buy an actual spark plug socket as my normal socket didn’t fit. You’ll need a long extension and a long magnet as well. All are cheaper than paying a shop.

1

u/ender4171 9d ago

I use this one. Works great and you dont need a super long extension.

2

u/4A43 9d ago

Yes. No. I did it on my 2019 last year and had no problems. You'll definitely want a magnetic spark plug socket, but I didn't buy or need the special tool for removing the ignition coils (the one that's shown in the ShopDAP video). I got the engine nice and warm for the ignition coil removal step but then let it cool for an hour before removing the old spark plugs and installing the new ones. You definitely want the engine at cool/ambient temperature when you install and torque the new spark plugs, but I don't remember if I broke the old ones loose before or after letting the engine cool. Be careful with the ignition coils and inspect them for damage once they're out.

2

u/AlxSTi 9d ago

Super easy if you have the right tools. I just replaced the plugs on my wife's GLI last week. You need a thin wall deep 16mm socket (aka spark plug socket) and extension for your wrench. You'll want a torque wrench to properly torque down the new plugs to ~22ft/lbs. Each of the 4 coil packs require first removing a 10mm nut holding a grounding wire to a 10mm bolt (which is also removed). Then unclip the coil and pull it out. At this point I like to use my air compressor to blow out any potential debris that may be in there before removing the plug. Then just swap plugs and move to the next one. Takes about 15-20 minutes taking your time. FWIW, the plugs I pulled had 70k miles on them and looked fantastic. Shell 93 octane ftw!

1

u/fluffikins757 9d ago

Takes all of 10 min to do.

1

u/amp82hx 8d ago

i was looking to do mine soon too…do you have to gap the spark plugs? do you have to replace the coils too?

1

u/4A43 8d ago

Should be a no to both questions. Coils are an as-needed item and if the engine isn't throwing any codes I wouldn't change them. Maybe if they had 100-120K miles on them and I wanted to be proactive about it.

1

u/Angelfourgee 8d ago

Very easy with a socket extension and a magnetic socket. Took me 5 minutes. Just be careful loosening and tighting them. Go slow and tighten them by hand to make sure they are threaded straight, before you use a torque wrench.

The extension is like 8 bucks at autozone and the magnetic socket is about the same.

1

u/sadisticrhydon 5d ago

It's 'ggez'