Tips for Subaru Ascent Spark Plug Change
Changing the spark plugs in your Subaru Ascent is an essential maintenance task to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Here are some tips to help you change the spark plugs in your Subaru Ascent.
Assistance for Replacing Spark Plugs
If you are unsure about how to replace the spark plugs in your Subaru Ascent, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. You can refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or reach out to a professional mechanic for guidance.
Accessing the Spark Plugs
You will need to remove the engine body cover and air intake tube to access the spark plugs in your Ascent. This may involve the use of specialized tools, so it’s important to have a socket wrench set and other necessary tools on hand before you get started.
Blow Gun for Spark Plug Holes
Before you remove the old spark plugs, it’s a good idea to use a blow gun to clean out any debris or dirt from the spark plug holes. This helps prevent contamination and makes it easier to install the new spark plugs.
Setting Gap on New Plugs
When installing new spark plugs, be sure to set the gap to the manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures proper function and performance of the spark plugs. It’s also a good idea to add anti-seize to the threads to prevent them from seizing or sticking over time.
Types of Spark Plugs
| Spark Plug Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Copper | Basic and affordable, but with a shorter lifespan |
| Platinum | Last longer than copper and provide consistent performance |
| Double Platinum | Long-lasting and provide superior performance |
| Iridium | Longest lifespan and provide top performance |
Subaru Ascent owners should check the owners manual to determine which type of spark plug is recommended for their vehicle.
By following these tips and taking care when changing the spark plugs in your Subaru Ascent, you can ensure that your vehicle continues to run smoothly and reliably.
Causes and Effects of Bad Spark Plugs on Subaru Ascent
Spark plugs are a crucial component of your Subaru Ascent’s engine, responsible for delivering a spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders. If your spark plugs are failing, it can cause a range of issues for your vehicle. Here are some of the causes and effects of bad spark plugs on your Subaru Ascent.
- Causes of Bad Spark Plugs in Subaru Ascent
- Normal wear and tear over time
- Rich air-fuel mixture/carbon fouling
- Engine oil leak
- Coolant leak
- Fuel additives
- Overheating
- Effects of Bad Spark Plugs on Subaru Ascent
- Poor acceleration or hesitation
- Rough idle
- Engine misfires
- Poor fuel economy
- Check engine light illuminates
- Engine knocking noise
- Sometimes hard starting or failure to start
- Signs of Failing Spark Plugs
- Difficulty starting the vehicle
- Rough engine idle
- Reduced engine power
- Engine misfire
- Engine hesitation
- Engine surging
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to get your spark plugs checked and replaced if necessary. Failing to address the issue can cause further damage to your engine and reduce the lifespan of your vehicle.
In severe cases, bad spark plugs can prevent the engine from starting at all. This is because the spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel and air mixture in the engine. Without a spark, the fuel is not ignited and the engine won’t start.
To avoid the potential problems caused by bad spark plugs, it’s important to have your vehicle’s spark plugs checked and replaced regularly according to your Subaru Ascent’s manufacturer recommendations. This will help keep your engine running smoothly and reliably.
Steps for Replacing Spark Plugs on Subaru Ascent
Replacing spark plugs on your Subaru Ascent is a simple task that can be done in the comfort of your own garage. This routine maintenance task helps to ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently. Here are the steps for replacing your Ascent’s spark plugs:
- Disconnect electrical connectors from ignition coils.
- Remove coils.
- Unscrew old plugs.
- Check gap on new plugs.
- Screw in new plugs by hand and tighten with a torque wrench.
- Reinstall coils and connectors.
Here are some additional tips that can help you replace your Ascent’s spark plugs with ease:
- Before beginning, make sure you have all the necessary tools, which include an appropriately sized spark plug socket, 8-10mm sockets, ratchet and extensions, 10mm wrench, and a floor jack and a piece of wood (optional).
- To access the COPs, or coil-on plugs, you may need to remove the brace from the power steering reservoir. You can use a 7mm or 9/32” wrench or socket to remove the COPs, and a 7mm or 9/32″ wrench/socket to remove the connector.
- When installing the new spark plugs, make sure you tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Over-tightening or under-tightening can cause serious problems down the line.
- Apply dielectric grease to the plug boots to ensure they make a good connection with the coils.
- When reassembling everything in reverse order, make sure you take your time and pay attention to each step. This will help ensure everything is installed correctly and will help prevent any issues.
If you have a Subaru Legacy, the steps for replacing the spark plugs are slightly different. In addition to the steps above, you will need to remove the air filter housing and optionally lift the engine. Once you have done this, you can remove the ignition coils and old spark plugs, install the new spark plugs, and reinstall everything in reverse order.
Remember, properly maintaining your vehicle is crucial to its longevity and performance. By replacing your Ascent’s spark plugs regularly, you can help ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Cost and Warranty for Subaru Ascent Tune-up
Have you been quoted $800 for a 60K tune-up for your Subaru Ascent? Don’t panic, there are ways to lower the cost and improve the performance of your engine.
Tuning up your 2019 Subaru Ascent is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Regular tune-ups can help improve engine performance, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. However, the dealer may have quoted you a high price due to the engine’s design.
| Service | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tune-up | $300-$500 | Lifetime warranty on parts offered by Firestone |
| Spark Plug Replacement | $150-$250 | Varies by manufacturer but typically 1-3 years |
The high cost may be due to the engine’s design, which requires tilting to access spark plugs. However, there are alternatives to the dealership. You can save money by taking your Subaru to a reputable independent mechanic who specializes in Subaru repairs. Independent mechanics often have lower overhead costs and can pass those savings on to their customers.
If you’re concerned about the longevity of your vehicle’s tune-up, consider Firestone’s lifetime warranty on parts for their standard tune-up service. This warranty covers parts for as long as you own the vehicle.
When it comes to spark plug replacement, it’s important to do it as soon as the plug is damaged. Driving with damaged plugs can cause engine misfires, decreased fuel efficiency, and more costly repairs down the line. While the warranty for spark plug replacement varies by manufacturer, it’s typically between 1-3 years.
If you’re looking to change the spark plugs in your Subaru Ascent, you’ll first want to determine which type of spark plug is best for your vehicle. The type of spark plug you use can affect your car’s performance in a number of ways, including fuel efficiency, acceleration, and emissions. Below are the main types of spark plugs available for your Subaru Ascent:
| Type of Spark Plug | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Least expensive | Shorter lifespan than other types |
| Platinum | Longer lifespan than copper | More expensive than copper |
| Double Platinum | Longer lifespan than standard platinum | More expensive than platinum |
| Iridium | Longest lifespan of all types | Most expensive |
It’s important to note that each type of spark plug has its own benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to check your vehicle’s owners manual to see which type of spark plug is recommended for your specific Subaru Ascent.
Changing Spark Plugs on Subaru Ascent: Everything You Need to Know
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Subaru Ascent running smoothly, and replacing spark plugs is an important part of that equation. But how do you know when it’s time to replace them? And what’s the best way to go about it? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more, so you can keep your Ascent in top condition.
When to Replace Spark Plugs on Subaru Ascent
Subaru recommends routine engine tune-ups for long-term engine performance, and that includes replacing spark plugs. It’s recommended to replace all spark plugs at once, even if only one has gone bad. Spark plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles, but weather conditions and driving habits can affect their lifespan.
The best way to ensure your spark plugs are replaced at the right time is to strictly follow the maintenance schedule of your vehicle. If you’re unsure when it’s time to replace your spark plugs, visit a workshop for a check-up. Your owner’s manual recommends a tune-up at 60,000 miles, which is a good time to check the condition of your spark plugs.
How to Replace Spark Plugs on Subaru Ascent
Now that you know when it’s time to replace your spark plugs, let’s discuss how to go about it. Here are the steps:
| Tools required: | Socket wrench | Spark plug socket | Spark plug gap gauge | Dielectric grease (optional) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steps: | 1. Park your Ascent on a level surface and turn off the engine. | 2. Locate the spark plugs (there are two rows of three plugs each) and remove the wire connector from each plug. | 3. Use a socket wrench with a spark plug socket to remove each spark plug. | 4. Check the condition of each spark plug and compare it to the replacement plugs. The gap between the electrodes should match the gap specified in your owner’s manual. If necessary, use a spark plug gap gauge to adjust the gap. | 5. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease (if available) to the inside of each wire connector. | 6. Install the new spark plugs by hand, and then tighten them with a torque wrench to the specified torque value in your owner’s manual. | 7. Reconnect the wire connector to each spark plug. | 8. Start the engine and make sure it runs smoothly. |
That’s it! Replacing your spark plugs is a simple and straightforward process that can help keep your Ascent running smoothly. With proper maintenance, your Subaru can provide many years of reliable service.
Replacing spark plugs is an important part of routine vehicle maintenance, and Subaru recommends replacing all spark plugs at once, even if only one has gone bad. By following the maintenance schedule of your Ascent and replacing your spark plugs at the recommended intervals, you can help keep your engine running smoothly for years to come. If you’re unsure when it’s time to replace your spark plugs, consult your owner’s manual or visit a workshop for guidance. Happy driving!
Regular tune-ups are essential to keep your Subaru Ascent running smoothly. A critical part of tune-ups is replacing the spark plugs. While you may wonder whether to do the job yourself or take your car to a professional, both options have their pros and cons.
DIY Tune-up
- Cost-effective as you wouldn’t need to pay labor charges.
- Allows you to have control over the process and ensures that everything is done precisely as you want it.
- Provides an opportunity to learn more about your car.
- Requires you to have the time, tools, and knowledge to do the job right.
- If anything goes wrong, you are entirely responsible.
- May void your car’s warranty.
Professional Tune-up
- You can rely on the expertise of a Subaru-certified technician, who has the necessary knowledge, training, and experience.
- You get peace of mind knowing that the job is done correctly, using the proper tools and equipment.
- You will receive a warranty for both the parts and labor.
- You don’t have to worry about buying parts or tools for the job.
- Professional tune-up can be more expensive due to labor charges.
- You don’t have complete control over the process, and you’ll need to trust the technician to do a good job.
Make the Right Choice for Your Subaru Ascent
When deciding whether to do a DIY or professional tune-up for your Subaru Ascent, consider your budget, knowledge, and comfort level in working on your vehicle. If you feel confident doing the job yourself, it can give you a sense of accomplishment and save you money. However, if you don’t have the necessary knowledge or experience, it’s best to take your car to a certified technician who can help you better.
At Palm Springs Subaru, we offer genuine Subaru parts and certified technicians with years of experience. We strive to give our customers excellent service and guarantee that they leave with their car driving better than ever before. While choosing a Subaru specialist or a certified independent shop can offer lower costs, keep in mind that it may not provide the best-quality service or genuine parts that you expect. So, make the right choice based on your needs and preferences, and enjoy a smooth ride in your Subaru Ascent.
