Spark Plugs

Replace all 12 spark plugs on the 6.0L V12 engine, requiring removal of engine covers, intake plenum components, and ignition coils to access plugs on both cylinder banks.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Spark plugs × 12 — NGK BKR6E-11 or equivalent OEM spec

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for capacitor discharge
3. Photograph engine bay and component locations for reference during reassembly
4. Verify new spark plugs match OEM specification and gap to 1.1mm (0.043") before installation
5. Apply anti-seize compound sparingly to spark plug threads (avoid getting compound on electrodes)
6. Prepare clean workspace for removed components to keep fasteners organized by location

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover
   Locate and release the engine cover retention clips. The decorative engine cover is secured by push-clips at multiple points around the perimeter. Gently lift upward on the cover starting from the rear, working your way forward to disengage all clips. Set cover aside in a protected area to avoid scratching the finish.
   Torque spec

   Engine Cover Clips4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove air intake components
   Disconnect the mass airflow (MAF) sensor electrical connector. Release the air box clips securing the intake ducting and air filter housing. Remove the intake tube from the throttle body to air box. Carefully lift out the air filter housing assembly to provide access to the top of the engine. Note the routing of any breather hoses or vacuum lines for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove intake plenum covers (Bank A - passenger side)
   Starting with the passenger side cylinder bank, locate the plastic intake plenum covers that conceal the ignition coils. These covers are secured by fasteners whose exact type and count must be verified against Aston Martin factory documentation for this engine. Remove all fasteners securing each cover section. The plenum covers may be multi-piece; remove each section carefully and note their orientation. Some sections may have integrated cable routing clips that need to be disengaged.
4. 4

   Disconnect ignition coil connectors (Bank A)
   Disconnect the electrical connectors from all six ignition coils on the passenger side bank. Press the locking tab on each connector and pull straight up. Label or photograph connector positions if wiring is not keyed to prevent incorrect installation.
5. 5

   Remove ignition coils (Bank A)
   Each ignition coil is secured by a retaining bolt at its base. Using the correct socket (verify head size against factory documentation), remove the coil retaining bolt from each of the six coils. Gently twist and pull each coil straight up to break the seal with the spark plug. If coils are stuck, use a gentle rocking motion but never pry against the cylinder head. Note: Using the correct socket for the coil retaining bolt (confirm exact fastener size from Aston Martin service data), remove the coil retaining bolt from each of the six coils. Note: Each ignition coil is secured by a retaining bolt at its base. Using the correct socket size per Aston Martin service data, remove the coil retaining bolt from each of the six coils.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Clean spark plug wells (Bank A)
   Before removing spark plugs, use compressed air to thoroughly clean around each spark plug well. Blow out any debris, dirt, or oil that may have accumulated. If oil is present in the wells, inspect valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals for leaks. Any debris that falls into the cylinder can cause damage.
   ⚠Never remove spark plugs if significant liquid is present in the wells. Correct the leak source first.
7. 7

   Remove spark plugs (Bank A)
   Using the correct-size spark plug socket with rubber insert (typically 5/8"/16mm or 14mm — confirm hex size for the specified plug) and appropriate extensions, carefully remove all six spark plugs from the passenger side bank. Turn counterclockwise with steady pressure. If a plug is resistant, do not force it; apply penetrating oil and wait. Inspect removed plugs for wear patterns, electrode condition, and deposits. Keep plugs in order to identify cylinder-specific issues if present. Note: Using the correct spark plug socket (verify plug hex size — commonly 5/8" / 16mm or 14mm thin-wall for this type of engine) with rubber insert and appropriate extensions, carefully remove all six spark plugs from the passenger side bank. Note: Using a spark plug socket sized to the plug hex (commonly 14mm or 16mm thin-wall) with rubber insert and appropriate extensions, carefully remove all six spark plugs from the passenger side bank.
   ⚠If a spark plug breaks during removal, stop immediately and consult a professional for extraction procedures.
8. 8

   Install new spark plugs (Bank A)
   Verify each new spark plug matches OEM gap specification (confirm exact value from Aston Martin service data; iridium plugs are typically pre-gapped and should not be adjusted). Do not apply anti-seize to modern plated spark plug threads unless specified by the manufacturer, as it alters torque accuracy. Thread each plug by hand into the cylinder head, turning clockwise. Once hand-tight, use the torque wrench to tighten to the OEM-specified torque (confirm exact value from Aston Martin service data before applying). Install all six plugs on passenger side bank. Note: Verify each new spark plug gap against the factory specification for this engine (do not assume a generic value). Do not apply anti-seize to modern pre-plated spark plug threads unless specifically required by the manufacturer, as it alters effective torque and can damage aluminum head threads. Note: Verify each new spark plug gap matches factory specification per Aston Martin service data (pre-gapped OEM plugs typically require no adjustment). Do not apply anti-seize unless specifically required by the plug manufacturer, as the plating on modern plugs is designed for anti-seize-free installation. Note: installed without anti-seize unless the plug manufacturer specifically requires it
   ⚠Start each plug by hand. If resistance is felt, back out and restart to avoid cross-threading.
   Torque spec

   Spark Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall ignition coils and connectors (Bank A)
   Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the inside of each ignition coil boot if desired. Push each coil firmly onto its corresponding spark plug until fully seated. Install and torque the coil retaining bolt for each coil. Reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they click into place.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall plenum covers (Bank A)
    Replace the intake plenum covers on the passenger side bank in the reverse order of removal. Ensure any integrated cable clips are properly engaged. Install and torque all Torx fasteners, working from center outward to ensure even seating.
11. 11

    Repeat process for Bank B (driver side)
    Repeat steps 3 through 10 for the driver side cylinder bank. Remove plenum covers, disconnect ignition coil connectors, remove ignition coils, clean spark plug wells, remove old spark plugs, install new spark plugs with proper gap (installed dry unless anti-seize is specifically required by the plug manufacturer), reinstall ignition coils, and replace plenum covers. The driver side may have slightly different access constraints due to surrounding components; note actual obstructions during disassembly, but the spark plug procedure is identical.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Coil Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

    Spark Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall air intake components
    Reinstall the air filter housing assembly, ensuring proper seating and alignment. Reconnect intake ducting to throttle body and air box. Secure all air box clips and torque if applicable. Reconnect the MAF sensor electrical connector. Verify all breather hoses and vacuum lines are properly reconnected.
    Torque spec

    Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall engine cover
    Position the decorative engine cover over the engine, aligning all mounting points. Press firmly at each clip location until all clips engage with an audible click. Verify the cover is fully seated and secure.
    Torque spec

    Engine Cover Clips4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and perform initial start
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine to allow fuel system to pressurize. Verify no warning lights are illuminated beyond normal bulb check. Start the engine and listen for smooth operation. Monitor for misfires, unusual noises, or warning lights.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all intake plenum cover fasteners are installed and torqued to specification
3. Ensure no tools or parts remain in the engine bay before closing hood
4. All 12 ignition coil bolts must be torqued to specification to ensure proper coil seating

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth idle with no misfires or rough running
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner; clear any codes related to battery disconnect
• Perform a test drive and monitor engine performance under various load conditions
• Verify no oil leaks are present around valve covers or spark plug wells after test drive
• Confirm all warning lights extinguish after startup and remain off during operation
• Listen for any unusual noises from ignition coils or plug wells during idle and acceleration

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