This procedure covers removal and replacement of spark plug wires on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, which uses a coil-on-plug ignition system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Spark plugs (set of 8) × 8 — Motorcraft SP-534 or equivalent platinum plugs

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental ignition system activation
3. Remove engine cover by releasing plastic clips and any retaining screws
4. Verify replacement spark plugs match OEM specification (0.051-0.057 inch gap)
5. Have workspace organized with all tools within reach

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover
   Release the plastic clips securing the engine cover by pulling upward firmly. Remove any cover screws if present using 10mm socket. Lift cover off engine and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

   Engine Cover Clips3 Nm (3 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access passenger side ignition coils (cylinders 1-4)
   Disconnect the electrical connectors from each ignition coil by pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Mark or photograph coil positions if needed for reference during reinstallation.
   ℹ️Passenger side cylinders are numbered 1-4 from front to rear
3. 3

   Remove passenger side ignition coils
   Using 7mm socket, remove the single bolt securing each ignition coil. Carefully wiggle and pull each coil straight up to break the seal with the spark plug. Inspect coil boots for cracks or damage.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Clean spark plug wells (passenger side)
   Use compressed air or shop vacuum to remove any debris, dirt, or oil from around the spark plugs and inside the plug wells. This prevents contamination from falling into cylinders during plug removal.
   ⚠Do not allow debris to fall into open cylinder when spark plug is removed
5. 5

   Remove passenger side spark plugs
   Using spark plug socket with extension, carefully loosen and remove each spark plug. Inspect old plugs for unusual wear, fouling, or damage that might indicate engine issues. Keep plugs in order if diagnosis is needed.
   Torque spec

   Spark Plug25 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install passenger side spark plugs
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of new spark plugs (avoid getting anti-seize on electrodes). Verify gap is set to specification (0.051-0.057 inch). Thread plugs in by hand to prevent cross-threading, then torque to specification using torque wrench.
   ⚠️Hand-thread spark plugs at least 3-4 full turns before using tools to ensure proper thread engagement
   Torque spec

   Spark Plug25 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reinstall passenger side ignition coils
   Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease inside each coil boot. Press coils firmly onto spark plugs until fully seated. Install and torque coil retaining bolts to specification. Reconnect electrical connectors to each coil.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Access driver side ignition coils (cylinders 5-8)
   Disconnect electrical connectors from driver side ignition coils (cylinders 5-8, front to rear). Note that some wiring harness clips may need to be released for better access.
   ℹ️Driver side may have less clearance - work carefully to avoid damaging connectors
9. 9

   Remove driver side ignition coils
   Remove 7mm retaining bolt from each coil. Carefully extract coils by wiggling and pulling straight up. Inspect boots for damage or oil contamination.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Clean and service driver side spark plugs
    Clean debris from plug wells using compressed air. Remove old spark plugs with spark plug socket. Apply anti-seize to new plug threads, verify gap, hand-thread into place, and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Spark Plug25 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall driver side ignition coils
    Apply dielectric grease to coil boots. Install coils onto spark plugs, pressing firmly until seated. Torque retaining bolts to specification and reconnect all electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Coil Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall engine cover
    Position engine cover over engine and press down on clip locations until all clips snap into place. Install any cover screws and torque to specification if applicable.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

    Engine Cover Clips3 Nm (3 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Verify all ignition coil electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Double-check that engine cover is properly secured
4. Ensure no tools or parts are left in engine compartment

Verification

• Start engine and listen for smooth idle with no misfires or rough running
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes using scan tool - there should be no misfire codes
• Rev engine gently to 2000-3000 RPM and verify smooth operation
• Inspect for any vacuum leaks or loose connections around coil area
• Test drive vehicle to confirm proper acceleration and no hesitation under load

More procedures for this vehicle