ignition

Spark Plugs

for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.3 h

Tools

Steps

🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe.

Replace all eight spark plugs on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including removal of ignition coils and engine cover components.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before starting work to prevent burns from hot components

⚠Do not over-torque spark plugs in aluminum heads as this can strip threads and require costly repair

ℹ️Keep track of which coil came from which cylinder to maintain firing order if reusing coils

Tools required

5/8 inch spark plug socket (magnetic)Essential

3/8 inch drive ratchet with 6-inch extensionEssential

7mm socket or nut driverEssential

Torque wrench (10-30 Nm range)Essential

Spark plug gap toolEssential

Dielectric grease

Anti-seize compound

Compressed air or shop vacuum

Parts

Spark plugs (Motorcraft SP-546 or equivalent) × 8 — Motorcraft SP-546

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
Verify replacement spark plugs are correct specification for 5.0L Coyote engine
Gap new spark plugs to 0.051-0.057 inches (1.30-1.45 mm) per Ford specification

Procedure

1
Remove engine cover
Grasp the engine cover firmly and pull upward to release the rubber grommets from the mounting posts. The cover is held by friction-fit grommets only and does not require tools for removal. Set cover aside in clean area.
2
Disconnect ignition coils - Driver side bank (cylinders 1-4)
Locate the four ignition coils on the driver side cylinder head. Press the locking tab on each coil electrical connector and pull straight up to disconnect. Use a rocking motion if connectors are tight, but do not pull on wires. Label or remember coil positions if desired.
3
Remove driver side ignition coils
Using 7mm socket, remove the single bolt securing each ignition coil. Pull each coil straight up with a twisting motion to break the seal. The coils may be tight due to rubber boot seal. Clean any debris from around spark plug wells using compressed air or vacuum before proceeding.
ℹ️If coil boots remain in spark plug well, use needle-nose pliers to extract them before removing spark plugs
Torque spec
Ignition Coil Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
4
Remove driver side spark plugs (cylinders 1-4)
Insert 5/8 inch spark plug socket with extension into each spark plug well. Turn counterclockwise to remove spark plugs. Inspect removed plugs for proper gap, wear pattern, and fouling to assess engine condition. Note any abnormal appearance for diagnosis.
5
Install driver side spark plugs
Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to spark plug threads if desired (optional for aluminum heads). Thread new spark plugs by hand into cylinder head, ensuring they start straight to prevent cross-threading. Hand-tighten until plug seats against washer. Using torque wrench and spark plug socket, tighten to specification.
Torque spec
Spark Plug25 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6
Reinstall driver side ignition coils
Apply small amount of dielectric grease inside coil boot if desired. Align each ignition coil over its corresponding spark plug and press down firmly until coil seats completely. Install and hand-tighten the 7mm bolt for each coil, then torque to specification. Reconnect electrical connectors to each coil until they click into place.
Torque spec
Ignition Coil Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
7
Disconnect ignition coils - Passenger side bank (cylinders 5-8)
Locate the four ignition coils on the passenger side cylinder head. Press the locking tab on each coil electrical connector and pull straight up to disconnect. Use same technique as driver side.
8
Remove passenger side ignition coils
Using 7mm socket, remove the single bolt securing each ignition coil on passenger side. Pull each coil straight up with a twisting motion. Clean any debris from around spark plug wells using compressed air or vacuum before proceeding.
Torque spec
Ignition Coil Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
9
Remove passenger side spark plugs (cylinders 5-8)
Insert 5/8 inch spark plug socket with extension into each spark plug well. Turn counterclockwise to remove spark plugs. Inspect removed plugs and compare condition to driver side plugs.
10
Install passenger side spark plugs
Apply anti-seize compound to spark plug threads if desired. Thread new spark plugs by hand into cylinder head, ensuring straight engagement. Hand-tighten until plug seats against washer. Using torque wrench and spark plug socket, tighten to specification.
Torque spec
Spark Plug25 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11
Reinstall passenger side ignition coils
Apply dielectric grease inside coil boot if desired. Align each ignition coil over its corresponding spark plug and press down firmly until seated. Install and hand-tighten the 7mm bolt for each coil, then torque to specification. Reconnect electrical connectors to each coil until they click.
Torque spec
Ignition Coil Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12
Reinstall engine cover
Align engine cover grommets with mounting posts on valve covers. Press down firmly on cover until all grommets seat completely onto posts. Verify cover is secure and sits flush.

Reassembly

Double-check that all ignition coil electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
Verify engine cover is properly seated on all mounting points

Verification

Start engine and listen for smooth idle with no misfires or rough running
Verify no check engine light illuminates after startup
Scan for diagnostic trouble codes if engine runs rough
Allow engine to reach operating temperature and confirm smooth operation under light acceleration