maintenance

Tune-Up - Minor

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

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

A minor tune-up service for the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote V8 including spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, and basic system inspection to maintain optimal engine performance.

Warnings

⚠Perform this service only when the engine is completely cold to avoid burns from hot ignition coils and manifolds.

⚠Do not over-torque spark plugs as this can damage aluminum cylinder heads. Use a torque wrench for proper installation.

ℹ️The 5.0L Coyote engine has spark plugs located deep in the valve covers. Use caution not to drop tools or debris into the plug wells.

Tools required

Ratchet set (3/8" and 1/2" drive)Essential

Extension bars (3" and 6")Essential

Spark plug socket (5/8" or 16mm)Essential

Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential

Flathead screwdriverEssential

Needle-nose pliersEssential

Anti-seize compound

Dielectric grease

Spark plug gap toolEssential

Flashlight or work lightEssential

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Spark plugs (SP-534 or equivalent) × 8 — Motorcraft SP-534 (Platinum)
Engine air filter × 1 — Motorcraft FA-1927

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cold before starting work
Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Open hood and secure with prop rod
Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical issues during coil removal
Verify all replacement spark plugs are pre-gapped to 0.051-0.057 inches (1.3-1.45mm) per Ford specification

Procedure

1
Remove engine cover
Grasp the plastic engine cover at both sides and pull straight up firmly to disengage the mounting grommets. Set the cover aside in a clean area. No tools are required for this step.
2
Remove air intake system
Release the air box clips securing the air filter housing. Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp at the throttle body connection. Disconnect the mass airflow (MAF) sensor electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the entire air intake tube assembly to improve access to the rear spark plugs.
Torque spec
Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3
Remove old engine air filter
Open the air filter housing by releasing any remaining clips. Remove the old air filter element and inspect the housing for debris or dirt. Clean the housing interior with a clean cloth if necessary. Install the new air filter element ensuring proper seating and orientation, then close and secure the housing.
4
Disconnect ignition coil connectors - Bank 1
Starting with the passenger side (Bank 1), disconnect the electrical connectors from all four ignition coil-on-plug assemblies. Press the release tab on each connector and pull straight up. Label or photograph the locations if desired, though the connectors are keyed to prevent incorrect installation.
5
Remove ignition coils - Bank 1
Remove the single bolt securing each ignition coil using a 7mm socket or similar. Once the bolt is removed, grasp the coil firmly and pull straight up with a twisting motion to break the seal. Remove all four coils from the passenger side. Inspect the coil boots for damage or oil contamination.
⚠If oil is present in spark plug wells, there is a valve cover gasket leak that should be addressed to prevent spark plug fouling.
Torque spec
Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6
Remove and inspect spark plugs - Bank 1
Using the spark plug socket with extensions, carefully remove each spark plug from the passenger side cylinders. Turn counterclockwise slowly and ensure the socket remains aligned to prevent cross-threading. Once loose, remove by hand if possible. Inspect old plugs for abnormal wear, fouling, or damage which may indicate engine issues.
7
Install new spark plugs - Bank 1
Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of each new spark plug (avoid getting compound on the electrode). Thread each plug by hand into the cylinder head to prevent cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use the torque wrench and spark plug socket to tighten to the specified torque. Install all four plugs on the passenger side.
8
Reinstall ignition coils - Bank 1
Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the inside of each coil boot. Push each ignition coil firmly into the spark plug well until fully seated. Install the retaining bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connectors to each coil, ensuring they click into place.
Torque spec
Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
9
Disconnect ignition coil connectors - Bank 2
Move to the driver side (Bank 2) and disconnect the electrical connectors from all four ignition coil-on-plug assemblies. Press the release tab on each connector and pull straight up. Access to the rear cylinders is easier with the air intake removed.
10
Remove ignition coils - Bank 2
Remove the single bolt securing each ignition coil using a 7mm socket. Once the bolt is removed, grasp the coil firmly and pull straight up with a twisting motion. Remove all four coils from the driver side. Inspect the coil boots for damage or oil contamination.
Torque spec
Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11
Remove and inspect spark plugs - Bank 2
Using the spark plug socket with extensions, carefully remove each spark plug from the driver side cylinders. Turn counterclockwise slowly and ensure proper alignment. Once loose, remove by hand if possible. Inspect old plugs for abnormal wear patterns, comparing them to the passenger side plugs for consistency.
12
Install new spark plugs - Bank 2
Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of each new spark plug. Thread each plug by hand into the cylinder head to prevent cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use the torque wrench and spark plug socket to tighten to the specified torque. Install all four plugs on the driver side.
13
Reinstall ignition coils - Bank 2
Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the inside of each coil boot. Push each ignition coil firmly into the spark plug well until fully seated. Install the retaining bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connectors to each coil, ensuring they click securely into place.
Torque spec
Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14
Reinstall air intake system
Reconnect the MAF sensor electrical connector. Position the air intake tube onto the throttle body and tighten the hose clamp securely. Ensure all air box clips are properly fastened and the system is seated correctly with no air leaks.
Torque spec
Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
15
Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
Align the engine cover mounting grommets with the studs on the engine and push down firmly until the cover snaps into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. The installation is now complete.

Reassembly

Ensure all eight ignition coil electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
Verify the air intake system has no loose connections or air leaks
Confirm the engine cover is properly seated on all mounting points

Verification

Start the engine and listen for smooth, consistent idle with no misfires or rough running
Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no Check Engine Light illuminates
Perform a brief test drive to confirm proper acceleration and no hesitation under load
After test drive, visually inspect for any oil leaks around valve covers or loose connections
Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no pending misfire codes are present in the system