Full Engine Tune-Up

Complete engine tune-up for the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo including spark plug replacement, ignition coil inspection, throttle body cleaning, and air filter replacement to restore optimal engine performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• NGK or Champion spark plugs (OEM equivalent) × 6 — Use OEM specification for 3.0L twin turbo
• Engine air filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cabin air filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ignition coil boots (if damaged) × 6 — Inspect before ordering

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch (minimum 2 hours cool-down).
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips and lifting away from rear mounting points.
4. Photograph or label all intake ducting and vacuum line connections for reference during reassembly.
5. Clear workspace around engine bay and have parts organized within reach.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine covers and air intake system
   Remove the plastic engine cover completely. Disconnect the intake air temperature sensor connector. Loosen clamps securing the intake air duct from the air filter housing to the throttle body. Remove the air filter housing by releasing mounting clips and disconnecting any breather hoses. Set aside the intake ducting to provide access to the front of the engine.
2. 2

   Replace engine air filter
   Open the air filter housing and remove the old filter element. Inspect the housing for debris or moisture accumulation and clean if necessary using compressed air and a clean rag. Install the new air filter ensuring proper seating in the housing. Close and secure the housing.
3. 3

   Replace cabin air filter
   Locate the cabin air filter housing behind the glove box. Remove the glove box by releasing the side stops (squeeze inward while lowering). Remove the cabin air filter access cover and slide out the old filter, noting the airflow direction arrows. Install the new cabin air filter with arrows pointing in the correct airflow direction. Replace the access cover and reinstall the glove box.
4. 4

   Access and remove ignition coils (Bank 1)
   Starting with the right side bank (Bank 1), disconnect the electrical connectors from each ignition coil by pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Remove the ignition coil mounting bolts using an 8mm socket. Gently twist and pull each coil pack straight out of the spark plug wells. Inspect coil boots for cracks or carbon tracking and replace if damaged.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Access and remove ignition coils (Bank 2)
   For the left side bank (Bank 2), repeat the ignition coil removal process. Disconnect electrical connectors, remove mounting bolts, and carefully extract coils from spark plug wells. Due to turbocharger proximity, work carefully to avoid damaging components. Inspect all coil boots.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old spark plugs
   Using compressed air, blow out any debris from around each spark plug well to prevent contamination from entering the cylinders. Using the appropriate spark plug socket with extension, carefully loosen and remove each spark plug. Keep plugs organized by cylinder position for inspection. Examine each plug for wear patterns, electrode erosion, or abnormal deposits that might indicate engine issues.
   ⚠Be extremely careful not to drop anything into the open spark plug holes as foreign objects will cause catastrophic engine damage.
7. 7

   Inspect and gap new spark plugs
   Remove new spark plugs from packaging and verify correct part numbers for this application. Using a spark plug gap gauge, check that each plug is gapped to manufacturer specification (typically 0.028-0.032 inches for this engine, verify with plug documentation). Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of each spark plug, avoiding the electrode area.
   ℹ️Do not over-apply anti-seize as excess compound can cause inaccurate torque readings and potentially contaminate the combustion chamber.
8. 8

   Install new spark plugs
   Carefully thread each new spark plug by hand into the aluminum cylinder head until finger-tight, ensuring plugs thread in smoothly without resistance. If resistance is felt, remove and restart to prevent cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use the torque wrench set to exactly 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) to tighten each plug. Do not exceed this torque value.
   ⚠️Aluminum cylinder heads are easily damaged by over-torquing. Never exceed 20 Nm or use impact tools on spark plugs in this engine.
   Torque spec

   Spark Plugs — Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Clean throttle body
   Locate the throttle body on the intake manifold. Disconnect the electrical connector from the throttle position sensor. Remove the throttle body mounting bolts using a 10mm socket. Carefully remove the throttle body from the intake manifold. Using throttle body cleaner spray and a clean lint-free rag, thoroughly clean carbon deposits from the throttle plate and bore. Do not force the throttle plate open manually on electronic throttle bodies. Allow cleaner to evaporate completely.
   Torque spec

   Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall throttle body
    Install a new throttle body gasket if available (reuse old gasket if in good condition). Align the throttle body to the intake manifold and install mounting bolts hand-tight. Torque the throttle body bolts to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) in a cross pattern. Reconnect the throttle position sensor electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place.
    Torque spec

    Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall ignition coils
    Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the inside of each coil boot to prevent moisture intrusion and ensure good electrical contact. Carefully insert each ignition coil into its spark plug well, pressing down firmly until it seats on the spark plug. Install the coil mounting bolts and torque to 8 Nm (6 lb-ft). Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors, ensuring each clicks securely into place.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall intake system and verify connections
    Reinstall the air filter housing and secure all mounting points. Reconnect all breather hoses and the intake air temperature sensor. Reinstall the intake air ducting from the air filter housing to the throttle body, ensuring all clamps are tight. Double-check that all electrical connectors are properly seated and all vacuum lines are reconnected per your reference photos.
13. 13

    Perform throttle body relearn procedure
    With all components reinstalled, turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not start engine). Wait 30 seconds. Turn ignition OFF and wait 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle three times to allow the ECU to relearn throttle body position. This prevents rough idle and check engine lights related to throttle adaptation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning rear mounting points first, then pressing down firmly on front clips until they snap into place.
2. Verify all tools and rags have been removed from the engine bay.
3. Check that no electrical connectors or hoses were left disconnected.

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle. Listen for any misfires, rough running, or unusual noises.
• Check that the engine idles smoothly without hesitation. Initial idle may be slightly irregular for 30-60 seconds during ECU adaptation.
• Verify no check engine lights are illuminated on the dashboard.
• Rev the engine gently to 2000-3000 RPM several times and verify smooth throttle response without stumbling.
• If available, use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored fault codes and verify all cylinders are firing correctly.
• Test drive the vehicle under light acceleration to confirm proper engine performance and boost pressure from turbochargers.
• After test drive, inspect engine bay for any fuel, oil, or coolant leaks around work areas.
• Monitor engine performance over the next 50-100 miles to ensure tune-up improvements are maintained.

More procedures for this vehicle