Spark plug replacement, how do I get to the back three spark plugs?

Tiny
EZEX
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 KIA SEDONA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
My car listed above EX model has 120,000 miles on it. It's overdue for new spark plugs. How are you supposed to reach the back three spark plugs on this car?
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 9:30 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED MECHANIC
Hi,

To access the rear three spark plugs, the intake manifold needs to be removed. Anything to make a simple job a bit more difficult. LOL

I attached the directions for the removal and replacement of the manifold. Once it is removed, you will have clear access to the coil packs and spark plugs.

Take a look through the directions below and let me know if you have questions.

Take care and let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
EZEX
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Do I need to replace any gaskets? Or the old gaskets should be fine?

The car is at 120,000 miles. Is there anything else I should bother doing once I'm already in the engine like that? I don't have any o2 codes. Is there any reason to just replace the o2 sensors anyway?
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 AT 4:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED MECHANIC
Hi,

My first automotive teacher always said, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." LOL I have lived with that philosophy all my life. Over the years, I have seen so many people replace parts that weren't bad only to create a problem. I would leave the sensors alone.

As far as the gaskets, yes, I would replace them. They are not expensive and if they are original, they will likely leak at this mileage.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
EZEX
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Lol. So which gaskets do I need?
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
EZEX
  • MEMBER
The main reason I'm doing spark plugs is that the manual calls for them at 100k and I'm 20k+ past that. And my milage is terrible. So, hoping it'll fix that. And I've noticed the car takes a bit long to start, particularly on cold starts, especially when it's cold out. Could that be related?
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 AT 5:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED MECHANIC
Hi,

I believe all you need are the intake gaskets. And as far as the plugs are concerned, certainly they could be causing the issues you mentioned.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
EZEX
  • MEMBER
Should I replace the ignition coils at the same time as the spark plugs? Or replace just the boots? Or just reinstall the old coils? I'm not getting any codes or any ignition problems. I'm just at 120k when the manual calls for a spark plug change at 100,000. And I have reduced MPGs.
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Saturday, April 15th, 2023 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED MECHANIC
Hi,

If the coils are working properly, I would reuse them. That is what is normally done. Also, with what I'm seeing with faulty parts, you will likely get one that is worse. LOL

Let me know.

Take care,

joe
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Saturday, April 15th, 2023 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
EZEX
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I'm in major trouble. There's 2 coolant hoses coming off the throttle body. One of them attaches to this plastic fitting which cracked. What is that fitting attached to and what are my options?
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
EZEX
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Another pic.
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
EZEX
  • MEMBER
Cancel! It's part number 25672-3c200.

But from the bolts holding down the throttle body one is a shorter 14mm bolt that mounts the throttle body to the car body. What's the screw size? Lost that screw and need to get a replacement.
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 1:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED MECHANIC
Hi,

As far as the bolt is concerned, that isn't provided in my manuals. However, the ones that were longer should be the same thread pitch and diameter. Do you remember approximately how much shorter it was? Can you gauge a length by looking at the part vs where it bolts?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 8:02 PM

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