Plug change on 02 sorrento

[sailorich]

Does the exhaust manifold have to be removed to change plugs on this vehicle? Are there any other snags I can expect when replacing them?

[pistnbroke]

no not the exhaust manifold but some brackets that get in the way do ..the coils are under the LHS cover and cables lead to the RHS ...some say taking the inlet manifold off helps and you will need to take off the throttle body for access

[nstoolman1]

(Pistnbroke: no not the exhaust manifold but some brackets that get in the way do .the coils are under the LHS cover and cables lead to the RHS ...some say taking the inlet manifold off helps and you will need to take off the throttle body for access) What he said and a little more. Without knowing how many miles or KM's are on the truck or if these would be the second set I will say this. If high mileage or second set of plugs I would change the plug wires. Be very careful and put them in the exact same location they came out of. You most likely will get "cross fire" (KIA statement not mine) if you don't. I was able to do them without pulling the surge tank. If you pull the surge tank definitely replace the PCV valve. I is located DS rear top of engine. Far easier with intake removed. The coil packs are a fuzzy area. Replace or not. It's your wallet. Hope this helps.

[04SorentoLX]

Originally Posted by sailorich

Does the exhaust manifold have to be removed to change plugs on this vehicle? Are there any other snags I can expect when replacing them?

As per KIA dealer parts dept the other day when i had my intake done. The OEM plugs are NGK DOUBLE PLATINUM. They good for 60,000-70,000 or more if you try your luck. They are $15+ each. Very close to what AUTOZONE gets too. And yes it is far easier to do them when the intake is being done or off. Again like the other said mileage is everything. If you got 80,000 and they are doing the intake get the plugs done. And teh wires if your so inclinded to do so. If not i guess there are those here that have done them with teh intake still on and best of luck. I did not have mine done with teh intake as i had 47,000 on it. Adn they even with teh intake off were rooking me $165 to do them. The shop rate from normal replacement terms they said is $290 ($95 for sixplugs and then sick labor). I told them not to do them. Will milk the ones i got till 70,000 AND THEN SPEND THE DAMN $290 then. If all of a discount i am getting for doing them now while they are there is $125. Will deal with teh bill then on them 70,000 or more plugs rather then change out 47,000 miles plugs now.

[rj7hills]

The plugs are a bear to get to, but it can be done w/o removing the intake or throttle body if you have a couple of extensions and swivels for your ratchet.

Remember to use Anit-Sieze on the plug threads - steel plugs and aluminum heads can become very attached to each other and the threads usually pull out of the heads when that happens.

Also use Dielectric grease in the inside of the plug wire boots. Just a little will do, but it seals the connection and makes the wires easier to remove at the next plug change.

Just my .02

[sailorich]

Thank you for the input!