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Golf Spark plugs Install Guide

Your Golf

Pick your year to see what fits.

Restores lost power
Medium$30–$9030–90 min
All Golf mods

Why do it

Worn plugs cost power and throttle response.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.
  • Work on a cold engine. Do one plug at a time.

Steps

  1. Pull the boots

    • Pull up the plug boots.
    Watch this step (on a Mk4 2.0L) (1:04–2:35)

  2. Remove the plugs

    • Use a socket and swivel.
    Watch this step (2:35–4:08)

  3. Fit the new plugs

    • Thread them in and refit the boots.
    Watch this step (4:39–5:42)

  4. Remove the cover

    • Take off the cover.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro on a 1.8T) (0:55–1:18)

  5. Remove the coils

    • Unplug and pull the coils.
    Watch this step (1:18–4:19)

  6. Blow out the holes

    • Clear the plug holes.
    Watch this step (4:19–4:40)

  7. Remove the plugs

    • Take them out.
    Watch this step (4:40–5:41)

  8. Fit the plugs

    • Fit and torque them.
    Watch this step (5:41–8:19)

  9. Refit the coils

    • Fit the coils and cover.
    Watch this step (8:19–9:57)

  10. Remove the cover

    • Take off the cover.
    Watch this step (on a Mk5 2.5L) (1:03–3:06)

  11. Remove the coils

    • Pull the coils.
    Watch this step (3:06–6:36)

  12. Swap the plugs

    • Fit the new plugs.
    Watch this step (6:36–11:35)

  13. Torque and refit

    • Torque them and reassemble.
    Watch this step (11:35–14:41)

  14. Remove the cover

    • Take off the cover.
    Watch this step (on a Mk5 2.5L) (1:03–3:06)

  15. Remove the coils

    • Pull the coils.
    Watch this step (3:06–6:36)

  16. Swap the plugs

    • Fit the new plugs.
    Watch this step (6:36–11:35)

  17. Torque and refit

    • Torque them and reassemble.
    Watch this step (11:35–14:41)

  18. Remove the coils

    • Pull the coils.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro on a Mk5 GTI) (1:55–3:50)

  19. Swap the plugs

    • Fit and torque the plugs.
    Watch this step (3:50–6:41)

  20. Remove the cover

    • Take off the cover.
    Watch this step (on a Mk6 GTI) (0:25–1:36)

  21. Swap the plugs

    • Pull the coils and swap the plugs.
    Watch this step (1:36–5:05)

  22. Remove the cover

    • Take off the cover.
    Watch this step (on a Mk7 GTI) (0:00–1:15)

  23. Remove the coils

    • Pull the coils.
    Watch this step (1:15–1:42)

  24. Remove the plugs

    • Take them out.
    Watch this step (1:42–2:23)

  25. Fit the plugs

    • Fit and torque them.
    Watch this step (2:23–3:09)

  26. Refit the coils

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (3:09–4:54)

  27. Remove the harness

    • Unclip the harness.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro on a 2022+ Golf R) (2:42–5:08)

  28. Remove the coils

    • Pull them.
    Watch this step (5:08–7:14)

  29. Remove the plugs

    • Take them out.
    Watch this step (7:14–8:04)

  30. Fit the plugs

    • Fit and torque them.
    Watch this step (8:04–11:00)

  31. Refit the coils

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (11:00–15:09)

  32. Take off the coil bolts

    • Remove the 10mm screws.
    Watch this step (on a 2019 Jetta 1.4L) (0:01–0:56)

  33. Pull the coils and plugs

    • Take them out.
    Watch this step (0:56–2:02)

  34. Fit the plugs

    • Fit the new plugs.
    Watch this step (2:02–2:30)

  35. Refit the coils

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (2:30–3:39)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

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