Quick answer: Spark Plug Replacement on a 2008–2014 Scion xD is rated Moderate and takes about 45–60 minutes. You'll need 5 tools for this job, and parts cost about $54. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| 4 spark plugs for the 2ZR-FE 1.8L |
— |
$54.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Let the engine cool
Let the 1.8L 2ZR-FE cool — a hot head with a cool plug damages the aluminum threads. Gather four Denso Iridium SC20HR11 plugs (factory-gapped 1.1mm/0.043"), a 16mm magnetic plug socket, 10mm socket, and torque wrench.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
Check the gap even on factory-gapped iridiums — I've found new ones out of spec. Never force an iridium tip to adjust it; if it's off, take the plug back.
2
Remove the engine cover
Unclip the plastic engine cover along its front edge and lift it off to expose the four ignition coils in a row on the valve cover. Set it aside on a clean surface.
3
Remove the coils
Unplug each coil connector (squeeze the tab until it clicks free), remove the 10mm hold-down bolt, and pull each coil straight up. Keep the coils in order so each returns to its original cylinder.
4
Clear debris from the wells
Blow or vacuum dirt out of each plug well before removing the plugs — debris falling into an open cylinder causes scoring and misfires. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool works well in the narrow wells.
5
Remove the old plugs
Remove all four old plugs with the 16mm socket and extension. Inspect them — heavy deposits or oil points to engine issues — and confirm each old plug's reach matches the new SC20HR11; even wear across all four is ideal.
6
Install the new plugs
Verify the 1.1mm (0.043") gap on each new plug — check it, don't force the iridium tip. Thread each plug in by hand until it seats, then torque to the manual's spec; Denso threads come coated, so no anti-seize.
7
Reinstall the coils
Seat each coil onto its plug in its original cylinder, refit the 10mm bolts, and click each connector home; a loose connector causes a misfire code, so tug-test each one. Dielectric grease goes on the boot, never the plug threads.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I tug-test every coil connector — I've had one that felt seated but wasn't throw a misfire code on the first bump, and I swore the new plugs were bad.
8
Reassemble and verify
Refit the engine cover, start the xD, and confirm a smooth idle with no check-engine light. Take a short drive to verify full power under load, then recheck for codes once the engine is fully warm.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Working on a hot engine and damaging aluminum threads.
- • Cross-threading by using a ratchet from the start.
- • Skipping the gap check on new plugs.
