For the 2010 Forester (Non-turbo, not sure if it makes a difference), this was incredibly easy. Just took out the battery for the right side, and the first section of the air filter for the left (didn't even have to remove the 2nd/forward part like he did in this video). All plugs are easily within reach with a swivel socket. I've never done the spark plugs on this car before, did the job in about half hour. Idk why in all that is holy people would bother lifting the engine out for this. Thank you for this video, it helped a ton!

@nateb4543

Жыл бұрын

Mechanics quoted me $260 in labor for replacing plugs. I have to assume they'd mess with engine to cost that much. As a matter of principle, I'm gonna figure it out and do myself

@alixvandurand

Жыл бұрын

@@nateb4543 $260?? Holy crap. No way in hell it should cost that much, unless you have a different model that has a totally different engine set up?

@nateb4543

Жыл бұрын

@@alixvandurand it was like $900 to replace my oil pan. This was the same place that i found the best price (and did more) for my head gasket. So now i don't know if they're good or not. Maybe the tech's got raises to match inflation before everyone else 😬

@JMeno-xy9cl

Жыл бұрын

Reading this comment brings me so much joy I cannot begin to express. I was quoted around $280 as well to get them switched out and have been getting more into the habit of taking care of my subi myself. I too have a 2010 and you have me feeling a lot better about switching them out myself. Any other semi-pro tips?

@alixvandurand

Жыл бұрын

@@JMeno-xy9cl yeah man! Do it yourself for sure, it was easy and very quick. As I mentioned in my first comment, all you need to do is take out the first part of air filter on left, battery on right and get a swivel socket extension for whatever ratchet you're using to retrieve and install the spark plugs. Otherwise, no special tools or tricks, except don't overtighten of course haha Good luck!

Just literally finished my plug change on my 2012 Forrester using your information. Your video was very well done. I purchased a swivel head socket driver and that helped with my bigger arms and hands. Your directions were right on. Thanks

@gridsquare

Жыл бұрын

Glad I could offer any assistance!!

No need for special tool - local autozone will have 9/16 spark plug socket (9/16 is 14.3mm so it fits like a glove) - assuming you are in USA. As you change the spark plugs and need to disassemble air intake anyway - buy new air filter (~$10) I did this yesterday - thanks for a video - it gives a good idea what needs to be done. Both hands will be cover with grease and dirt - you really need your fingers to feel some of the assembly - gloves will have to go off. Both side sparkplugs that sits deeper (closer to the wheel) are really hard to get to so be patient and don't give up. Removing air intake assembly takes little bit more - video does not show all little clips and air hoses - but it is straight forward - just look around and check what else is plugged to it. 2h is a good estimate. Car has 113000 miles - first time changing sparkplugs. Thanks again , I would not do it without this video.

@beefen7921

2 жыл бұрын

so did you only use the 9/16 spark plug socket without using any special tools from the video?..

Heres a tip. I've owned the turbo engines for years. They are the same way. Easiest thing I have found is to take a spark plug socket and drop into the hole, take a short extension and connect to the socket and get on the spark plug. You should barely have any extension sticking out of the hole. You use the ratchet to break the plugs loose and finger them the rest of the way. To get the plug out you do the reverse. Pull the socket to the top. Hold it and disconnect the extension anc pull the socket and plug out last. The new one goes back in the same way except you rotate the spark plug backwards to ensure it seats without cross threading and tighten it by hand. At the end you should take the ratchet and torque it down.

awesome.. seems straightforward... my 2nd hand 2011 Forester (140k) will need a spark plug change soon.. last plug was changed at 84k by the original owner.. can't wait to get a little dirty!.. thanks for the video!

Good video guys. Straight forward and to the point. Quick to watch. And saved me a ton of time and $$$. Thanks.

Always have an extension magnet handy to pull the plugs out

This is so helpful, saving this for when it's my turn to change out the spark plugs! Thank you!

Super helpful video, thanks! 😃

Great video, did my plugs, no problem. Thanks!

I'm planning to do this on my son's Forrester this weekend. Man, Subaru sure made that difficult. I remember changing plugs on my '89 Civic and access couldn't have been any easier - nothing to remove, lined up in a neat row, and barely had to lean in to do the job.

Thanks for posting this. My 2012 Forester has about 63k miles on it, and it's time for plugs. Ordered the 14mm thin-wall, magnetic, swivel, spark plug socket from amazon just now. I will report back in about a week or so. Wish me luck, LOL...

@daves2433

3 жыл бұрын

What did your plugs look like after 63k? On my Mazda 3, I looked after 120K miles... Bosch platinum +4 plugs still looked fine.

@ARDG89

Жыл бұрын

Plug change at 63k miles?? What did they look like?

You guys are doing God's work down here. Bless you.

Thank you for the video!

Great info! Thanks!

On our 2009 2.5 L. It was a little easier maybe there’s more room anyways I used a 5/8 plug wrench socket with 3 inch extensions. You put one extension on the socket get in the hole then add another extension and a third if needed worked pretty well for us as he says, make sure you slowly rotate the boots back-and-forth so you don’t tear or break them and protect the wiring. Always clean the plugs and use anti-seize and make sure you torque them down to 155 inch pounds. Yes inch pounds each one of ours had oil in the bay because someone did not torque him down properly.

Looked this up since I just got an estimate for labor only of $241 for spark plug replacement. I'd done this on other Subarus and it wasn't a problem... looks like they made a tighter fit to make things difficult... so maybe some new tools and I'll be set.

Ty for this. Easy job. Idk how I was quoted 600$ in labor 🤣🤣

Who lifts the engine to change the plugs?! I guess since you don’t have to gap them yourself anymore you gotta do something to make it exciting. Speaking of…Thanks for not editing out the bloody knuckle buster at first plug! Awesome.

Great video !!!!

I understand your frustration. TY

I've done mine (2010 Forester) and it was a pain. But, just take your time and (if needed) walk away for a few minutes before you break something out of frustration. It can be done but takes some time and patience. My '66 mustang was much easier.

@misskittystryker

6 ай бұрын

This is excellent advice!

@user-zx5rx5gp3j

6 ай бұрын

You will need a "fine toothed" ratchet, an extension as well as the appropriate spark plug socket. Removing the battery helps a lot. But the most important thing in auto mechanics is patience and walking away to cool off before you get too frustrated and break something that you would then have to fix/replace as well.

So, I need a "thin wall" 14mm spark plug socket? I have swivels. It was a great video that helped alot. Gould have added the spark plug gap, but that's easily googled. Thanks

I have checked for my size and I was wondering, do separatec make it 3xl underwear.

lol thats hilarious literely have my one k&n sticker in the exact same spot, thanks for the vid

It was really annoying! I changed my mom's camry the same day and spent 15 min! even with that magnetic spark plug socket...plus I don't think I torque the spark plug right and now the engine has a rough idle...not sure what the problem is...maybe I got a fake spark plug from amazon? but I need to go back in and inspect my work...so I was looking to jack it up and save some time. I think it took me about 4 hrs, I kept dropping tools, bolts, forgetting which way to turn the coil, etc, etc... What would be the negative of jacking it up an 1" or 2" to get a straight access to the spark plug and coil? I found that If i had 1 extra inch it would have been perfect...I have an XT maybe it's tighter than yours?

Great video. I'm sure with even slicker tools it would be even easier. I will report back. But I am thinking "Gear Wrench."

I'm watching this after owning an Audi, and this looks like a nightmare for something that needs to get replaced frequently... but then again, changing almost anything else on an Audi is a nightmare

Thank you for this video! Where did you get the Tokyo Roki oil filters? I can’t find them for my 2013 forester? Do you have a parts number? Thank you!

@sodasandwich

3 жыл бұрын

check Subaru Source online store.

Remove three 14 MM bolts to undo both engine mounts and exhaust hangar. jack up engine 2 inches, then do what you see here. SOOOOOO much easier.

always wind the plug in by hand never ever use a ratchet to wind it in as cross threading is a very real possibility , you feel the cross threading by hand you wont with a ratchet until its too late

About To Try This Wish Me Luck

I need to know how to get to cylinder3, which you don't show

The spark plug socket you linked did not fit the spark plus of my 2010FXT. Would it be a 5/8-Inch Magnetic Swivel socket instead? Update soon

@kervinonyoutube1780

2 жыл бұрын

UPDATE! 2010 FXT. TURBO MODEL Very similar to this video with some different procedures. I can confirm that the way to change the spark plugs you have to relece the mounts and lift the engine a little just enough to pull everything out. It's not too crazy of a job but some basic knowledge will go a long way. The clearance gap was .030 and I did require a 5/8 magnetic swivel socket. This tool makes the job easy dont be intimidated by this job if you are somewhat mechanically inclined.

Now i know why so expensive to do tune up. Takes about 15 min on my Honda and Chevy

Is this for EJ or FB engines?

WTH? I watched the pass side portion of the video. They popped right out! on mine they are wedged in there like their lives depended on it. Got the front one, finally. Still wrestling with the rear one. hoping to find insight on youtube

Hi thanks for the video. Just FYI the link for the tool you provided did not fit the spark plugs on my 2009 Forester. Just made a trip to Napa to grab a 16mm spark plug socket. I’m not a pro so maybe your newer model is different? Maybe double check and correct the link if otherwise. Thanks again.

@gridsquare

2 жыл бұрын

I just clicked the link and it goes to a 14mm socket, that's what we used, so I'm not sure what to tell you.

@davidkatosic3781

Жыл бұрын

some 2009’s and 10’s came with the old engine (ej25) so it will have different spark plugs. the “new” engine is fb25 which is what this video is covering

TOOL... Link doesn't work. Can you please post the name and description of the tool?

@EricVandenAkker

4 жыл бұрын

its a 14mm swivel socket, search amazon.

I ordered NGK Iridium IX plugs. They are not 14mm, actually 5/8. I'm wondering if the plugs in the car are 14mm. I'm not doing this job until winter is over.

@dolfowolfo1

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Steve, did you ever figure out which plugs are on your vehicle? I'm in the process of ordering the plugs and the spark plug socket/swivel - but am running into the issue you presented!

@JP-pq3og

2 жыл бұрын

The year of the vehicle makes all the difference for plugs.The 2011 uses 14mm but older use 5/8. check it out on Rock Auto and run your own comparison.

@Ray-wn3fr

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. I have a 2010 Forester and SP use 5/8.

Thank you. When I looked at the location of the plugs and coils on my 2011 Forester yesterday, I groaned, especially when the local Subie specialty shop had the engine out in July 2019 for oil seal repairs and failed to change the plugs, saying that they checked them and they were fine. Right. So, asking a question: This vehicle has about 170K miles and uses around a quart of oil every 1K miles. The dealer, the oil change shop, the guy who sold me the car, and the Subie Guys all said, Yep. That's normal. What say you?

@gridsquare

4 жыл бұрын

To be honest, Neil, I don't think any vehicle using a quart of oil per 1k miles is good. I did some googling and apparently Suburu's are known for their obscene oil consumption, so I guess you're in the normal side of the spectrum. I'm not a mechanic, by any means, I just made a video with my father showing an easier way to do something vs taking it to a dealership.

@chaplainand1

4 жыл бұрын

@@gridsquare thank you Wrench on!!

@18magicMARKer

4 жыл бұрын

It's not the head gasket? I have a 2012 XT no oil consumption at all. Just rough idle after a spark plug change, almost few sec it'll feel like it hesitante a little...

@VKSgtSLaughter

4 жыл бұрын

1. Check and replace your PCV valve first. If it's stuck open the car will burn oil. 2. The SH Foresters had a problem with "oil consumption" because of defective pistons/rings. There was a free warranty repair of "short block engine replacement" but you'll have to look at the details here: subaru.oemdtc.com/80/engine-oil-consumption-2013-2015-subaru 3. Install an oil catch can. That way you can measure the amount of oil blow by and keep it from contaminating your throttle body and ruining the catalytic converter. I got this one Amazon and it's good quality and doesn't cause any vacuum leaks "Ruien Universal 350ml Oil Catch Can" link: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072823VYK?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title ... I strongly recommend replacing the included hoses with quality gas & oil proof hoses from your local auto parts store. Also put a round, stainless "steel wool" pad in the bottom of the can to catch more oil vapor. 😁

@chaplainand1

4 жыл бұрын

@@VKSgtSLaughter Thank you for your detailed reply. I really appreciate the time and information. Blessings to you and yours.

14mm socket does not fit the spark plug

@ollysmith370

2 жыл бұрын

16mm socket fits the SH 2010 2.0 Ltr/150hp spark plug

I’m pretty sure the park plug size is 5/8 (16mm) I ordered the 14mm and is too small

@kervinonyoutube1780

2 жыл бұрын

I'm having the same issue I'm assuming tubro models is the 5/8 socket. I'm hoping they are small and thin enough to fit properly I'm going to return the 16mm and get the 5/8

FYI have a 2009 Forester and you need a 5/8 spark plug socket 14mm in the link doesn't fit.

@gridsquare

2 жыл бұрын

And yet we did it with a 14mm socket... Magic

coil pack.......

should have got an outlander. spark plug change with ease.

The link to the tool is broken.

Wow they really made it difficult to just change spark plugs.....

link to tool doesn't work

@gridsquare

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I fixed it. Let me know if it goes to the amazon page.

It should be mandatory that the morons who design the engine compartments of modern cars be forced to change the spark plugs for free. The owner only pays for the plugs themselves.

Boxer 4 is a stupid design

I hate Subaru’s

@joergarms1

Жыл бұрын

Than buy a VW 😄

Whoever filmed did terrible.

@gridsquare

11 ай бұрын

First time doing video on that camera and auto focus was not my friend.