The Hyundai Santa Fe Replace 6 cyl spark plugs

Introduction / History

Replacing the spark plugs on a Hyundai Santa Fe is quite intensive and most owners choose to let the dealership perform the procedure. But there are a few that would want to do it themselves. This guide is for them. Note: The Dealership/service department charges several hundred dollars to change the plugs, so doing the procedure is worth it. But only if you are sure you are up to it. Good luck.

Disclaimer

Difficulty level / scale: On a scale of 1 - 10

Time to perform procedure:

Tools and materials needed:

NGK PFR5N-11	Champion RC12PYP

Step 1 - Precautious measures (optional).

(Click on images to open up in full size)	01-	Disconnect negative wire on battery. (This is optional, but it is preferred for safety.)
(Click on images to open up in full size)	02-	If you do disconnect the battery, make sure you write down your radio settings, since they will be erased once the battery gets disconnected.

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03-

Start with the engine in a cold condition.

Step 2 - Remove engine cover.

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04-

Remove plastic engine cover from the engine block. (By removing the four bolts.)

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05-

You can remove the front plugs at this time. If the plug wires are stuck, rotate them clockwise and counter-clockwise until they are loose. Use dielectric grease on the bolts when you replace them. Anti-seize on the plug threads is also recommended. However, be careful not to get it on the electrodes.

Step 3 -Disassembling the engine cables. 

(Click on images to open up in full size)	06-	Remove back left throttle cable/ground strap small bracket bolt.
(Click on images to open up in full size)	07-	Remove front two throttle cable bracket bolts.
(Click on images to open up in full size)	08-	Remove electrical connector left of rear throttle cable main bracket.
(Click on images to open up in full size)	09-	Remove vacuum hose from left side of vacuum solenoid (don't know what that unit does but it is right below the main throttle cable bracket).
(Click on images to open up in full size)	10-	Slip vacuum solenoid off of bracket by pushing it towards the driver's side.
(Click on images to open up in full size)	11-	Remove two bolts holding the main throttle cable bracket (note: these bolts also hold a second bracket the holds the vacuum solenoid).
(Click on images to open up in full size)	12-	Remove the three rear plenum tie down bolts. The left one you can see from the left side, the right one is right below the throttle cables about an inch from the right edge of the plenum, and the center one is under the main throttle cable bracket. DO NOT REINSTALL THE CENTER BOLT WHEN REVERSING THE PROCESS. Without the center tie down bolt you MAY be able to skip steps 3-8. I didn't check so this is still unknown.
(Click on images to open up in full size)	13-	Unclamp the black rubber intake hose from the throttle body and push it under the throttle body.
(Click on images to open up in full size)	14-	Remove the hose from the the PCV valve at the top right of the front valve cover.
(Click on images to open up in full size)	15-	Remove nuts and bolts holding the front of plenum (2 nuts, 2 long bolts, 3 short bolts).
(Click on images to open up in full size)	16-	Lift plenum off studs.
(Click on images to open up in full size)	17-	Place a rag over the intake manifold so you don't drop anything into your engine.
(Click on images to open up in full size)	18-	Tilt the plenum up on the passenger side about 45 degrees and brace up with a 6-8" long piece of wood or equivalent.
	19-	Change rear plugs.
	20-	Replace everything.

Additional information:

This site was last updated 03/20/07