where are the spark plugs
4 Answers
littlehorn answered 16 years ago
Here are directions for the 2003 Sorento, 2004 should be similar. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_are_the_spark_plugs_located_on_a_2003_Kia_Sorento
The spark plugs are in the v -channel on each side on a v-6 3.5 LT motor . The channel is covered by a black plastic cover each side . If you change out the plugs your self plan on taking 4 to 6 hours each side for replacement .Have to remove brackets etc covering the covers .Have to use some small wrench's in ten MM range and a six inch long ext for ratchet with deep well socket with rubber insert .Gap is aprox .043 to .044 for NGK plugs . Both sides are buggers .On passenger side have to remove all the air intake stuff including air filter box top half and side brackets on motor and some vacuum hoses . And better install 100,000 mile plugs .I have the factory Manuals for the 2004 Kia Sorento and as for helping to show you how replacement is done would rate the manuals zero . The forums do a better job .The manuals are not as good as the GM shop factory manuals . Tried to locate the transfer case control module by reading the factory manual and locating the ECU and it was a waste of time . Both are under the carpet in the floor foot well on the passenger side the Transfer case module is on the side of the hump on passenger side just below the dash.
You might as well replace the valve cover gaskets while you are at it. They are going to leak eventually if not already by 100k miles. This way you save the labor of doing the same job twice. Do the valve cover gasket first then change the plug with the cover off. This will make it much easier to access the spark plugs. Yes I agree they are a bugger.I am in the middle of this job right now. It is a lot bigger than I thought. There are lots of bolts to remove. At present I have over 20 and I am only done with the passenger side. Also the plastic becomes hard and brittle do to the engine heat. The spark plug covers disintegrated like paper when touched. Plan on buying new ones at Kia or going with out. Be very patient with this job. It is very tedious and time consuming.
