Well my MO has just over 129,000 and it feels like the plugs are starting to fail. Called the dealer and they want $250 US to do the work. I decided to dust off the tool chest and have at it. I puchased the NGK plugs and a new intake manifold gasket all for $80.
Below are the steps needed to do the job, it wasn't that bad and now I feel like I know my engine a little better. The old plugs had worn to a gap range of 1.35 mm up to 1.5 mm, spec is 1.1 mm. I also had one plug that had gone dead (it was wet). After the plugs change the engine was much more responsive and MPG improved as well.
Below are the steps needed to do the job, it wasn't that bad and now I feel like I know my engine a little better. The old plugs had worn to a gap range of 1.35 mm up to 1.5 mm, spec is 1.1 mm. I also had one plug that had gone dead (it was wet). After the plugs change the engine was much more responsive and MPG improved as well.
Code:
1. Obtain replacement lower intake manifold gasket and 6 NGK PLFR5A-11 spark plugs.
2. Wait until engine is cool.
3. To gain access to the rear of the intake manifold, the upper cowl first needs to be removed.
a. Remove caps from left and right windshield wiper arms.
b. Place tape on windshield marking where the wiper blades make contact with the windshield.
c. Loosen and remove the nuts the hold the wiper arms.
d. Remove the wiper arms.
e. Remove rubber strip from on upper cowling, it is held on by plastic tabs that can be pulled straight up and out.
f. Remove both left and right plastic cowling covers, disconnecting washer hoses from both.
g. Remove bolts that secure the lower cowling cover string from passenger side, then remove the cowling itself.
4. Remove engine cover.
5. Remove Intake Manifold Collector
a. Remove air cleaner air duct
b. Disconnect vacuum hose and water hose from intake manifold collector (3).
c. Disconnect EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve (12) mounting bolt from intake manifold collector (11).
d. Remove Vacuum tank (9) from intake manifold collector (11)
e. Disconnect power steering hose bracket
f. Remove top 2 bolts from intake manifold support bracket (15)
g. Remove PCV hose (between rocker cover and intake manifold collector)
h. Remove Harness bracket (5) from intake manifold.
i. Remove VIAS control solenoid valve from intake manifold
j. Loosen intake manifold bolts in reverse order from illustration.
k. Gently lift up and remove intake manifold
6. Replace intake manifold gasket (10).
7. Repeat for each plug:
a. Remove ignition coil from over plug.
b. Remove spark plug using 16MM spark plug wrench
c. Replace plug with: NGK PLFR5A-11 Standard Gap: 1.1 mm (0.043 in) nominal. Or same numbered plug as OEM.
8. Reassemble in reverse order and torque to spec.