Instructions for replacing the spark plugs on the Dodge Avenger 2.4 liter I4 engine - model years 2011 to 2014 (2023)

Owners of other Chrysler Group vehicles equipped with the 2.4-liter I4 engine, such as B. Sebring, 200, Caliber, Journey, Jeep Compass and Patriot may also find this DIY guide helpful.

The OEM spark plugs for an Avenger with the "PZEV" (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) version of the 2.4 liter I4 engine that includes additional emission control systems are NGK Platinum #ZFR5AP(92041).

If you have the standard 2.4 liter I4 engine the OEM spark plugs are NGK Nickel #ZFR5F-11.

Please verify the correct replacement parts for your Avenger by using theAmazon parts finderWebsite. The correct spark plugs may vary by model year, trim level and engine type (2.4L I4 or 3.6L V6).

If you plan on keeping your Avenger for any length of time I would recommend getting platinum or iridium tipped spark plugs which can easily last over 100,000 miles. The OEM nickel tipped spark plugs for the non-PZEV 2.4L engine must be replaced every 32,000 miles or every 24 months. The owner's manual specifies a much longer replacement interval of 104,000 miles or 78 months for the OEM platinum tipped spark plugs.

The tools required for this procedure include aTorx T-30Star bit screwdriver, a5/8" spark plug socket, a 6" extension rod, a 3/8" ratchet wrench, some dielectric grease, a spark plug gap gauge, 4 new spark plugs, and (optional) anti-seize lube. (Most spark plug manufacturers do not recommend using anti-seize lubricant as it can cause over tightening.)

The engine cover is held in place by four rubber friction locks that attach to pins at the top of the engine. Put the cover in a safe place.

If you have access to compressed air or a wet/dry vacuum, thoroughly clean the top of the engine to prevent debris from falling into the spark plug wells.

Press the release tab on the light gray electrical connector and slide straight off the ignition coil.

I would recommend that you check or replace one spark plug at a time to further reduce the risk of something falling into the cylinder.

Gently rotate the ignition coil back and forth a few times to ensure the rubber boot is not sticking to the top of the old spark plug.

hang on5/8" spark plug socketto a 6" extension rod and a 3/8" ratchet wrench.

Carefully loosen the old spark plug by turning it counterclockwise.

If you cannot loosen the old spark plug, do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the ceramic part of the plug.

Spray a small amount of penetrating oil like PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or Kano Kroil and wait at least 15 minutes or more before trying to loosen it again. If you don't have penetrating oil, try spraying some WD-40 or warming up the engine for a few minutes to expand the metal engine block.

Once the spark plug is loose, loosen the ratchet wrench and use the extension rod to unscrew it by hand.

Lift the old spark plug out of the well and pull it out of the socket.

If the rubber insert comes loose from the spark plug socket, pull it off the end of the old spark plug and reinsert it into the socket.

If the end of the old spark plug looks flaky, the plugs may have been exposed to high temperatures such as overheating, or they may have the wrong heat range for your driving conditions or environment.

On the other hand, if the old spark plugs are dark gray or covered in black soot, the engine may be burning oil and should be checked by a professional mechanic.

An optional step is to apply a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the top metal threads of the new spark plug. This makes the plugs easier to remove if they are not changed for another 40,000 miles. Do not get anti-seize on the electrode tip at the bottom of the new spark plug. Some spark plug manufacturers recommend thisnotUse anti-seize grease as this can cause over tightening.

Applying anti-seize to the threads of the new spark plug will require less force to tighten.

Check the electrode gap on the new spark plug with the electrode gap gauge. TheNGK ZFR5APPlatinum tipped spark plugs should be pre-set at the factory to 0.031 inchNGK ZFR5F-11Nickel tipped spark plug should have a gap of 0.043 inch. If the gap is not correct, the new candle may have been dropped, damaged in shipping, or broken and should be replaced with a new one.

Slide the new spark plug into the socket and carefully lower it into the well. Your spark plug socket should have a rubber insert or strong magnet to hold the plug securely in place.

Screw in the new connector with the extension rod by hand until it makes contact with the engine block.

Do not overtighten the spark plugs to avoid cracking the ceramic body or tearing the aluminum thread.

Make sure the new spark plug is securely in place before proceeding with the next steps.

Apply a small amountdielectric greaseup to the opening of the rubber sleeve at the bottom of the ignition coil. The dielectric grease helps keep moisture out and provides better electrical contact.

Lower the ignition coil into the well and over the new spark plug.

The dielectric grease helps keep moisture out and provides better electrical contact.

Put those in againTorx T-30screw into the ignition coil and tighten clockwise until it stops.

Try not to overtighten the screw to avoid breaking the plastic ignition coil.

Align the plastic engine cover and slide it back over the engine.

Start the engine and listen for unusual noises that may indicate a problem, such as B. a loose electrical connector or a faulty connector.

Be sure to note the spark plug change in your vehicle's maintenance records.

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