How to Change the Spark Plugs on a 2010 GMC 1500

The 2010 GMC 1500 pickup has the latest in ignition technology the coil on plug system. The coil-on-plug system utilizes one coil over each spark plug. The advantages are a cooler coil with more time to charge, less discharges, a stronger spark and it allows the engine to operate with one or more coil failures. In a single coil system, the coil feeds all the plugs. If it fails, the engine will not run. The term "coil-on-plug" is a misnomer. The coil has a spark plug boot that connects it to the plug.

Instructions

1

Unplug the electrical connector on each coil. Remove the 10 mm bolt securing each coil to the valve cover, using a socket.

2

Remove each coil by simultaneously twisting and lifting the coil out of the recess in the valve cover containing the spark plug. Lay each coil on the intake manifold directly above each recess. Remove all the spark plugs using the spark plug socket.

3

Gap the new spark plugs to 0.045 with the spark plug gap tool. Install the spark plugs by turning the socket -- without the ratchet -- clockwise to tighten each plug. Hand-tighten only as far as you can turn them in. To make them snug, put the ratchet on the socket and turn the plug until it stops, then continue another quarter turn. Do not apply torque to the plugs or overtighten them because the cylinder heads are aluminum and the threads will strip easily.

4

Install all the coils by carefully inserting the spark plug boot into the spark plug recess in the valve cover, making sure the boot fits on the top of the plug. Press down to snap it onto the plug. Align the bracket hole on the coil with the one on the valve cover. Insert the 10 mm bolt and tighten it.

5

Plug in all the coil electrical connectors.