2003 Ford Explorer Sport Spark Plug Replacement Guide

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There’s a decent chance you will be required to replace your old and worn out spark plugs several times during your ownership of a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport. Spark plugs are one of the most important components inside your engine as they begin the entire combustion process that starts and keeps your engine running for many thousands of miles. Like most engine parts and components, spark plugs experience wear over time and eventually need replacement, but fortunately this is a repair you can do yourself. Odds are, if you’ve found yourself here, you have no idea how to do that, or maybe you’d just like to know what kind of spark plugs you need to buy. The complete process of changing your spark plugs should take about 20-45 minutes. This article will go over everything you should need to know about your Ford Explorer Sport’s spark plugs, whether you need some general information or a full, step-by-step guide to performing a spark plug change.

Correct spark plugs on a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport

Champion Copper Plus 304 Spark Plug (Carton of 1) – RS9YCFor any 2003 Ford Explorer Sport, you can use CHAMPION 304 spark plugs. These will be an exact fit and will match the required specifications of your engine. As this 2003 Ford Explorer Sport features a 4.0L V6 engine, ensure you purchase 6 spark plugs. We always try to recommend the best possible spark plugs for the money, and these spark plugs are either a factory recomendation or an equivalent replacement available in today’s market at a reasonable price.

How often should I change my spark plugs?

In general, it is advised that you replace spark plugs once every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Of course, please make sure to check your owner’s manual to determine the exact interval determined by Ford for the 2003 Explorer Sport. Of course, if you drive your vehicle more aggressively or own a Ford Explorer Sport with some modifications, you may want to consider changing your spark plugs closer to the 20,000 miles end of that spectrum.

However, there are also classic signs of a car that may potentially need a spark plug replacement prematurely, such as:

  • Rough idle
  • Engine misfiring
  • Problems starting your engine

Consider that this list is absolutely not comprehensive, and these problems on their own do not definitively point to the spark plugs being the solitary culprit. However, the best way to prevent any issues with your vehicle is to take care of it with regular maintenance, and you are definitely doing so with the responsible decision to replace your 2003 Ford Explorer Sport’s spark plugs on a regular basis.

Changing spark plugs on a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport

This is a process you should be able to do on your own with some ordinary garage tools. Of course, consult your owner’s manual, as well as a factory service manual or an equivalent Haynes or Chiltons manual. The video shown below does a good job of outlining the process.

Helpful Tools

As noted before, you should be able to complete a spark plug change with some regular tools you most likely already have. However, there are a few tools that are specific to this job that you may not have, and we also want to recommend some general tools that you should for sure have in your toolbox if you do not already.

  • A spark plug tester – this is definitely a niche tool, but it can save you lots of time. Although we’ve discussed spark plug replacement being a good thing to replace regularly and not just when issues occur, you may also be replacing your spark plugs because of an issue. This tool can help you diagnose the definite problem.
  • A set of spark plug sockets – These come in very handy because many standard sockets are not deep enough for spark plugs. In addition, some spark plug holes are a bit smaller, so it requires a thinner wall like the one featured in the product here to fit. The linked product also features a magnet to keep a good hold of the spark plug so you do not drop it into your engine bay!
  • A torque wrench is a vital tool to have in your toolbox. You should check your FSM (factory service manual) to determine the correct torque rating to use when putting in the new spark plugs for your 2003 Ford Explorer Sport to be certain they are installed properly.
  • A spark plug gap tool. This allows you to check the gap of your spark plugs and change it if necessary. Most plugs will come pregapped, but if this is not the case, you should for sure have one of these.

Tips for changing spark plugs on your 2003 Ford Explorer Sport

Ensure you reference the video above before you attempt to repair the spark plugs on your 2003 Ford Explorer Sport, as well as review your FSM (factory service manual). Also, see the tips included below here to help you as you perform this repair.

  • Your engine should be cold before you replace your spark plugs. Ensure you wait at least 30 minutes after your engine has been running before attempting to replace the spark plugs on your 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  • During this process, one of the most vital things to ensure you do is to avoid overtightening the plugs or worse, cracking them due to overtightenting. Use a torque wrench capable of lower, more precise torque ratings to be sure that you don’t make this mistake.
  • Take this (unofficial advice) lightly as many spark plug manufacturers advise against the use of anti-seize. However, I have heard from numerous old-school mechanics that they always apply a small amount of anti-seize to the threads of their spark plugs, especially on older vehicles.
  • It’s not a bad idea to use dielectric grease when installing new spark plugs. You can apply a a very light coating to the inside of the boot and the ceramic part of your spark plugs. It prevents voltage leak and helps avoid the misfortune of the boot fusing to the spark plug over time.
  • Before starting, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. It’s a good idea to disconnect the battery anytime you work on the electrical system of your Ford Explorer Sport or any other vehicle.

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