How to Tune up an Accord

The basic tuneup of a Honda Accord consists of replacing the spark plugs; while not required, you may also replace the spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor. Since the Accord is fuel-injected, you don't have any carburetor adjustments to make during a tuneup. When working with the ignition system, if you are just replacing the plugs and wires, you do not need to remove the negative battery cable.

Things You'll Need

  • Insulated plug wire pliers
  • Spark plug socket and ratchet
  • Set of new spark plugs
  • Pull the wire off the first plug using your fingers or the spark plug wire pliers by grabbing the wire at the boot as close to the plug as you can. If you pull the wire instead of the boot, you risk pulling the wire out of the boot and ruining it.

  • Remove the spark plug using the spark plug socket and ratchet. Insert the new plug into the hole and screw it in as far as you can by hand.

  • Tighten the plug snugly with the spark plug socket. Do not overtighten the plug, as you could strip the thread or break the porcelain component. Press the wire firmly onto the plug; you should hear or feel it snap securely into place.

  • Repeat this process for each of the other spark plugs.