As the spark plugs in your Elantra age, they become contaminated with a buildup of carbon. This can cause your engine to idle roughly or backfire when you depress the accelerator. Hyundai suggests that you replace the spark plugs every 30,000 miles. However, other factors such as missed oil changes or a defective ignition coil can damage the spark plugs as well. With a few tools, you can service the spark plugs in your 2001 Hyundai Elantra right at home. The job should take 35 to 45 minutes to complete.
Raise and support the hood on your 2001 Elantra. Each spark plug wire connect to the plug with round cylindrical tubes that have a boot at the top of them. The boot is merely the point at which the wire enters the spark plug tube. When you replace the spark plugs you should always remove and replace them one at a time. This helps you avoid mixing up the spark plug wires.
Remove the spark plug tube from the spark plug farthest to the right. Grasp the boot by hand and pull it off the spark plug vertically. Do not pull the spark plug tube off by its wire or you could damage the wire within the sheathing.
Attach a spark plug socket to your socket wrench. Place the socket down over the spark plug. Loosen and remove the spark plug by turning it counterclockwise. Slowly withdraw the spark plug from its mounting position on the engine and discard it. Your new spark plugs should come pre-gapped and ready to install.
Detach the spark plug socket from the socket wrench. Insert your new spark plug into the spark plug socket. Thread the new spark plug back into the engine by hand with the socket. Once you get the plug threaded, pull the socket off it.
Connect the spark plug socket to your 3/8-inch drive torque wrench. Set the torque wrench to 11 ft.-lbs. and secure the spark plug in place.
Reattach the spark plug tube to the spark plug. Push down on the top of the boot on the tube until you feel it click into place. Repeat this process with the Elantra’s other spark plugs.
