You should change the spark plugs in your 2000 Kia Sephia about every 50,000 miles, or more often if you drive aggressively. As the spark plugs age, they lose their ability to provide a consistent spark to ignite the gas vapors in the cylinders. As a result, the engine runs roughly and inefficiently. Changing the spark plugs in a 2000 Kia Sephia is a fairly straightforward project, although it is time-consuming. Novice home mechanics should allow three to four hours for this project.
Open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid the risk of shock while changing your spark plugs.
Remove the six Phillips screws holding the plastic engine cover in place. Lift off the cover and set it aside.
Locate the two spark plug wires running to the top of the engine block, one on each side. Grasp one of the wires by the rubber boot and gently pull up until it releases from the spark plug.
Attach a 5/8-inch spark plug socket to the extension adapter on the ratchet and place the socket firmly over the spark plug. Turn the plug counterclockwise to remove it.
Place the spark plug gap tool on one of the new spark plugs. The ideal gap for the 2000 Sephia is between 0.028 inches and 0.032 inches. If the spark plug has a gap wider than 0.032 inches, adjust it with the spark plug gap tool.
Insert the new spark plug into the spark plug hole and turn it clockwise with your fingers. Once it is finger tight, use the ratchet and spark plug socket to tighten it. Repeat this process for the spark plug on the opposite side.
Locate the other two spark plugs. They are under insulated covers connected to the first two spark plugs by white wires. Use a ratchet with a socket to remove the bolts holding these covers down. Lift the covers off and replace the spark plugs using the same process you used for the first two.
