2017 Dodge Charger Spark Plug Replacement (3.6L Pentastar V6)

Here's exactly how I do spark plugs on a 2017 Dodge Charger — six plugs, three on each bank, and the rear bank is the tighter of the two. The job takes about 75–90 minutes with the right setup and saves $280–$350 over a dealership service.

What You'll Need

• 6x Champion RC12ECC or Mopar OEM spark plugs (NGK DILKAR6A11H is the OEM-equivalent aftermarket choice for the 3.6L Pentastar)
• 5/8" spark plug socket (thin-wall, magnetic)
• 3" and 6" extensions
• 3/8" ratchet
• Torque wrench (in-lb or ft-lb capable down to 13 ft-lbs)
• Dielectric grease
• Compressed air (to blow debris from plug wells before removal)
• 10mm socket (for ignition coil pack bolts)
• Needle-nose pliers or connector pick for coil connectors

Estimated time: 75–90 minutes Estimated cost: $60–$100 (vs. $300–$380 at a Dodge dealership)

Before You Start on Your 2017 Charger

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 has a well-deserved reputation for reliability, but there are two things to know before you start. First, the rear bank (cylinders 4, 5, 6) sits close to the firewall — you'll need shorter extensions and patience. Second, Chrysler recommends iridium plugs at 30,000-mile replacement intervals. If you're using copper plugs, drop to 15,000-mile intervals. I run OEM Mopar plugs and replace at 30K regardless.

The 3.6L Pentastar does not require anti-seize on the spark plug threads — the iridium plugs are pre-coated. Applying additional anti-seize can change the torque feel and lead to under-torquing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Let the engine cool completely — Work on a cold engine. Hot aluminum cylinder heads make it very easy to cross-thread or strip plug holes. Wait at least 2 hours after driving.
2. Remove the engine cover — The plastic engine cover pops off by pulling straight up from the four rubber grommet mounts. Set it aside.
3. Blow out the plug wells — Use compressed air to clear any debris, dirt, or water from each spark plug well before removing plugs. A foreign object falling into the cylinder is a much worse problem than worn plugs.
4. Disconnect the coil pack connector — Each coil-on-plug unit has a single electrical connector. Press the release tab and pull straight back. Note: these connectors can be stiff on older vehicles — use a connector pick or small flathead rather than yanking the wiring.
5. Remove the coil pack bolt — Single 10mm bolt per coil. Remove it and pull the coil straight up. If it's stuck (carbon buildup), twist gently while pulling — don't pry against the valve cover.
6. Remove the old spark plug — Use the 5/8" thin-wall plug socket. Turn counterclockwise. The magnetic socket holds the plug as you pull it out of the deep well.
7. Inspect the old plug — Light tan or gray electrode = healthy combustion. Black/sooty = rich running. Oil-fouled = concern. Carbon bridging = misfire history. If all six look uniform, the engine is running well.
8. Install the new plug — Thread in by hand first (critical — this prevents cross-threading in aluminum). Once hand-tight, torque to 13 ft-lbs (18 Nm) for the 3.6L Pentastar. Do not overtighten.
9. Apply dielectric grease — Put a small amount inside the coil boot before reinstalling. This prevents the boot from fusing to the plug and makes future removal easier.
10. Reinstall the coil pack — Slide the coil down over the plug, press until seated, reinstall the 10mm bolt, and reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
11. Repeat for all six cylinders — Front bank (cylinders 1, 2, 3) is straightforward. Rear bank requires a bit more patience with the extension reaching over the valve cover.
12. Reinstall engine cover and start the engine — The Charger should start cleanly with no misfires. If you get a P0300 or cylinder-specific misfire code immediately after starting, recheck that coil's connector and that the plug is properly seated.

Rear Bank Access Tips for the 2017 Charger

Cylinders 4, 5, and 6 on the rear bank sit close to the firewall. A 3" extension (not 6") gives more control in this tight space. Some mechanics remove the engine air intake duct for additional clearance — it takes 2 minutes and makes the rear plugs noticeably more accessible. The duct is held by a single hose clamp at the throttle body.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-torquing — 13 ft-lbs is the Mopar spec. Many people over-torque Pentastar plugs and then have difficulty removing them at the next service. A torque wrench is not optional here.
• Cross-threading in aluminum — Always start plugs by hand. If you feel resistance after a few threads, stop, remove, and restart. A cross-threaded aluminum head means a helicoil repair.
• Skipping the coil inspection — While the coils are out, look inside the boot for carbon tracking or cracking. Worn boots cause misfires that look like plug failures.

Troubleshooting

Misfire on one cylinder after the job: First check the coil connector — it's the most common cause. Pull it and re-seat it. If that doesn't resolve it, swap the coil pack with an adjacent cylinder to see if the misfire follows the coil (coil failure) or stays on the same cylinder (plug, wire, or injector issue).

Plug won't thread by hand: The plug well may have debris. Remove the plug, blow out the well with compressed air, and retry. Never force a plug that won't thread smoothly by hand.

Final Thoughts

The 3.6L Pentastar is one of the more DIY-friendly V6s out there — six accessible plugs, no special tools required beyond a thin-wall socket. At 30,000-mile intervals, this is a job you'll do every two to three years. Do it right once and it becomes routine. For everything else on your 2017 Charger — brakes, oil, belt service, suspension — get the full repair library at OwnerDrop — starting at $29.99/mo.

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Need complete step-by-step guides for your 2017 Dodge Charger? Check out the DIY serpentine belt replacement guide and the Complete DIY Mechanic Library at OwnerDrop.