2017 Ford F-150 Spark Plug Replacement (5.0L V8)

The 2017 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 is due for spark plugs every 60,000 miles — skip the dealer's $350–$450 quote and do all eight yourself in an afternoon.

What You'll Need

• 8x Motorcraft SP-537 spark plugs (OEM spec for 5.0L Coyote V8, 2011–2020)
• 9/16" spark plug socket (thin-wall, magnetic)
• 6" and 3" extensions
• 3/8" drive ratchet and torque wrench
• Spark plug gap gauge (spec: 0.039"–0.043")
• Dielectric grease
• Compressed air can or shop air
• Wire coat hanger or pick tool (for coil pack retention clips)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Anti-seize compound (optional — many argue against it on coated plugs)

Estimated time: 90–120 minutes Estimated cost: $60–$80 for plugs (vs. $350–$450 at a shop)

Before You Start

The 5.0L Coyote V8 uses coil-on-plug ignition — you'll need to remove all 8 coil packs before accessing the plugs. The driver's side (bank 1) is straightforward. The passenger's side (bank 2) has slightly tighter access near the firewall but is still manageable with the right extensions. Work on a cold engine — thermal expansion can make plugs harder to remove when hot and increases the risk of thread damage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal — Prevents accidental starter engagement while your hands are near the engine.
2. Remove the engine cover — The 5.0L has a plastic beauty cover secured by push-pins or a single bolt. Pull it straight up to expose the coil packs.
3. Label the coil pack connectors — All 8 are the same but labeling with tape saves confusion on reinstall. Disconnect each electrical connector by pressing the tab and pulling straight out.
4. Remove the coil pack bolts — Each coil pack is retained by a single 8mm bolt. Remove, then pull the coil pack straight up. It may stick — a gentle twist helps.
5. Blow out the plug wells — Use compressed air to clear any debris from around the plug before removal. This prevents grit from falling into the cylinder.
6. Remove the spark plugs — Use your 9/16" plug socket with a 6" extension. Turn counterclockwise. The plugs are torqued from the factory — expect initial resistance.
7. Inspect the old plugs — Check electrode wear, color, and gap. Normal wear shows a tan/gray electrode. Oil fouling (black and wet) or coolant deposits (white/chalky) indicate engine issues.
8. Check the gap on new plugs — Motorcraft SP-537 plugs come pre-gapped at 0.039"–0.043". Verify with a feeler gauge before installing. Don't file or modify iridium electrodes.
9. Install new spark plugs — Hand-thread each plug carefully to avoid cross-threading the aluminum head. Once finger-tight, torque to 13 ft-lbs (18 Nm). Do not over-torque.
10. Apply dielectric grease — Put a small dab inside the coil boot (not on the plug tip) to prevent the boot from fusing to the ceramic insulator over time.
11. Reinstall coil packs — Push each coil pack straight down onto the plug, reinstall the 8mm bolt, and reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
12. Reconnect the battery and test — Start the engine and let it idle for 2 minutes. Clear any stored misfire codes if you have an OBD2 scanner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cross-threading the plug — Always hand-thread for the first several turns. The Coyote V8 has aluminum cylinder heads; a cross-threaded plug means a costly thread repair.
• Using the wrong plug — The 5.0L Coyote requires iridium plugs. Avoid copper plugs on this engine — shorter service life and potential misfires.
• Over-torquing — 13 ft-lbs feels light, but these are small plugs in aluminum heads. Over-torque and you'll strip threads or crack the ceramic insulator.
• Skipping the gap check — Even new OEM plugs can ship slightly out of spec. A 30-second gap check prevents a misfire diagnostic visit later.

Troubleshooting

Engine misfires after plug swap (P030X codes): First suspect a coil pack that wasn't fully seated. Remove and re-seat the coil on the misfiring cylinder. If the misfire follows the coil to a new cylinder when you swap it, replace the coil — they fail independently of the plugs.

Plug won't thread in smoothly: Stop and do not force it. Remove the plug and verify the threads in the head are clean. Use a thread chaser if needed. Forcing a misaligned plug will damage aluminum threads.

Rough idle after install: Check that all 8 coil connectors are fully clicked in. One loose connector will cause a dead cylinder and rough idle.

Final Thoughts

Replacing spark plugs on the 2017 F-150 5.0L V8 is a legitimate 2-hour DIY that saves you $300+ every 60k miles. Once you've done it once, you'll have it dialed in for next time. For more F-150 maintenance guides — oil changes, fuel filter, throttle body cleaning — browse the OwnerDrop Complete DIY Mechanic Library.

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Want the complete step-by-step system for maintaining your 2017 Ford F-150? The Complete DIY Mechanic Library covers oil changes, brakes, electrical, suspension, and more — everything in one place.