2022 Honda Odyssey 3.5L Spark Plug Replacement — NGK iridium, 100K interval, DIY Guide

I did the spark plug replacement on a 2022 Honda Odyssey with 101,000 miles on it, and it's one of those jobs that looks intimidating until you actually get into it. Six coil-on-plug cylinders, a transversely mounted V6, and a minivan that your family relies on — it sounds like a dealer job. It's not. With the right socket, a torque wrench, and about 90 minutes, you can do this yourself and save $200–$350 in labor. Dealers charge $300–$450 for this service. Your parts cost: around $90–$110.

The 2022 Odyssey uses the J35Y6 3.5L i-VTEC V6 — a refined version of Honda's long-running J-series engine. Honda specifies NGK iridium plugs with a 100,000-mile replacement interval. These aren't standard copper plugs that need changing every 30,000 miles — iridium plugs are precision-gapped at the factory and designed to hold their electrode geometry through six-digit mileage. Don't replace them early just because you opened the hood; wait for the interval and do them properly when it's time.

Engine and Spark Plug Specs

Item	Spec
Engine	J35Y6 3.5L SOHC i-VTEC V6, naturally aspirated
Output	280 hp / 262 lb-ft torque
Spark plug	NGK DILZKR7B11GS (iridium laser, pre-gapped)
Honda part number	12290-5WJ-A01
Plug gap	0.044 in (1.1 mm) — pre-gapped from factory, do NOT re-gap
Plug torque	13 lb-ft (18 Nm)
Total plugs	6
COP coil bolt size	8mm
COP coil bolt torque	7.2 lb-ft (10 Nm)
Replacement interval	100,000 miles

Critical note on gapping: NGK iridium plugs for the J35Y6 come pre-gapped to 0.044". Do not use a gap tool on them. The iridium center electrode is extremely thin — a gap tool will damage or break it. Install them as-is.

Tools and Parts List

• 6x NGK DILZKR7B11GS spark plugs (or equivalent Honda 12290-5WJ-A01 OEM)
• 5/8" (16mm) spark plug socket with rubber insert
• 3-inch extension and 6-inch extension for your 3/8" ratchet
• 8mm socket (COP coil bolts)
• Torque wrench (5–20 lb-ft range)
• Anti-seize compound (thin application on plug threads)
• Dielectric grease (for coil boot interior)
• Rags and a can of compressed air

Cost Comparison

Item	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
6x NGK DILZKR7B11GS iridium plugs	$87–$105	—
Anti-seize compound (if not already owned)	$4–$6	—
Dielectric grease (if not already owned)	$3–$5	—
Total parts	~$90–$110	—
Labor	$0	$200–$340
Total	~$90–$110	$300–$450

You save $190–$340 on this service. Given the 100,000-mile interval, you'll only do this once every several years — but doing it yourself saves you as much as $340 in a single appointment.

Cylinder Layout and Access Notes

The J35Y6 is a transversely mounted V6, which means three cylinders face the front of the engine bay (cylinders 1, 3, 5) and three face the firewall (cylinders 2, 4, 6). The front bank is easily accessible. The rear bank requires a little more work but is fully reachable without removing the intake plenum if you use the right extensions.

Cylinder numbering on the J35Y6: Front bank (toward radiator) = cylinders 1, 3, 5. Rear bank (toward firewall) = cylinders 2, 4, 6.

Step-by-Step Spark Plug Replacement

1. Let the Engine Cool Completely

This is not a job to do on a warm engine. Let the Odyssey sit overnight or at least 3 hours after the last drive.

2. Prepare the Work Area

Open the hood and remove the engine cover if equipped. Use compressed air to blow out any debris from around the coil pack mounting bolts and the plug wells. Dirt that falls into a plug well during disassembly can fall into the cylinder bore when the plug is removed.

3. Remove the Front Bank Coils (Cylinders 1, 3, 5)

The three front-bank coils are clearly visible once the engine cover is off. Each coil is secured by one 8mm bolt.

Disconnect the electrical connector from each coil by pressing the release tab and pulling straight back. Remove the 8mm bolt. Pull the coil straight up and out of the plug well with a slight twisting motion. If the coil boot is stuck, a gentle side-to-side rocking motion while pulling will break it free.

4. Remove the Front Bank Plugs

Use your 5/8" spark plug socket with the rubber insert and a 6-inch extension. Loosen counterclockwise. Once loose, unthread by hand — the rubber insert in the socket will hold the plug. Remove and inspect each plug.

Healthy iridium plugs at 100,000 miles will show light tan to gray deposits — this is normal.

5. Remove the Rear Bank Coils (Cylinders 2, 4, 6)

The rear bank coils face the firewall. A combination of a 3-inch and 6-inch extension on your 8mm socket gets to the bolts. Disconnect the connectors and remove the bolts.

Pull each rear bank coil up and out. The center cylinder (cylinder 4) is the tightest — patience with the rocking-and-pulling technique gets it out.

6. Remove the Rear Bank Plugs

Same technique as the front bank: 5/8" socket with rubber insert, 3+6 inch extension stack, counterclockwise to break loose. Go slowly and make sure your socket is fully engaged before applying torque.

7. Install the New Plugs

Apply a very thin film of anti-seize compound to the first two or three threads of each new NGK DILZKR7B11GS plug. Thread each plug in by hand first. Once hand-tight, torque to 13 lb-ft (18 Nm) with your torque wrench. Don't exceed it — iridium plug bodies are smaller in diameter than old-style copper plugs.

8. Reinstall the Coils

Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the inside of each coil boot before reinstalling — this prevents the boot from bonding to the plug ceramic over time.

Slide each coil back down into its well and press firmly until you feel it seat over the plug ceramic. Reinstall and snug the 8mm bolt. Torque the coil bolts to 7.2 lb-ft (10 Nm). Reconnect each electrical connector until it clicks.

9. Reinstall the Engine Cover and Start

Replace the engine cover. Start the engine. It should start cleanly and idle smoothly. If you get a misfire code (P030X for any cylinder), shut the engine off and recheck the coil connector for that cylinder.

Notes on the J35Y6 at High Mileage

The J35Y6 is a durable engine, but the 100,000-mile mark is also a good time to inspect related items while you have the coils off. Check the coil boots for cracks or carbon tracking. Check the plug wells for any oil — oil in a plug well indicates a failing valve cover gasket.

For the complete 2022 Odyssey service schedule, see the OwnerDrop maintenance schedules guide. For an overview of high-value DIY maintenance jobs ranked by savings, see the OwnerDrop DIY car maintenance tips guide.

---

Get the full step-by-step guide in the OwnerDrop library — start your Starter plan at OwnerDrop and access every DIY guide in the collection.