How easy is DIY for the spark plugs?

[jadmt]

I think it really depends on how you drive the car... mazda conservatively tells you to change at 40k because some people get boost addicted and run the engine hard lol

on a turbo engine, the more boost/harder you run the engine, the faster the spark plugs wear compared to a non-turbo as the cylinder pressures and heat are far greater

if you don't drive your car like you stole it, putt around off boost most of the time, then your spark plugs probably will last as much as the 75k miles the non-turbo recommended change interval is

I run mine in sport mode much of the time......I am sure there are some that run harder but much of my miles are enjoying the upper regions of the tach....it would be rare that I will keep this car another 50,000 miles but if I do I will be going at least 50,000 miles before I change plugs again..the nice thing tho is they are really simple to change.

 

[cx5_2014]

It's the easiest thing you can do.. Takes like 5-10 minutes if you have all the tools.

Make sure you have the right spark plug socket (and make sure it's magnetic). I have a 5/8" socket that I used on previous cars including a Mazda 3, I thought it would fit.. But nope, it's a 9/16" or 14mm.

Then you just need an extension, socket wrench and torque wrench.

The spark plugs should come pre-gapped so you just pop em in..


These are the ones I bought from Rockauto NGK 94124

Edit: https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

Don't buy on Amazon I've heard there are fakes on there. Rock auto is the best place to buy

 

[kendel7]

The easiest way to tell is testing their resistance with a multimeter. Takes but a few minutes. Resistance should be 5k ohms or extremely close to that. Fake plugs will be all over the place.

I just bought a set (NGK 94124) from Auto Zone, and received readings of 4.02, 4.45, 4.65, and 4.73. Are these readings ok?

 

[leeharvey418]

Are these readings ok?

Assuming those are kΩ, yes.

 

[kendel7]

Assuming those are kΩ, yes.

Assuming those are kΩ, yes.

Yes....dial set on 20k on the ohm side.

 

[leeharvey418]

Yes....dial set on 20k on the ohm side.

Then you’re golden.

 

[jadmt]

I just bought a set (NGK 94124) from Auto Zone, and received readings of 4.02, 4.45, 4.65, and 4.73. Are these readings ok?

those are about what my used ones were after 39000 miles mine were all around 4.80 give or take...

 

[Mazdiod2]

Don't buy on Amazon I've heard there are fakes on there. Rock auto is the best place to buy

They are almost $16 now on Amazon. Some of the bad reviews make me think some people buy a set, then return (phony) merchandise in the NGK boxes and the Amazon vendor doesn't check. One person got a set of Autolite plugs.
While most of the reviews are positive it seems like there could be a risk.
Mazda wants a lot more for them than Autozone, I presume.

 

[leeharvey418]

They are almost $16 now on Amazon.

I assume you’re talking about plugs for the NA engine? Because the ones I got were and are still $20.XX a piece, and Amazon’s ‘as low as’ price is $20.12.

I probably could have gotten mine a bit cheaper, but I found a legit seller with fast shipping and stopped there.

 

[Mazdiod2]

Yes the NGK 94124 are for the NA. I know the genuine Mazda branded ones are a lot more than that.

 

[yrwei52]

I just bought a set (NGK 94124) from Auto Zone, and received readings of 4.02, 4.45, 4.65, and 4.73. Are these readings ok?

 

[cx5_2014]

there's no "special spark plug socket"... it's just a 14mm spark plug socket... 14mm spark plugs are very common these days across different brands... it's just something new, that's all

There are ones that are 14mm deep well and have magnet or rubber inside them to grip the plug so you can pull them out