Servicing Engine on CX9

[Johnny Mac]

Hello Everyone
I have owned a 2010 CX9 for a year now and it has just turned over 60,000 miles. The car has been flawless and a pleasure to drive. The only negative has been the gas milage 22mpg on the open road and 19mpg around town. However I accept this, as the car offers much more than the Equinox, which I traded for this vehicle.
I teach Autoshop here in Sioux Falls and yesterday I brought the car into my shop, (student have now departed for the summer) to give it its 60,000 mile birthday present and a good going over before I take it on a road trip to Augusta Georgia next week. I wanted to check and if necessary change the spark plugs. I would like to replace the motorcraft spark plus with NGKs, any comments here? First problem I encountered was a broken wiring connector clip, which holds the wires onto the ignition coil, (DCI). I tried buying one from the local Mazda dealer and was told that I had to buy the whole wiring harness to get this connector. Wow at $260 it becomes an expensive connector. I realise that the red slide is the double lock on the connector, however I would like to fix it correctly, (if possible). I appreciate reading the advice and comments from the site members, as I could not find anywhere the upper plenum gaskets when I searched for Mazda parts. Ford to the rescue here.
I would appreciate it very much if, anyone give me a direction or part number where to buy those connectors from? Thank you and have a great day. John

 

[10Molavi]

I always use OEM spark plugs in my cars. Have had bad luck changing, and I am usually an after market type of a guy.
On the tab, I know on the Camry that I have, everybody on the net has broken a few of them. I broke one. The plug has been fine. Some have taped it, but seems like you are fine without it. I am OCD about stuff like this too, but sometimes you have to let it go.

 

[Johnny Mac]

Hello Thank you for taking the time to reply, it is appreciated. I went to my local salvage yard, (Nordstroms which are in Garretson SD) and I was able to buy a connector from a 2008 Ford Fusion which is the same and it fitted. The cost was $3.They are a great company to buy from and have over 65 acres of cars.
I am now waiting for the plenum gaskets to arrive and I can get it back together. I take your point about changing brands of spark plugs. However in our modern world we now find that all AC Delco spark plugs are either made by Bosch, (smooth ceramic sides) or by Champion, (ribbed ceramic sides). I always use AC Delco in anything GM. I have long been a fan of NGK for all Asian cars and use Bosch for European cars. The original plugs in the Mazda CX9 are Motorcraft which is Ford and I suppose the Mazda is a Ford in disguise? Thank you once again. John