Great guide - just did mine. Getting a low-profile socket wrench is CRITICAL to this operation. Most socket wrenches are too thick to fit between the plug socket and the firewall on those back, hard to reach plugs. Also, definitely use a magnetic plug socket; not a rubber one. If the rubber comes off on the plug in that recess, you'll have a nightmare of a time getting the rubber grommet back off.
Here's a tip for everyone that's going to change their spark plugs. Get a long 3/8" wrench and use a magnet 9/16" or 14mm socket. You do not want to use a spark plug socket with the rubber in it because if it gets stuck with the plug you will have to retrieve it.
your engine is similar to 2014 Forester, it was relatively easy compare to 2019 Forester with direct injection engine. much less room, I had to move some of the electrical wire connecting to engine computer unit. much less side room compare to 2014 model.
Compared to 2.5 EJ, this looks like cake. EJ barely has room to even sneak the plugs out past the frame rails. I'm not there, though, so maybe I'm just a dumb youtube commenter.
I had to piece the tools in for the rear drivers side one. It’s crazy how little space you have. The 2.5 like you are saying may even have less space. Hopefully you don’t have to raise the engine up.
I just did 2019 Forester , also did 2014 Forester, 2019 Forester with Direct Injection is much harder. I had to remove some of the cable assembly connect engine to engine computer unit. less side room on 2019 Forester compare to 2014 Forester.
Mine is a 2015 as well and has 67,000. This manual says to change every 60,000 which I was not used too. Usually you figure 100,000. But I have a Legacy with 92,000 and changed those plugs so I figured I would do the Crosstrek as well. Both cars are the same process. Anyway, it took me about 2.5 hours. I’m not a mechanic though so you may end up doing it faster. The problem is the lack of work space but obviously it can be done.
takes about 30 mins after youve done it once or twice. a bit longer the first time. but with videos its pretty easy to get it done quick and right the first time.
I noticed you did not torque the spark plugs at the end when you put the spark plugs back in? Why is this. All my cars I have worked on I torque the spark plugs. Is this new?
Basically two reasons. One is I don’t have a torque wrench and two, I always just snug up spark plus when it’s an aluminum block. That way I don’t strip them out. I’ve never had a problem with a spark plug that I simply snugged up.
@@Subariblet These sparkplugs are very long. Chance of stripping the block or sparkplug is zero. Some older Audi models have a very short thread...I hated those. They would get pushed out while driving.
Great guide - just did mine. Getting a low-profile socket wrench is CRITICAL to this operation. Most socket wrenches are too thick to fit between the plug socket and the firewall on those back, hard to reach plugs. Also, definitely use a magnetic plug socket; not a rubber one. If the rubber comes off on the plug in that recess, you'll have a nightmare of a time getting the rubber grommet back off.
True. I used a thin walled plug socket to get the plug out. Thick ones will not give enough clearance.
Here's a tip for everyone that's going to change their spark plugs. Get a long 3/8" wrench and use a magnet 9/16" or 14mm socket. You do not want to use a spark plug socket with the rubber in it because if it gets stuck with the plug you will have to retrieve it.
You can also remove the spark plug with a magnet after it is completely loosened
your engine is similar to 2014 Forester, it was relatively easy compare to 2019 Forester with direct injection engine. much less room, I had to move some of the electrical wire connecting to engine computer unit. much less side room compare to 2014 model.
Thank you for the video. Good work!
Thanks so much!
Would a swivel spark plug socket work? My car is due for the 60k mile service very soon
My guess is no. It’s just depends on how long it is and if it’s thin walled. I had to piece the parts in because it’s so close to the frame.
3 inch "wobble" extension works great
So you don't even have to put anti seize on the spark plug threads?
No. Not on NGK plugs.
NGK plugs have a layer on them that acts as anti seize. If you put anti seize on them you’ll have a nightmare taking them off.
Compared to 2.5 EJ, this looks like cake. EJ barely has room to even sneak the plugs out past the frame rails. I'm not there, though, so maybe I'm just a dumb youtube commenter.
I had to piece the tools in for the rear drivers side one. It’s crazy how little space you have. The 2.5 like you are saying may even have less space. Hopefully you don’t have to raise the engine up.
I have a 2019 - is this the same process?
It should be. The Subaru boxer engine should be sitting in there the same. The toughest area will be the drivers side rear plug.
I also have a 2019.. What key?
@@codesterguy The key that starts the car. You may have a push button start.
I just did 2019 Forester , also did 2014 Forester, 2019 Forester with Direct Injection is much harder. I had to remove some of the cable assembly connect engine to engine computer unit. less side room on 2019 Forester compare to 2014 Forester.
2019 Forester drivers side plugs.
PAIN in the ……
That does look like it takes some time, gonna tackle it myself soon also. What are you at mileage wise? My 2015 has 100000.
Mine is a 2015 as well and has 67,000. This manual says to change every 60,000 which I was not used too. Usually you figure 100,000. But I have a Legacy with 92,000 and changed those plugs so I figured I would do the Crosstrek as well. Both cars are the same process. Anyway, it took me about 2.5 hours. I’m not a mechanic though so you may end up doing it faster. The problem is the lack of work space but obviously it can be done.
takes about 30 mins after youve done it once or twice. a bit longer the first time. but with videos its pretty easy to get it done quick and right the first time.
I just did 2019 Forester with 95 K miles, spark plug was still good. if I knew I waited longer.
Looks like those sparkplugs were cross threaded last time they were replaced. I can see why...there is hardly any room to work here.
I noticed you did not torque the spark plugs at the end when you put the spark plugs back in? Why is this. All my cars I have worked on I torque the spark plugs. Is this new?
Basically two reasons. One is I don’t have a torque wrench and two, I always just snug up spark plus when it’s an aluminum block. That way I don’t strip them out. I’ve never had a problem with a spark plug that I simply snugged up.
@@Subariblet These sparkplugs are very long. Chance of stripping the block or sparkplug is zero. Some older Audi models have a very short thread...I hated those. They would get pushed out while driving.