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Audi Q5/Q7: How to Replace Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs

Audi recommends that you replace your spark plugs every 55,000 miles or six years. But instead of paying the dealership to do it, why not DIY? This article will walk you through the process and save you some money.

By Bryan Wood - April 12, 2016

This article applies to the Audi Q5/Q7 (2009-present).

Spark plugs play an important role in your engine's ability to run efficiently, igniting the fuel in your cylinders over and over and over again. But like any part, they eventually foul and degrade and require replacement. Once your spark plugs start to wear out, your car's performance and fuel economy will suffer, and your engine can begin to run or idle rough as well as use more fuel. Replacing the spark plugs and the coil packs is an easy job that most can do it at home, which provides a big savings over paying the dealership to do it. Keep reading and we'll walk you through the process.

Audi Q5: How to Replace Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs

Materials Needed

  • Flat head and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Ratchet with extension and common socket sizes
  • Slip joint pliers (optional)

Step 1 – Remove the coils and spark plugs

Undo the screws holding the coil pack wiring to the valve cover along all the coils; the images are from the 2.0 FSI four cylinder motor, but the V6 is similar enough. Now you should be able to pull up on all of the coils at once, and pop them free of the spark plugs, being careful not to crack them, unless you plan on replacing all of them anyway. There is a special Audi tool which grabs the top of the coil pack, but you should be able to use your hands, or a pair of slip joint pliers if they are really stuck. Once they are free from the plugs, use a flat head screwdriver to release the electrical connector and pull it free. Putting it back together is just the reverse, and even easier.

To remove the spark plugs, use a socket and ratchet with an extension long enough to reach down into the hole from where the coil came out of. They should not need an excessive amount of torque to remove, but if they have been in there for many years, the initial breaking free may be a little tough.

  • The new coil pack, red arrow indicated one of the screws which needs to be removed
    Figure 1. The new coil pack. The red arrow indicates one of the screws which needs to be removed.
  • Pull up on the coil packs together, but be careful not to damage them or the wiring
    Figure 2. Pull up on the coil packs together, but be careful not to damage them or the wiring.
  • Use a flathead screwdriver to pop the electrical connector loose
    Figure 3. Use a flat head screwdriver to pop the electrical connector loose.

Step 2 – Install the new spark plugs

Feed the new spark plugs into place. This can be a bit tricky, but you may have better success using the ratchet and socket to feed them in. Hand-tighten (don't over-tighten or you might strip the threads) each spark plug. To reinstall each coil, press down until they click back into place. Replace the crews holding the wiring down. Start the car and test to make sure everything is working and you aren't getting any dashboard warning lights before taking for a test drive.

Featured Video: Changing Audi Ignition Coils

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