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Old 02-01-2010, 11:18 AM   #1
Isilverboy
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Exclamation 09' Impreza Spark Plugs Install w/Pics

Hello guys, I am new and first Subaru 09' Impreza owner.
I need to change the plugs (32K miles in it now)
I looked everywhere and no luck, any one have a pics on where there are located?

I already got it from the stealership the other day and I am off for the next days.

thanks in advance,

Isilveboy

Edited for other members to see a how to.

Pics are in post #13
So since I couldn't find info anywhere on info or pics, I took the plunge.
Let me know if you have any questions regarding the install.
The old spark removal was the hardest thing to do, so make sure you got the tools.
Next project, tranny and diff oil change.

Cheers
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Last edited by Isilverboy; 02-02-2010 at 01:59 AM.
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Old 02-01-2010, 11:26 AM   #2
08EJ25
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Old 02-01-2010, 11:31 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 08EJ25 View Post
The plugs are behind the coil packs at 3 and 9

http://www.scoobymods.com/spark_plugs-t511.html?t=511
I know they are behind a coil pack, but where are they?
Those pics are from older models and I got a 09'.

I looked in those areas before but no luck(Scoobymods). Those installs are for previous models

Thanks in advance,

Isilverboy
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Old 02-01-2010, 03:17 PM   #4
Isilverboy
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Default Got Them Change

Got them, changed them. Took me 1 1/4 hours.

The cold packs are not hold down by a screw 10mm I believe, instead, they are hold by pressure.
You gotta make sure they are all the way in when you put it back.

They are along side the engine. On the left side I had to removed the air filter box.
I took some pics, ASA I get a change I will upload them.

Also took pics of the old ones, look a little burn(you'll see in the pics.

Later
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Old 02-01-2010, 03:36 PM   #5
only1agam
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the car has 32k miles.. you don't need to change them until 60k
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Old 02-01-2010, 05:15 PM   #6
Isilverboy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by only1agam View Post
the car has 32k miles.. you don't need to change them until 60k
Not on the 09'. I thought it was crazy too but the owner's manual calls for it too. It mentioned to be R=Replace
I never heard of such of thing but it is what it is.
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Old 02-01-2010, 05:36 PM   #7
only1agam
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isilverboy View Post
Not on the 09'. I thought it was crazy too but the owner's manual calls for it too. It mentioned to be R=Replace
I never heard of such of thing but it is what it is.

go here man

https://www.subaru.com/my-subaru/mai...edule2009.html

it definitely says turbo models 60k, and "all others" 30k

i guess you're REALLY proactive right?
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Old 02-01-2010, 06:20 PM   #8
PleiadesSTi
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Subscribed. I too would like to see pictures of where the spark plugs on an 09 wrx are as I have one too!!! New to boxer engines here.
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Old 02-01-2010, 06:36 PM   #9
09rexwagon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by only1agam View Post
go here man

https://www.subaru.com/my-subaru/mai...edule2009.html

it definitely says turbo models 60k, and "all others" 30k

i guess you're REALLY proactive right?
He doesn't have a WRX, he has a 2.5i, so he's actually late .

PleiadesSTi,

Look on the valve covers for 2 grey 'boxes' (per side) held on by a screw. You take that bolt out and the coil pops off and the plug is down that hole.
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Old 02-01-2010, 07:00 PM   #10
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The time it takes to change the plugs depending on experience and level of experience:

- Knows Subarus in and out, and done many engine rebuilds - 20 minutes

- Knows Subarus but never changed plugs before - 45-60 minutes total with 15 minutes trying to get #3 and #4 coilpacks over the plug (hint, start it rotated 180*, slide it in and rotate it back 180*.)

- New to subarus but experience changing plugs on other makes/models - 1 hour 30 minutes - with 20 minutes fumbling with the coilpack, and another 5 minutes when you forgot to reattach the front 02 wire bracket to coil #3.

- New to subarus and never changed the plugs in anything - 4-6 hours. With 2 hours removing and installing extra items that don't need to be touched - ie the battery, the wiring harness brackets, electrical lines and hoses etc... Another hour trying to get the airbox lid back on because you decided to get an K&N panel filter and "do it" at the same time (and still end up missing a tap or breaking a tab) - And many hours fumbling with the other items mentioned above. Oh, likely the newb will not use a torque wrench and over tighten the plugs resulting in cracks from the plug threads to the valve seats. (not giving torque values as they differ depending on if you use anti-sieze or not, or if they are new plugs etc...)
The Newb will also likely unplug each coil pack and then forget that the black connector goes on 3 and 4 with the white connector on 1 and 2. They will ultimately search and read this post.



Aside - I'm glad you were able to change your plugs on your 09. Hopefully you had more than 2 inches of clearance on each fender when you changed your plugs unlike the rest of us with 02-07.
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Old 02-01-2010, 08:58 PM   #11
PleiadesSTi
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 09rexwagon View Post
He doesn't have a WRX, he has a 2.5i, so he's actually late .

PleiadesSTi,

Look on the valve covers for 2 grey 'boxes' (per side) held on by a screw. You take that bolt out and the coil pops off and the plug is down that hole.
Thank you!!!
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Old 02-01-2010, 10:42 PM   #12
only1agam
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 09rexwagon View Post
He doesn't have a WRX, he has a 2.5i, so he's actually late .

PleiadesSTi,

Look on the valve covers for 2 grey 'boxes' (per side) held on by a screw. You take that bolt out and the coil pops off and the plug is down that hole.
danget.. my bad mang
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Old 02-02-2010, 01:36 AM   #13
Isilverboy
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Default Install Pics

Here you go

Cold packs



This is a view from the left side
As you can see there is no screws holding the cold pack, just pressure.




Dirty plugs
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Old 02-02-2010, 01:49 AM   #14
Isilverboy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 09rexwagon View Post
He doesn't have a WRX, he has a 2.5i, so he's actually late .

PleiadesSTi,

Look on the valve covers for 2 grey 'boxes' (per side) held on by a screw. You take that bolt out and the coil pops off and the plug is down that hole.
NO SCREWS HERE.
And yes I got the 2.5i.

I also installed a mirror with a compass, windows tint.
In progress is a Viper alarm/remote start, stock Roof racks, Yakima Fairing, splash guards, rear spoiler and maybe do something with the suspension.

What can I say, I got the fever. Too bad is the wife's ride
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Old 02-02-2010, 04:54 AM   #15
HyperSl4ck3r
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isilverboy View Post
What can I say, I got the fever. Too bad is the wife's ride
I was infected before I met my wife, now she is show symptoms...

So I got her a new Forester...




















And a new WRX for me.
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Old 02-02-2010, 09:33 AM   #16
09rexwagon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isilverboy View Post
NO SCREWS HERE.
And yes I got the 2.5i.

I also installed a mirror with a compass, windows tint.
In progress is a Viper alarm/remote start, stock Roof racks, Yakima Fairing, splash guards, rear spoiler and maybe do something with the suspension.

What can I say, I got the fever. Too bad is the wife's ride
Yes I know, Pleadisti has a WRX.

The non turbo 2.5L does not have direct ignition. So it is just standard high tension wires that snap/pop onto the plug. On the WRX/STI, it is direct ignition so a coil sits on top of every plug and the wire going to the coil is a thin, pansy piece of wire since it is not a high voltage wire. On the DI 2.5L turbos, the coil pack is held on by a bolt. On the N/A 2.5L there is none.
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Old 02-02-2010, 10:02 AM   #17
AndyH
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isilverboy View Post
Cold packs

As you can see there is no screws holding the cold pack, just pressure.
Not to be a d*ck, but they correct terminology is coil pack, not cold pack. And as 09rexwagon mentioned above, this engine doesn't use coil packs.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to post these pics, I'm sure they'll help others in the future!
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Old 06-19-2010, 10:06 PM   #18
roobaroo
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Question Need More INFO

Quote:
Originally Posted by Isilverboy View Post
Edited for other members to see a how to.

Pics are in post #13
So since I couldn't find info anywhere on info or pics, I took the plunge.
Let me know if you have any questions regarding the install.
The old spark removal was the hardest thing to do, so make sure you got the tools.

Cheers
Nice post! This was almost just what I was looking for. Could stand to get some more info, if anyone can help.

I've got a 2008 OBS, normally aspirated stock 2.5L (EJ253) and it's time for the 30k plug change. Must be the same set-up as Isilverboy's. I thought I'd go with stock NGK FR5AP-11, like the manual recommends.
  1. Where can I find the correct gap? (Manual says to take it to the dealer. That can't be right.)
  2. Is the NGK FR5AP-11 a decent plug to use? (It's platinum.)
  3. Isilverboy said he removed the air filter box. Does anything else have to come off? What about the fuse box?
Thanks for any additional info,
--Pete
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Old 06-19-2010, 10:24 PM   #19
09rexwagon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by roobaroo View Post
Nice post! This was almost just what I was looking for. Could stand to get some more info, if anyone can help.

I've got a 2008 OBS, normally aspirated stock 2.5L (EJ253) and it's time for the 30k plug change. Must be the same set-up as Isilverboy's. I thought I'd go with stock NGK FR5AP-11, like the manual recommends.
  1. Where can I find the correct gap? (Manual says to take it to the dealer. That can't be right.)
  2. Is the NGK FR5AP-11 a decent plug to use? (It's platinum.)
  3. Isilverboy said he removed the air filter box. Does anything else have to come off? What about the fuse box?
Thanks for any additional info,
--Pete
Under your hood it will say what the gap should be...the 11 at the end of your plug says they are gapped at 1.1mm.
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Old 06-19-2010, 10:40 PM   #20
roobaroo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 09rexwagon View Post
Under your hood it will say what the gap should be...the 11 at the end of your plug says they are gapped at 1.1mm.
Hey, thanks, but I just went out and checked and couldn't see anything. The coil had a little bitty firing order diagram, and the wires are marked with the cylinder numbers, but I couldn't find any other spec's. There's just an emissions sticker stuck on the hood with those spec's on it.

If the FR5AP-11's are called for, is the gap OK as is?

--Pete
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Old 06-19-2010, 11:43 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by roobaroo View Post
Hey, thanks, but I just went out and checked and couldn't see anything. The coil had a little bitty firing order diagram, and the wires are marked with the cylinder numbers, but I couldn't find any other spec's. There's just an emissions sticker stuck on the hood with those spec's on it.

If the FR5AP-11's are called for, is the gap OK as is?

--Pete
yes...
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Old 06-20-2010, 05:49 PM   #22
roobaroo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isilverboy View Post
Got them, changed them. Took me 1 1/4 hours.

The cold packs are not hold down by a screw 10mm I believe, instead, they are hold by pressure.
You gotta make sure they are all the way in when you put it back.

They are along side the engine. On the left side I had to removed the air filter box.
I took some pics, ASA I get a change I will upload them.

Also took pics of the old ones, look a little burn(you'll see in the pics.

Later
OK, replaced mine, too. It took me more like 3 hrs., but that includes lots of cleaning. Overall, the 2008 OBS was a lot easier than the 1999 OBS I had before. Some notes:
  • Removed both the air cleaner assembly on the passenger side, AND the battery on the driver's side. Access was very good with those big things out of the way.
  • Still need to have a few different length extension bars, and I used one universal drive also. The front two are not an issue, but the back ones on either side of the engine can get cramped with the wrong combination of socket drives.
  • Same plugs came out from the factory install as the manual called for, so I was good with that.
  • Plug gaps were all good out of the box -- left them alone at 1.1 mm.
  • Tried a little bit of anti-seize on the plugs for the first time. Just a stripe on each plug, not a complete coating.
Then, while I was in there, replaced the air filter, and washed out the whole assembly. (Didn't expect so much crud in there after 30k miles. Guess all intakes are different.) I also wiped just about everything I could get to with a damp cloth to get the dust off. Did this before the plug change, so the whole operation would be less likely to get dust into the plug wells.

All plugs looked great, but one on each side of the engine looked a little grayer. Nothing drastic, but I don't know why that would be.

Anyway, thanks for starting a good thread with good pic's.

--Pete
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Old 06-20-2010, 10:42 PM   #23
dim3s
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I just had mine new replaced to iridium, turns out that the previous owner was running with WRX plugs instead of ones made for an STi....
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Old 06-14-2016, 05:05 PM   #24
BoboSolo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paintbing View Post
The time it takes to change the plugs depending on experience and level of experience

The Newb will also likely unplug each coil pack and then forget that the black connector goes on 3 and 4 with the white connector on 1 and 2. They will ultimately search and read this post.
.
Hey, I'm resurrecting this from the dead. But I just got my engine rebuilt, so I wasn't the one who took off the connectors haha, but I've got a misfire on 1 and 3. I swear to god I'm gonna feel like an idiot if I mixed them up, I just assumed shorter wire to the closest plug so black In back(3,4), white/grey in front(1,2). So is that true for the 08 wrx cause I'm gonna knock myself out

Update: Nvm i was right. Swapped the plug wires on my right side and works perfectly

Last edited by BoboSolo; 06-16-2016 at 01:38 AM.
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Old 05-13-2021, 06:18 AM   #25
Gkc301
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Default Hey man

Quote:
Originally Posted by Isilverboy View Post
Got them, changed them. Took me 1 1/4 hours.

The cold packs are not hold down by a screw 10mm I believe, instead, they are hold by pressure.
You gotta make sure they are all the way in when you put it back.

They are along side the engine. On the left side I had to removed the air filter box.
I took some pics, ASA I get a change I will upload them.

Also took pics of the old ones, look a little burn(you'll see in the pics.

Later
So how hard are they to get in ive read u gotta have them special wrench’s that have torque
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