Looks like it's the fuel pump in the way. I can't believe it would require taking the fuel pump off to replace a spark plug.

 

Hope this can help...

Hyundai Tucson Spark Plugs Replacement Guide - Nu 2.0L GDI I4 Engine - 2016, 2017 & 2018 Model Years - Picture Illustrated Automotive Maintenance DIY Instructions

How to check or change the engine spark plugs in a third generation 2016, 2017 and 2018 Hyundai Tucson SUV with the Nu 2.0 liter GDI inline four cylinder motor including photo illustrated DIY steps and the compatible replacement part numbers.

paulstravelpictures.com

 

Thanks, but that's kind of useless for this. They do the easy plug on the left but none of the online videos/DIY's ever shows the far right plug.

 

Looks like I may need to remove the low pressure fuel line into the pump so I can get the ignition coil off. Anyone know how the Hyundai connector works? Special tool required?

 

Are you sure you need to replace them, already, Have you hit 100,000 miles?

 

No, 60k. Every time I've tried to change a 100k plug it always wants to stick in the head so I might as well change them while in there to remove them. They aren't that expensive. Will post when I try to replace the 4th one this weekend.

 

Depressurized the fuel system and started to take the fuel line off. Got cold feet and the local Hyundai dealer did it. I asked the tech how he did it and he loosened the two bolts holding the fuel pump on to give enough space to pull the coil out. Bad design Hyundai. Only maintenance thing left is to replace the coolant.

 

Thank you for posting this! Started changing my plugs on 2016 Elantra GT with 2.0 GDI and hit the same issue extremely frustrated with the Hyundai design with fuel lines in the way of coil pack #4 on the far right. I will carefully try to loosen the fuel pump enough to wiggle the coil pack out of there! Cheers!

 

I've done them and didn't have to remove the high pressure fuel pump at all. Just unclipped the one plastic clip that was kind of in the way and that was enough clearance to get the socket in. There may have been some other bolts, can't remember, but there wasn't any disconnecting any fuel lines involved.

 

After initially loosening the fuel pump, I was able to get the coil pack out to change the plug. Core issue was random misfire in Cyl 1&4. Turns out new plugs did not fix it, so ended up getting new coil packs. Going to remove the coil pack the second time, I was able to wiggle the pack out and place the new one in without messing with fuel pump at all...so cool!

 

Did you have codes for random misfire? Did the coils fix the issue?

 

I did, yes. Random misfire in cylinders 1 & 4. Ive put about 300 miles on it sonce then and no CEL. Ive pushed it to 6000RPM multiple times with no issues. Power feels low, definitely more sluggish than I remember it about 5000-10000 miles ago. Wondering about intake valves getting gummed up...

 

Just changed them on my friend's 2018 2.0 awd at 61k. You absolutely do NOT need to remove the high pressure pump or any of the lines to get the 4th cylinder coilpack out. It just requires a little finesse and wiggling in the right directions and it will slip out past the lines, same is true for reinstallation.

 

There was no way mine was coming out with finesse past the line without breaking something.

 

Seriously, a new engine at 85k? Does yours have the GDI engine?

 

Yes, 2.0L GDI Nu G4NC. Apparently, it is in the Tuscon, Elantra GT, Kia Soul, and Kia Forte. Filed a complaint with NHTSA. Maybe this engine will end up having the warranty period extended like Hyundai did for their other recalls. We'll see this week.

 

That's not encouraging. My Tucson just hit 100k.

 

Update: Hyundai Motor America approved 100% of engine replacement in my Elantra GT w/ rental coverage. I am pleasantly surprised both at the news and at how quickly the resolution was reached. Now we'll see how long the process will last.

 

Wow that's unexpected. Congrats on that.

 

I didn't get details on why it was approved from either the dealer or HMA, but picked up the rental today: 2020 Accent 1.6L w/ 8SPD auto trans. Gas mileage is crazy good on this thing...averaged 40+mpg

 

Just in case anyone else runs into this issue:

You can absolutely remove that 4th plug without removing the fuel rail. It's a bit tricky though.

Once you un-bolt and un-clip the coil, pop that little cover extension over the fuel line up. Then, start pulling up the coil. At a certain point, you'll notice that part of the coil meets contact with the fuel rail (it was like 40°f when was working on it, so I don't remember which side, but i believe the bolt side) Turn the coil as you lift. I believe you turn it counter clockwise as you raise it. This will give that small bit of clearance you need to pull the coil out past the rail and let you get your socket in to remove the plug.


To install, you'll go in reverse. Just rotate it back in to clear the fuel line. Plug and bolt down and you're good to go.

Took me a good 20 minutes of losing feeling in my fingers to realize.


Hopefully this helps someone in the future find the answer.

Cheers