anyone got a step by step guide on removing the cowl on a 2009 on i-vtec fit/jazz to get to the spark plugs?

thanks

 

Not sure that the Jazz would be 100% the same, but on the USDM Fit, it's:
14mm socket to remove the wipers
Gently pull the rubber lip cover off the cowl
Gently pop off the two side covers
Push up the black pushpin (plastic) at either end of the plastic covers
Disconnect the washer line where it goes into the cowl on the passenger side (may be driver's side for you! )
Gently remove the two trim pieces on the sides of the windshield
Pop up the big plastic cover (GENTLY- the plastic clips love to break- having a spare or two won't be a bad idea)
Next, small side
Use a 10mm socket to remove the wiper motor assembly (4 bolts)
Then, to get the metal cowl cover off, 10mm socket time again!
And you have space for removing the plugs!


Next question- why are you changing the plugs already? Not sure about in the UK, but in the US, the Fit comes with plugs good for ~100K miles. There is NO benefit to swapping them out unless they're damaged, or have at LEAST 60K+ miles. May save you some time there- Mark W.

 

no i was just wondering, pretty poor design not being able to get to plugs without dismantling the car

 

I think that perspective is just based on the old theory that spark plugs have to be changed often...Since it's once every 100k miles, then it's not that bad. I'd rather they squeeze that engine and cowl in there for the operational benefit rather than have a engineered gap just to make the 100k maintenance easier.

Considering you don't have to do a timing belt every 60k miles, it seems overall maintenance is still way lower.

 

^ Exactly. Since the average car owner these days keeps a car for less than 100K miles, they won't ever have to swap the plugs out. Also, the cowl removal takes less than 5 minutes, which is nothing.
So, if you weren't planning on doing it, why would you ask somebody to walk you through the steps? That's a little uncool, by my count, especially since I took the time to write it all out for you- just saying... Mark W.

 

Bringin an old thread back to life, but THANK YOU thaduke2003. I want to install my JDM hood hinge and hood damper, but thought the cowl removal was gonna be a lot more work. I need to remove it to get to the back hinge bolt.

 

Glad it helped, my friend That's why they pay me the big bucks Enjoy- Mark W.

 

I found this Youtube video useful. Not a Fit but Cousin Civic looks quite similar. (I've been hunting this help for weeks, this is THE ONLY resource I've found as of yet.


Sherry

 

First minute and a half of this video has removing cowl on fit.

 

I suspect that Sherry works for 1A Auto parts.

 

This is another Civic video I just found. (Gosh it's hard to find cowl removal videos.)

 

HI Sherry

Here is another FIT first 2 1/2 mins is removing cowl

 

Maybe she just likes Civics

 

Haha!

I'm just a little old retired DIY lady, but I can really surprise folks with all that I still attempt to do! 😘

 

Nah, I have a 2013 Honda Fit Sport. Sad to see no more production of Fits, good small car.

 

I bought my Fit with 104k miles. Don't know if the plugs were changed or not. What a PITA to get to the spark plugs just to check one. I might as well replace the plugs while everything is apart. At least I don't need to take off the intake manifold like Toyota 3.5L V6's

 

It is possible to replace spark plugs without removing the cowl by sticking your arm under the cowl and working from the passenger side, it is a pain and you need wrenches that are not too long (and are working by feel mostly) but removing the cowl only takes about 10 minutes if you know how to do it.

 

Cowl is not too bad. I also just slide my arm on the passenger side to get to each of them if I’m lazy

 

Yeah cowl was not too bad and if I can do it most anyone can. Good to be comfortable with removing it since so much of the engine is under it on this little car.

 

Good to know! I can see and remove the #1 coil so that's what I'll try first to check the plug. I'm sure I can remove the cowl in 10 minutes if I do it enough times LoL

But I'd also like to do a throttle body cleaning, so perhaps I'll get my chance to practice removing the cowl.