2010 Fit sport, 62,000 miles. Last month I started smelling a burned exhaust smell. After reading about loose plug issues, I finally got a chance to check it out. #2 plug had totally backed out. No check engine light, no significant changes in driveability. Regapped all the plugs to 1.1 mm, cleaned the threads, applied a slight amount of anti-seize, cleaned up the fried coil pack insulator, a dab of dielectric silicone goop on all the coil pack ends, and put all the plugs back in. Apparently no damaged threads on #2.

Bottom line; if you smell burned exhaust/oil, check out loose plugs!

While you are in there, put a screen in front of the HVAC air intake to keep the mice out. I just used some plastic garden screening I had and shoved it in there. I'll see if it works.

 

Which way is up in the screen pic? I have a resident chipmunk using my filter as a toilet.

What all needs to be removed to get at it? Thanks

 

Great catch on the plugs! You avoided a potentially expensive repair.

Your screen name sure is appropriate for your anti-rodent mod!

 

The pic is oriented normally. This is on the passenger side firewall. The wiper arms, plastic cowling pieces, and metal pan are removed to gain access, as one would do to change spark plugs. Crouch down by the firewall at the passenger side and you will see the opening.

Supposedly the plastic cowling blocks rodent access, but mice can fit through small openings. First time I use heat or AC, it smells like wet fur. Just have to find the body some day. Cat is only helpful with live critters. I was a bit hasty in putting the screen in there due to coming rain, but I can always redo it next time I have it apart.

Couple of tips:
Next time you are junkyard hunting or buying parts, get some extra clips for the wiper cowling. Broke a few taking things apart. One of the black clips disappeared into the engine compartment when I dropped it.
If you take out the coil pack bolts first, then you can turn the coil pack to gain better access to unclip the wiring plug.

 

Thanks Demouse for excellent directions.

I did have my cowl and stuff off when I had my springs installed. Should have done it then but was not a problem then. I try to empty my filter often. Amazing all the crap that gets in there.

 

I couldn't believe all the dirt and leaves under the plastic cowling. I might make it an annual maintenance chore to clean it out. Around here trapped dirt and wet leaves lead to rust.

 

Check the top of the cabin air filter. That is the line of defense in the same "run way".