Where are the sparkplugs on a 4 cyl, 2001 Kia Sportage?

under the middle "runner" of the engine

On 1996 KIA Sportage spark plugs are located inside and under the valve cover, along with the ign coils (2 coils) and 2 plug wire&4 sparkplugs. You will see a long thin plastic cover with 6 bolts holding the cover on, there should be an inspection cover next to the engine oil fill cap, pop it off and you can see just a little of the coils and wires, spark plug still not visual yet. However if you need to change spark plugs(gap,.044 thsnd) plug wires, ign coils, its very simple, you will need the following tools 10mm, 12mm, &16mm or 5/8s deep spark plug socket with ratchet, approx 8"inch extension & swivel-(helpful) 12mm open box end wrench---optional takes alot longer & back breaker Pliers, Philips Screw driver, you can disconnect the battery- optional. Air Horn gasket attached to throttle OEM # 0K01D13235,& Rubber intake tube(hose) OEM# 0K01313221B - Dealer only, cost $10.00 for gasket or make one with gasket matrial its easy.Tube at $ 50.00, or buy aftermarket filter kit. 1st disconnect the air flow meter harness, just squeeze the wire lock and pull gently, remove the 3 vacuum hose that’s in front of the air horn, and then 1 in back, disconnect the air hose assembly from the air filter box (just leave the box in tach) to the air horn,(be careful with the air flow meter, put it in a safe place) after that, you now only have to remove the Air Horn assembly, use 10m remove the 2 bolt on top of valve cover, then 12mm socket & extension(swivel will be helpful) to remove the 3 bolts holding theAir Horn to the Throttle Body (you should also remove the Throttle Positioning senor harness)now you are almost there,using10mm remove 6 bolts that hold down the cover. you will see 2 ign coils, 1st coil fires cyl 1&2 and coil 2 fires cyl 3&4, remove spark plug wires(2) carefully remove the power leads to the coil (1st coil has blue and green & 2nd coil is blue and white wire) press the release tab and pull genteelly,using 10mm socket remove 2 bolts from each coil, you will notice that the coils sit over cyl 2 &4 and the spark plug boots is attached to the coils(pull it out). Using 16mm or 5/8 deep spark plug socket remove the sparkplugs This will be a good time to inspect all your vacuum hoses for leaks ,gaskets, lubricate your cables, clean your air flow meter, throttle body,PVC valve etc. Note, the old air horn gasket can be reused if its in good shape, no tears, cracks, etc, if its rock hard it needs to be replaced, never ever apply gasket sealer on these units (period! ) but you should apply Anti seize dressing on your threads, and spark plug dressing to the boots. Now just replace everything in reverse, and if you need to replace the ign coil or wires, these are the same steps. If you need to remove the valve cover,remove the PVC valve & take out the rest of the bolts from the cover outer and inter bolts using 10mm, you can remove the throttle and kick down linkage at the throttle body, with your hand push the throttle wide open, at the throttle body linkage look for alittle open slot for you to pass the cable through and out.(this is not nessary, just makes it a little easier to remove the valve cover).Clean parts, I hope this helps, don't let all this discourage you, its really simple process. sorry for the length.

Very helpful. A diagram will be most helpful...

I have a kia sportage 2001 model 2l want to know where about in the engine are the sparkplug located want to change it please send photo thank

This is a 6 year old thread, perhaps start a new one?

The spark plugs are under the intake manifold. I thought this was crazy, I just bought one of these so still learning lol

I have a 2004 4cyl Sportage. DOHC. I removed the boot for spark plug #4 (fixed to rear cool) and boot was soaked with oil. Plug is submerged in oil. Oil level checked out. What is happening? Am I on acid? That is not as it should be? Right? Any ideas or thoughts anyone?