What needs to be done to change spark plugs on a 2012 xvs 1300? Does the tank have to come off?

Hello Elize
It could be a lot of things and the fix could be just as simple as changing the engine oil. When the engine oil is not changed - it gets thick and causes starting problems.
1) Clean engine oil.
2) Need new spark plugs or re-gap the spark plugs.
3) Check ignition electrical systems
4) dirty air filter - change air filter
5) change the fuel filter
6) water in gas tank - put in some wood alcohol to remove the water in the gas tank.

Sounds like what's called a "dead Cylinder". Have it tested for the codes and the one number on the end of the code will tell you which cylinder is misfiring. A code like P0303 means it's #3 cylinder. It could only be a faulty fuel injector, but be ready for something worse. Once you know which one, do an ohm-meter test on each injector unplugged. If it shows a much lower reading on #3, just change the injector. If no difference in readings, do a compression test on all cylinders with all plugs out. This could show you've a faulty valve on a cylinder with very low compression compared to the others.

Look in the Chilton manuals or ask your local parts dealer. Be sure the engine is cold when changing them.

Amazon com chiltons jeep repair manual

Spark plug location on 2012 jeep grand cherokee

Spark plug location on 2012 jeep grand cherokee

It can be faulty or dirty spark plug itselfd.Also for reference get the fuel level checked.Is the fuel tank is empty or near to empty.
Try cleaning the spark plugs and then see if that is helpin.On some cases the black carbon layer gets collected on the spark plugs and that causes the problem,so cleaning the plugs help.But if its not helping,then spark plug has to be replaced.Spark plugs get power from ignition coil to ignite sparks.If ignitioncoils are faulty then also there will no spark.--------------

To troubleshot and confirm the issue,i suggest you to go through the help links provided below,check the procedure and it will help you to confirm the issue in your case.
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Click the link below:------

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http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-crankshas-spark-but-will-not-start.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-spark-plugs.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-does-spark-plug-wire-go-on.html

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http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/ford-plug-wires-not-coming-out.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-explorer-has-no-spark.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/chevy-impala-spark-plug-firing-order.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-gap-spark-plug-on-chevy-impala.html

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http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/chevy-s-10-blazer-43l-spark-plug-firing.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/1983-ford-ranger-spark-plug-firing.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/firing-order-for-1991-lexus-es-250.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/firing-order-for-1992-chevrolet-50.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-identify-number-one-spark-plug.html

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http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-remove-rear-spark-plugs-on-1991.html

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These details will help.

Thanks.

The plug wire caps snap onto the top of the spark plug...you just grasp the cap and pull up.
To get to the plug wires and spark plugs, remove seat, fuel tank. If its a 2005 and newer Tour Deluxe, remove the "dog bone" between frame and cylinder head on each side.

Check the spark plugs

Maybe you must change with Premium Spark Plug Wire Set below, you can select your vehicle model.We replaced our old spark plug wires with these when kept shutting off. They worked great and helped to solve our problem. Amazon com NGK 9160 ZE21 Premium Spark Plug Wire Set Automotive

First I would change all the spark plugs, and if that didn't make a difference then it sounds like the coil(s) are warming up and breaking down........when it starts to skip take a good pair of pliers with good rubber on them and pull each spark plug wire, when you get to the one that the running doesn't change then I would replace that particular coil

there should be a front coil also on this bike most likely located under the gas tank.