1 The spark plugs are located on each side of V6 engines and on the left (driver's) side of four-cylinder engines. They may or may not be easily accessible for removal. If the vehicle is equipped with air-conditioning or power steering, some of the plugs may be tricky to remove. Special extension or swivel
2 In most cases, the tools necessary for spark plug replacement include a spark plug socket which fits onto a ratchet (spark plug sockets are padded inside to prevent damage to the porcelain insulators on the new plugs), various extensions and a gap gauge
to check and adjust the gaps on the new plugs (see illustration).
A special plug wire removal tool is available for separating the wire boots from the spark plugs, but it isn't absolutely necessary. A torque wrench should be used to tighten the new plugs.
3 The best approach when replacing the spark plugs is to purchase the new ones in advance, adjust them to the proper gap and replace them one at a time. When buying the new spark plugs, be sure to obtain the correct plug type for your particular engine. This
information can be found on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label located under the hood, and in the owner's manual . If differences exist between the plug specified on the emissions label and in this Chapter's Specifications or the owner's manual, assume that the emissions label is correct
4 Allow the engine to cool completely before attempting to remove any of the plugs. While you're waiting for the engine to cool, check the new plugs for defects and adjust the gaps.
5 The gap is checked by inserting the proper thickness gauge between the electrodes at the tip of the plug (see illustration).
The gap between the electrodes should be the same as the one specified on the Vehicle
6: With the engine cool, remove the spark plug wire from one spark plug. Pull only on the boot at the end of the wire - do not pull on the wire. A plug wire removal tool should be used if available (see illustration).
7: If compressed air is available, use it to blow any dirt or foreign material away from the spark plug hole. A common bicycle pump will also work. The idea here is to eliminate the possibility of debris falling into the cylinder as the spark plug is removed.
8: Place the spark plug socket over the plug and remove it from the engine by turning it in a counterclockwise direction.
9: Cornpare the spark plug to those shown in the photos on the inside back cover of this manual to get an indication of the general running condition of the engine.
10: Thread one of the new plugs into the hole until you can no longer turn it with your fingers, then tighten it with a torque wrench (if available) or the ratchet. It might be a good idea to slip a short length of rubber hose over the end of the plug to use as a tool to thread it into place (see illustration). The hose will grip the plug well enough to turn it, but will start to slip if the plug begins to cross-thread. in the hole - this will prevent damaged
threads and the accompanying repair costs.
11 Before pushing the spark plug wire onto the end of the plug, inspect it following the
procedures outlined in Section 37.
12 Attach the plug wire to the new spark plug, again using a twisting motion on the boot until it's seated on the spark plug.
13 Repeat the procedure for the remaining
spark plugs, replacing them one at a time to prevent mixing up the spark plug wires.
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