How to install spark plug wire boots manual#
How to install spark plug wire boots code#

These can help you get any parts removed back in the correct locations later in the job. Take several good photos of the underhood area. The preset gap right out of the package should be very close to the required measurement.Īdjust the gap as needed by bending the side electrode. If the gap equals the wire diameter, the gauge will pull through with a small amount of resistance. Using the gauge thickness closest to the required measurement, pull the wire through the plug gap. Open the spark plug packages, and check the gap for each plug with the gap gauge. A bending beam type of torque wrench will not require pre-setting of the torque value. Making this mistake can be unnerving when you next start the engine.įrom your shop manual, find the torque value for tightening the plugs and set the torque wrench accordingly.

This procedure also helps you avoid reconnecting plug wires to the wrong plugs. This way, each open plug hole will be quickly closed helping to minimize the risk of dropping some small part or dirt down inside the engine. Apply the proper tightening torque and reconnect the plug wire. Over the course of this job, it will help to remove each plug and then immediately replace it with a new plug, one plug at a time. This info can also be found in your shop manual. High quality spark plugs will perform well for more miles than the inexpensive ones.Īsk the parts sales person for the recommended gap and installation torque for the plugs. Unless your budget is really tight, don’t go cheap. Don’t forget to buy that new set of spark plugs. See Also: 4 Types of Spark Plugs Spark Plug Replacement Procedureīefore you begin, have all the required tools and supplies readily at hand. And a 3/8″ drive flex handle, 12″ in length, can sometimes be very helpful for initially loosening the plugs. For example, your engine may need a longer 3/8″ drive extension to enable access to deeper set plugs. Once you get into the job, you may find the need for an additional tool or two.

Shop vacuum with a slender crevice tool.

A clean coffee can for nuts, bolts and related small parts that come off during the job.

Package of black nylon wire ties (8″ long).

3/8″ drive spark plug socket (5/8″, 13/16″, and 18 mm are the most common sizes).

A good mechanic’s tool set will include some of these. This is a recommended tool list for a spark plug job. You need to ask yourself, “Do I really want this challenge?” Tools You’ll Need

Not impossible, but worthy of consideration. These steps can be the daunting part of the task. And you may have to include the need to reach into a narrow space between the engine and firewall to access the plugs hidden there.

If the engine is cross-mounted and, in particular a V6, the rear cylinder head may be tucked against the firewall making the plugs almost impossible to see.įor these situations, replacing the plugs must be preceded by relocating or removing the things that are in the way.The top of the engine and the plugs may be hidden beneath one or more covers, heat shield(s), numerous hoses, tied down wiring bundles, and underhood support structure.For the newcomer to automotive repair work, plug replacement may be a daunting task and here’s why.įor most of today’s engine layouts, two problems may loom: Related: 9 Different Spark Plug Conditions (and What They Look Like) How Hard is It to Replace Spark Plugs?įor the experienced DIY mechanic, any car’s plugs can be replaced. If you are unsure of this, your dealer or parts store guy or gal can tell you how many you will need. Some engines will have one plug per cylinder, but there are cars on the road today running two spark plugs per cylinder. In general, any spark plug replacement job will require all the plugs be replaced.

How to install spark plug wire boots code#

Rough running, misfiring, difficulty starting and/or an OBD II diagnostic code may direct you to the need for new spark plugs. The second reason is that your car is acting up, and after some diagnostic homework, the spark plugs appear to be the culprits.

How to install spark plug wire boots manual#

You should be able to find this information in your owner’s manual.Īs mentioned above, 100,000 miles is common spark plug life today, but it may be less for your car, so the owner’s manual should be your guide. The primary reason for replacement is this: Your car has reached the spark plug replacement interval recommended by the manufacturer.

#12 – Re-Connect Battery and Start the Vehicle.