Spark Plug Wire Help

[awhat?]

I have a 2001 SL1 and was wondering if anyone could give me some detailed instuctions on changing the spark plus wires. I tried to change them myself, but it is proving to be more difficult than I thought. I understand that it is very important to put the wires in the correct spot. The only thing i am really having trouble with is releasing the old wires from the... well i don't exactly know what its called, but its not where the spark plugs go... I'm guessing the distributor cap? Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

[madpogue]

Those are the coil packs. On an older car, it would have been a distributor cap; our cars use a "distrubutorless" ignition system (it's actually called the DIS for this reason; kinda like calling the car a "horseless carriage", but I digress." Your car being a later model, the plug wires are held in place by "clips" that are in turn held on by the bolts that also hold the coil packs and DIS module onto the tranny. Just remove the bolt for the #1 and #4 wires first, and pull the clip off, and you should be able to separate each wire from the clip then. Then remove and install the #1 and #4 wires, one at a time, and put the clip back in place and the bolt back on. Repeat for the other side, for #2 and #3.

If you want to do a little "good measure" work, you can take a moment to look at the UNDERSIDE of each bolt head as you remove it. If it's pitted/corroded, scrape it shiny clean. This will help ground the ignition system. Also take a look at the "towers" on the coil packs, what the plug wires plug into. Same thing; if they're not shiny, make 'em shiny.

[awhat?]

Ok, I understand all of that. I took the bolt out of the clip, but I can't figure out how to remove the clip. Any sprcific way it should come off?

[madpogue]

Originally Posted by awhat?

Ok, I understand all of that. I took the bolt out of the clip, but I can't figure out how to remove the clip. Any sprcific way it should come off?

Um, toward you? Kidding; really; it's just the "snap" fit of the wires on the coil towers (like they used to be on a distributor cap) holding the whole kaboodle in place. Don't be afraid to tug on it; both wires will come off at the same time.

[awhat?]

Got it. I had a friend that is not afraid to pull on things do it. Thanks so much.

[eRic 02sc2]

Originally Posted by awhat?

I have a 2001 SL1 and was wondering if anyone could give me some detailed instuctions on changing the spark plus wires. I tried to change them myself, but it is proving to be more difficult than I thought. I understand that it is very important to put the wires in the correct spot. The only thing i am really having trouble with is releasing the old wires from the... well i don't exactly know what its called, but its not where the spark plugs go... I'm guessing the distributor cap? Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...es.htm#hd1-1-2

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

When you're removing spark plug wires, remove and install one at a time. Don't start by removing the plug wires all at once, because, unless you number them, they may become mixed up. Take a minute before you begin and number the wires with tape.

Disconnect the negative battery cable and, if the vehicle has been run recently, allow the engine to thoroughly cool.

Carefully twist the spark plug wire boot to loosen it, then pull upward and remove the boot from the plug. Be sure to pull on the boot and not on the wire, otherwise the connector located inside the boot may become separated.

To install:

Apply a small amount of silicone dielectric compound to the end of the spark plug lead and inside the spark plug boot to prevent sticking, then install the boot to the spark plug and push until it clicks into place. The click may be felt or heard, then gently pull back on the boot to assure proper contact.

Connect the negative battery cable.

[madpogue]

Originally Posted by awhat?

I had a friend that is not afraid to pull on things do it.

Git 'er done!

Hmm, AZ's instructions say nothing about the coil pack end.