You need to replace the spark plug wires. Spark plug wires can indeed wear out, especially in the circuit inside the spark plug and coil boot cover. You will need to locate the wires, identify the correct length and number of wires, and carefully unplug them from the spark plug.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Ready to Make a Replacement
Step 1. Open the hood of your vehicle
The hood lock is usually located on the lower right side of the driver's dashboard. Some types of cars use a hydraulic hood that stays open automatically. Either way, it's important to make sure the hood doesn't fall on you when you're working on a car engine.
Step 2. Locate the spark plug wires
The spark plug wire is usually located next to the valve cover inside the cylinder head. At one end, each wire attaches to a spark plug and the other end to a distributor or ignition coil.
Step 3. Understand why spark plug wires wear out
Due to the continuous high voltage through the spark plug wires, the spark plug wires have a tendency to increase in resistance over time. Ultimately, this causes a high resistance that blocks the flow of electricity. With increasing resistance in the wires, there is a decrease in the amount of electricity reaching the spark plug – which causes incomplete combustion of the gas in the cylinder. If there is damage to the spark plug wire protector, then you need to replace the spark plug wire.
Step 4. Determine whether you need to replace the spark plug wires or not
Cable age alone doesn't really indicate that you need new spark plug wires. Watch for damage to the cable, and listen for engine failure. If you see sparks from the cable to the engine, this is a sign that you need to replace the cable.
- Be aware of some noticeable engine symptoms: the engine starts violently and bouncing and a deep “cough” sound. These engine symptoms can also be caused by faulty spark plugs and other more serious problems, so you'll first need to prove the spark plug wires are faulty and need to be replaced.
- You may need to replace the cable if you see sparks to the ground at night with the hood open and the engine running. Depending on the conductivity of your wires, there may be sparks from the entire front of the car, or only from one point.
- Look for obvious defects in the cable. You may find scuffs, cracks, or even scorch marks. Any damage can indicate that you need to replace the spark plug wires.
Step 5. Determine the number of cables you need
Once you've determined the number and type of spark plug wires, you can buy them at any auto parts store in your area. The shop staff will be happy to help make sure you get the right type and amount of cable.
Step 6. Make sure you buy the right length of cable
You'll need to buy the whole set, although you'll only need to replace one cable. Thus, if you have a six-cylinder engine, you will have to purchase all six cables, each of which is a different length. You should know the length of the cable to use by comparing it to the old cable on your machine. As much as possible use a cable whose length is not much different from the length of the old cable.
- Different manufacturers have different lengths, and replacement cables are often sold longer than the original cable. This allows them to sell more cable assemblies to fit more installations, so there may be slight differences. Check the cable length before starting, and this shouldn't be a problem.
- Quality is important. Do not attempt to use a “determine your own cable length” device unless the device is of good quality and you can boot yourself up.
- Often manufacturers do not allow cable repair. Don't cut the cable to a certain length unless you know for sure that the new end of the cable can be securely attached to the cable you cut. Otherwise, you might regret it!
- Some spark plug wires can be purchased individually at some parts stores fully assembled.
Method 2 of 3: Unplugging the cable
Step 1. Make sure the car is off
Never try to replace the spark plug wires on a running motor. Also don't try to replace spark plug wires on motors that are too hot to touch.
Step 2. Make an inventory
After locating the wires, note the length and location of each wire. You'll need to rewire each new cable back where you unplugged the appropriate old cable–and it's a lot easier if you keep track of what was done. If you connect the wires in the wrong order, the car engine will jam and function poorly. Try to mark each wire with adhesive tape and a number (according to the location of the spark plug) so you don't lose track.
Step 3. Do it regularly
Replace the wires one at a time and in a certain order or direction. This may help you remember which cables to connect to and will reduce the risk of setting the ignition sequence out of sync with the engine. No need to rush. Start with one cable and work through it all before starting to work on the next.
- The cable is connected at both ends. You will need to unplug each side before attaching a new cable.
- The spark plug should fire when the piston is almost at its highest point in the cylinder. Thus, it is very important to ensure that the order is not confused. Try starting at one end of the machine, then continuing successively to the other end.
Step 4. Unplug the cable
Use a spark plug cable puller to unplug and unplug the cable. Be careful when you unplug the wire from the spark plug. Newer engines have a rubber boot that snaps tightly over the spark plug to keep it dry and clean. Remove the cable by pulling on the boot. If you pull on the wires, not the boot, you can damage the wires and leave parts of the wire behind on the spark plug.
- Some wires can stick very tightly to the spark plug. Grip the rubber boot tightly. If it doesn't open right away, try unplugging it while turning it.
- Check the boot for signs of carbon trails. This path will appear as a black line from top to bottom in the boot. If you see this line, the spark plug will need to be removed for inspection.
Method 3 of 3: Installing a New Cable
Step 1. Work in reverse
Connect the new cables in the same order as you removed the old cables. Before installing the boot on the spark plug, add a small amount of dielectric lubricant to the spark plug boot. The boot will snap completely into the spark plug when it clicks. The spark plug wire is connected from the distributor or coil to the spark plug, and must be installed exactly as it was from the manufacturer. The wrong wires from the coil to the spark plug will prevent the engine from starting, which can cause damage. Keep cables away from exhaust components that could damage them, and keep cables from crossing each other.
- Spark plug wires are usually located in a loom (cable sleeve) or using a standoff (cable support). Cables located in the machine or cables crossing with other cables can easily break or leak or be damaged by heat. Therefore, be sure to thread the replacement cable through the loom properly, just enough so that it doesn't sit on top of any metal.
- When replacing cables with coils and devices with good performance, be aware that the existing loom may not be suitable. If this is the case, you can purchase a standoff with a larger diameter for attaching or widening the holes in the loom.
Step 2. Close and lock the hood
Try lifting the hood after you've closed it, and make sure it's tightly closed. You should not be able to open the hood without using the knob in your vehicle.
Step 3. Listen to the sound of your vehicle
After carefully installing the wires in the correct places, start the engine. The engine should be running and running smoothly. You may notice new power and efficiencies, especially if your old cable is really worn out. If your engine does not start, starts violently, or there is a faulty ignition after replacement, then check for malfunctioning cables, cables connected to wrong cylinders, cables connected to conductors along the way, cables not properly connected. in boot, or improperly installed boot so that it is not connected to the coil or spark plug.
- Never touch the cable while the engine is running, or you will feel a painful electric shock. There are tens of thousands of volts generated in the ignition system, and improperly wired wires are likely to electrocute you. The wire has less conductor at the end of the spark plug, making you a better conductor.
- If you notice bad ignition faults with the engine running or other performance issues, it's likely that you have installed one of the wires in the wrong place. Consider hiring a mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.
Step 4. Do a test drive on the car
When doing a test drive, try putting pressure on the engine by driving uphill or slowing down on a high transmission, then speed up by lowering the transmission to put the ignition system under stress. The ignition system has a greater chance of failing when under stress.
Step 5. Done
Tips
- If possible, remove and install only one spark plug and wire at a time to avoid confusion that can arise about the location of the wires.
- Some vehicles may not use spark plug wires, if there is a coil in the spark plug.
- Always pay attention to the location of each spark plug. It is very important that the spark plugs are placed in the same location as before they were removed.
- Spraying water on the spark plug wires while the engine is running can cause sparks from the side of a wire, leading to the engine block. This is a good indication of a bad spark plug wire.
