How to Check a Car's Spark Plug Wires

Part of car overhaul and car maintenance is checking your car's spark plug wires. These cables connect the spark plug to the distributor. You must check them every year and replace or clean them as needed. Always replace the entire set even if only one wire shows signs of wear.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Turn off your car engine to overhaul your spark plug wires. Let your car cool down. Open the hood of your car and look inside for your spark plug wires.

2. Find the distributor. You will see several cables going across and ending at the individual spark plugs. These are the spark plug wires.

3. Remove one spark plug wire at a time for better inspection. Pop it off the spark plug and the distributor. Remove only one wire at a time. This will ensure you do not mix up the spark plug wires.

4. Look at the wire carefully. If it has any tears or cracks, you must replace it now. Always replace all spark plug wires at the same time even if only one needs replacement.

5. Clean a dirty spark plug wire. Use hand cleaner soap and wipe completely dry. Reinstall the spark plug wire into the distributor and connect to the spark plug.

6. Repeat this overhaul at least once a year. Remember to check the spark plug wires when you change your spark plugs.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not remove all of the spark plug wires at one time unless you are very sure you know which one goes where. If you mix them up, your car will not run. Remove one at a time then replace or reinstall it. Move on to the next one.