How to Change the Spark Plug Wires on a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue

The spark plug wires on your 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue deliver the spark from the distributor to the spark plug. The spark plug wires (also called plug wires) are capped at both ends to ensure an efficient delivery of electricity to the spark plug. At one end of the plug wire is a small cap, which is connected to the distributor. At the other end of the plug wire is a large cap with a long rubber neck that slides down into the valve cover and engine and covers the spark plug. There is one plug wire for each cylinder. After roughly 30,000 miles, you should replace your spark plug wires.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open the hood and pull out the spark plug wire leading to the engine cylinder located closest to the firewall and on the far right side of the engine bay. The spark plug wires on your Intrigue are not secured by any clips. You may need to gently twist the plug cap back and forth to free it from the end of the spark plug.

2. Pop the plug wire out of the guide clips and follow the plug wire to the distributor side of the spark plug wire.

3. Pull the spark plug wire off of the distributor. You may need to gently rotate the spark plug cap back and forth to remove it from the distributor.

4. Push the small cap of the new spark plug onto the distributor cap's exposed terminal. Make sure the rim of the plug cap sits flush with the distributor cap.

5. Slide the large plug cap down into the engine and push it over the top of the spark plug. Make sure the rim of the plug cap sits flush with the valve cover.

6. Push the wire into the guide clips that run between the valve cover and the distributor.

7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 for each remaining spark plug wire.

Tips & Warnings

• Only replace one spark plug wire at a time. If you pull all spark plug wires off at once, refer to your vehicle's service manual and realign the distributor cap so that you obtain the correct plug wire orientation.

References

• Buick Century, Regal; Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo; Olds Cutlass Supreme, Intrigue; Pontiac Grand Prix Repair Manual 1997-2000; Chilton Manuals; 2001

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