How to Replace the Spark Plugs for the 1996 Plymouth Breeze
Replacing the spark plugs for your Breeze is a job you can do right a home. The spark plugs for your engine are responsible for igniting the fuel and air mixture that makes the car move. Damage to the spark plugs can happen if water gets into the fuel tank. Failure to change the cars oil on a regular basis will also damage the spark plugs. Typical signs of a problem with your spark plugs include engine sputter, back firing, and stall outs. Changing the sparks plugs yourself will take just 30 minutes with the proper tools. Always use care when removing spark plugs from the engine to prevent socket stripping and plug break-offs.
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Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench set
- Black electrical tape
- Shop towel
- White painter's tape
- Spark plug socket
- Spark plugs
- Spark plug gap gauge
- Torque wrench
- Dielectric grease
Instructions
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Removing the Spark Plugs
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1
Disconnect the car battery's negative cable with your socket wrench. Wrap the metal end of the cable with the black electrical tape. The negative post on the battery is indicated with a minus symbol. The 1996 Breeze also requires you to remove the remote negative battery cable as well. This cable can be found on the left strut wall attached by a single bolt. Wrap the metal end of the remote cable with tape as well once you remove its holding bolt.
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2
Wipe down the entire surface of the valve cover and around the rims of each spark plug boot.
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3
Label each of your spark plug wires with the painter's tape in numerical order. Make sure each wires description is clear and precise.
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4
Remove each of the spark plug boots carefully by hand. Never pull them off by the wires as this will cause damage to the connectors inside the rubber boot.
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5
Begin one at a time removing the spark plugs. Care should be used to avoid stripping the socket chamber and spark plug itself. The spark plug socket should fit firmly in place before you begin removal. Set all of the used spark plugs to the side of your work area to avoid mixing them up.
Installing new Spark Plugs
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6
Check the gaps on all of your new spark plug with the gapping gauge. Most spark plugs are sold with the gaps already set by manufacturer. The gap setting can be found on each box the spark plugs came in.
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7
Thread each spark plug fully by hand before using the torque wrench to completely secure them. To avoid over tightening the spark plugs the torque wrench should be set at 20 ft. lbs., no more, no less.
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8
Apply a small bead of the dielectric grease around the boot opening on each of the spark plug wire.
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9
Plug each of the boots back on to their corresponding spark plug. You should feel and hear a small click letting you know the boot is secure.
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10
Remove the painter's tape from all of the spark plug wires. Remove the tape from the remote negative cable and secure it back to the strut tower. Unwrap the battery's negative cable and reattach it to the negative post securely. Start the car and let it run for five minutes before taking it for a test drive.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Never remove the spark plugs from a hot engine. Always wait two full hours before servicing the car.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit spark image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com
