How to Change the Spark Plug Wires in a 97 Cavalier
The 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier uses spark-plug wires to transfer the electric charge from the distributor to the spark plugs. Spark plugs turn the electric charge into a spark, which is used to ignite fuel in the engine. Old spark-plug wires are not efficient at transferring electrical currents, which can lead to engine misfire. Change the spark-plug wires as part of the normal maintenance schedule to keep your engine running at peak performance.
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Things You'll Need
- Replacement spark-plug wires
- Spark-plug wire-removal tool
- Dielectric grease
Instructions
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1
Open the box of replacement spark-plug wires and lay them on a flat surface. The 1997 Cavalier was only designed with a four-cylinder engine so you will only have four spark-plug wires.
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2
Park the Cavalier on a flat surface, engage the emergency brake and open the hood of the vehicle.
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3
Locate the spark-plug wires in the engine compartment. The spark-plug wires stretch from the engine block, where they are connected to the spark plugs, to the distributor cap.
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4
Grip the boot of the longest spark-plug wire where it is connected to the spark plug and pull it away from the engine to remove it from the spark plug. If you have difficulty removing the spark-plug wire, use a spark-plug wire-removal tool.
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5
Trace the longest spark-plug wire to the distributor cap and pull the other boot off the cap.
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6
Find the spark-plug wire that is the same size as the one removed from the engine.
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7
Coat the inside of both boots of the replacement spark-plug wire with dielectric grease. Dielectric grease prevents corrosion in the boots.
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8
Place one boot of the replacement spark-plug wire over the open terminal on the distributor cap and press down until you hear a pop.
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9
Route the spark-plug wire through the engine compartment to the open spark plug and connect the other spark-plug wire boot using the method described in Step 8.
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10
Repeat Steps 4 through 9 with the remaining spark-plug wires.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Allow the engine to cool before changing the spark-plug wires to prevent injury.
References
Resources
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