Spark Plugs: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Allow the engine to cool before removing the spark plugs. Attempting to remove spark plugs from a hot engine can cause the spark plugs to seize. This can damage the cylinder head threads. Clean the spark plug recess area before removing the spark plug. Failure to do so can result in engine damage due to dirt or foreign material entering the cylinder head, or in contamination of the cylinder head threads. Contaminated threads may prevent proper seating of the new spark plug. Use only the spark plugs specified for use in the vehicle. Do not install spark plugs that are either hotter or colder than those specified for the vehicle. Installing spark plugs of another type can severely damage the engine.
- Turn ignition off. To remove spark plugs from left cylinder bank (front cylinder head), remove the spark plug wires from spark plugs. Remove spark plugs from engine. To remove spark plugs from the right cylinder bank (rear cylinder head), remove the air cleaner intake duct. See AIR CLEANER INTAKE DUCT under AIR INDUCTION SYSTEMS.
- Remove front wiper motor cover. See appropriate WIPER/WASHER SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. Set the park brake. Shift the transaxle into Neutral. Remove the engine mount strut bolts. See Fig 1.
- Swing the engine mount struts aside. Install the Engine Tilter Strap (J-41131) to the engine. See Fig 2. Pull on the engine in order to rotate the engine forward. Tighten the engine tilter strap. Remove the spark plug wires from the spark plugs. Remove the spark plugs from the engine.