Replacing Spark Plug Wires on car

[Heidi]

Looking for some help please. I have a 1999 Grand Am

that needs the plug wire harness replaced. 6 cylinder

It has 3 rubber boots on the bottom end that attaches to

the engine. I am having a hard time removing them from the

block. I can't see if they are held on by a clip or something else. How are those darn things attached??

This should be a simple repair, but I can't seem to be able

to remove them by trying to pull them off.

Thanks for the help.

[efgh]

Auto parts stores have a pliers that is coated with plastic on the jaws that is espically made for removal of spark plug wires. You just grab a hold of the sparkplug boot with the jaws of the pliers, twist and pull, it should pop off. Heat from the plug sort of glues the boot to the plug.

[Bob Horn]

Over time the wires will bake to the spark plugs. If your replacing the wires use a pair of channel locks or something that can get in there and just keep spinning the boot in one direction and they will come loose. Also you can put a rag over the channel locks if you are going to keep the wires. Good Luck

[Jeremy airjer W]

Those three back ones can be really difficult. While grabbing the top of the boot try twisting them. You will feel resistance until the boot brakes free of the plug. Sometimes you really have to get on them to break free!! Once you feel them turn they will usually pop right off.

Make sure you take a good look at the posts on the coils. They should be corrosion free. Add a little dielectric grease (a small packet should be included with the new wires) to the end of the wires that attach to the coils. A little on the spark plug end will help with removal in the future as well.

If you have the 3.1 with the two motor mounts on the front (right above the radiator) there is a tool that attaches to the brackets those mounts use that rotate the entire engine forward. The rear plugs/wires are a breeze with this installed.

Good luck Heidi!

[chris63]

Also,when you do get the old wires off make sure you use dielectric grease (as stated in earlier post) on the wires.If you replace the plugs use anti-cease grease on those as well to save yourself frustration in the future.Hope this helps.c63Happy wrenching!

[Jeremy airjer W]

The use of anti seize is not necessary if the spark plug threads have a silver (nickel) finish. Most platinum/iridium/higher end plugs will have the nickel coating. Most late model vehicles have these types of plugs. Rarely are they difficult to remove even with 100k + miles.