Changing Spark Plugs???

How Do I change the Spark Plugs on My 1996 Pontiac Grand AM 2.4L 4-cylinder? What tools do I need? Please help.

You need to remove the cover between the cams. this will remove the coil and the plug connectors. Then take a rachet with an extension and plug socket and reach down and remove the plugs. Once the plugs are out then check the gap for the new ones. Replace in reverse order and it should fire easily. The only tools you will need are a rachet, spark plug socket and an extension to remove the plugs. You will need a couple of screwdriver usually a phillips or flat head. The only other thing you should need is a gapping tool or set of feeler guages to gap the plugs.

Can You give me more specific instructions?

The 2.4 engine is a double overhead cam design. The coil and wires are located under the center section of the engine between the cams. To access the plugs the cover between the cams needs to be removed. To do this there are bolts the hold the cover in place. Use a wrench or socket to remove all the bolts (4) and remove the center cover. Because the plug connectors and coil are attached to this cover you may need to use a slight amount of pressure to remove the cover. Once you have it off you can just lay it aside, you may have to remove the electrical connector connected to the coil module. After you have the cover off you are ready to remove the plugs. Get a plug wrench of the correct size for the plugs, not sure which size but there are two so find the correct one. Put the socket over the plug and loosen counter clockwise. (Note: Make sure the engine is cold when you do this. If not you may strip the threads and that will be very expensive to repair.) Once you have the plug out then take the new plug and gap it using the gapping tool. The correct gap will be listed on the under hood decal. (Some plugs come already gapped by the manufacturer. Bosch platinum plugs come this way.) Replace the plug in the hole and use your fingers to start it. If you can't reach it a piece of fuel hose on the plug will help. You can also use the plug wrench if you do it gently. Once you are sure the plug is correctly threaded then tighten to 11-15 foot pounds if a tapered seat or if it has a copper ring just above the threads then tighten it to 25 foot pounds. (Most of the plugs on GM vehicles are tapered seat.) Anti-seize compound on the threads is a good idea and can be purchased at any auto store. You will need a torque wrench to torque them properly. I usually just snug them up just don't overtighten them. After you do the first plug then repeat the process. When they have all been replaced, replace the cover, reinstall any wiring you had to remove and start the car. I hope this is detailed enough if you have more questions, let me know.

Instead of starting yet another thread about spark plugs, I figured I'd bump this one.

I plan on changing the spark plugs on a 2000 Grand Am 4 cyl. this upcoming Sunday.

Is it safe to assume that the instructions posted by GTP Dad above for a 96 Grand Am, would be the same that I would follow?

I plan on picking up AC Delco plugs (what's in the car already), but when I went to look at wire sets, I was overwhelmed. What would be a good set to buy? I'd rather not ask the store their opinion in fear of being taken advantage of or having them push something overpriced.

Mucho Thanks! :smile:

Welcome cutest_sandgirl , this was a ded as hell thread. Anyways, if I'm right there arent any plug wires. Just a boot that connects the coils straight to the spark plugs. The directions above are fine for either year of car.

One other thing I suggest is using some anti-seize on the plugs threads(be carful not to get it on the center electrode), so the next time they are removed they wont stick or break off in the head. Good Luck

Welcome cutest_sandgirl , this was a ded as hell thread. Anyways, if I'm right there arent any plug wires. Just a boot that connects the coils straight to the spark plugs. The directions above are fine for either year of car.

One other thing I suggest is using some anti-seize on the plugs threads(be carful not to get it on the center electrode), so the next time they are removed they wont stick or break off in the head. Good Luck
No wires? Sweet. :D

Anti-seize. Got it. :) Thank you!

This thread has saved my life I will know shortly if I did it right. I stood for about 20 minutes trying to figure out where the plugs were.

This thread has saved my life I will know shortly if I did it right. I stood for about 20 minutes trying to figure out where the plugs were.


Alright I went to change the plugs and found the directions above may not apply to my 2000 grand am. I see the 4 bolts i have a black boh that these bolts attach to but if I remove the bolts there is a hose attached underneth and another attachment like 2 inches in diameter (I assume it is the intake for the air) that has a clamp and the attachment where the box clamps to the air box. i saw no plugs under there? am I messing up somewhere.

I think you're just refferring to where the engine cover covers the intake & throttle body, correct? I don't know exactly what you're talking about, but if you keep removing covers, you will eventually get down to the Integrated Direct Ignition, and the spark plugs are underneath. So just keep going - you'll get there, and can't really hurt anything.

So just keep going - you'll get there, and can't really hurt anything.

again you answered my q thanks. I really just did not want to mess up anything.