Rear spark plugs/o2 sensor!
BGALLO
05-27-2007, 07:07 PM
Can someone please tell me how in the heck you get to the rear 3 spark plugs and oxygen sensor on a 1996 3.4L apv?? I changed out the front 3 plugs in less than 5 minutes - I can't even SEE the rears, and that's after taking off all that engine cover junk! O2 sensor is on top of the Y pipe behind the engine, but between the firewall! Somebody told me the engine needs tipped forward, but I think that must be a myth. It looks like you would need to take out the radiator and disconnect all the exhaust pipes? If you do need to tip the motor, how do you do it? A few months ago I changed the lower engine mounts, and the engine was not tipping forward when they were released. I took off the dogbone, no movement there either. Any info would be great. Thanks.
BGALLO
06-04-2007, 11:59 AM
Well since no one responded, I'll post my findings for future readers. The rear three spark plugs and "y" pipe O2 sensor are accessed from under the vehicle on the 3.4L. There is a heat shield around the top of the exhaust pipe that needs to be removed first, then you have room to get your hands in to the rear of the engine, above the pipe. If you have a hoist, this job would be cake. If you are using ramps and laying on your back, as I did, it takes a while longer, but still isn't that bad. Make sure the engine is ice cold and take your time, lest you get severely frustrated.
LMP
06-04-2007, 12:04 PM
Same findings with mine (3.8) . See photos.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=599442
SOme use a tool to replace the dogbone engine front support and tilt the engine forward....
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=599442
SOme use a tool to replace the dogbone engine front support and tilt the engine forward....
TexasGuy
06-08-2007, 11:00 PM
I have 3.1 engine, it is a pain. I changed O2 sensor by "feeling" it behind the engine. I am slim and tall, had hands long enough to reach it but was not easy.
Didn't change the spark there yet. That time I took it to the shop and they were crying like little girls that in the model of my van it is a pain to reach it, anyway, when I showed cash they didn't complain. Next time I am doing it myself.
Didn't change the spark there yet. That time I took it to the shop and they were crying like little girls that in the model of my van it is a pain to reach it, anyway, when I showed cash they didn't complain. Next time I am doing it myself.
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