Quote:
Originally Posted by david95
enslow, no I haven't reseated the plug wires, and no I haven't checked the coils yet. I've never installed plug wires before, and I'm a bit intimidated by the process. I tried to take a plug wire off a few years ago and the damn thing wouldn't come off. So I've stayed away from them since then.
How do the plug wires come off the plugs? Do you just pull and twist? Is there any special technique to use? Is it possible to break the plug wires when you're pulling them off? I guess I've never really understood how the plug wires attach to the plugs, especially since I've never removed them before.
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I think it's time to do what you should have done first. Plugs and wires.. It's really not that bad. If you're worried about routing, take a couple of digital pictures.
If you don't already have one, get a Haynes manual, or if you are prepared to wait, get a factory service manual off ebay (even better). Plugs wires just pull straight off. If they've been on for awhile (a few years it seems!) the wire boots may be fused to the plugs so you'll just have to twist, rock, and pull harder. Wear a pair of leather gloves while you do this, especially for the plugs at the back, and your knuckles will thank you. On the rear plugs you may find little heat shields around each boot. This does make the the wires harder to remove, but they come off the same way, just pull.
In general, I'd do the following:
1) take pictures for wire routing.
2) use making tape to number the wires.
3) remove the wires from the plugs, one at a time.
4) remove corresponding plug using a socket for plugs. (there's usually one in a simple tool kit).
5) Gap the new plugs according to the gap specified in the manual. Install and tighten to the torque specified in the manual.
6) smear in a little dielectric grease inside the boots of the new wire.
7) install the wire along the same path as the old until you hear or feel a distinct "click" as the contacts make contact. Be sure to reinstall the heat shield around the rear rear boots.
If you've done O2 sensors, and the other sensors, you're capable of doing this yourself. I wouldn't even bother checking the coil yet, just change the plugs and wires and see how it goes. I'd bet it's just been plugs/wires all along.
BTW, everything you replaced already could have been tested before replacing. It's expensive to just throw parts at a car until something gets fixed. About the only things I'd change without testing are plugs, wires, filters, and oil.
Do this, good luck, and let us know!