Changing Spark Plugs and Wires

[civickid77]

My girlfrinds mother has a 96 Caravan and i need to change the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. The plugs are on the sides of the engine. What do i have to do to access the plugs? The look hard to get to. Do i need any special tools?

[Sport45]

The front plugs are easy. A couple in the back are a real PITA to change. I think for the best access, you'll have to remove the front cowl (the whole windshield wiper assembly). This will be easier than taking off the intake manifold which you would think has to be removed for access. It's tight and you have to work blind back there, but the plugs can be changed.

[SteveZ]

Can be done from underneath on jack stands - still a major PITA!!!

[armnfish]

The fronts are easy, #2 and #3 are rather difficult, #1 is the mother of all spark plugs. I ended up removing the alternator for access.

[SteveZ]

Originally Posted by armnfish

The fronts are easy, #2 and #3 are rather difficult, #1 is the mother of all spark plugs. I ended up removing the alternator for access.

No doubt. Once I figured out #3, #2 wasn't so bad (or so good). BUT #1 ...

As I sit here, 5 out of 6 plugs and wires replaced, I have a plug boot stuck on #1. Wire came off, cannot remove it the boot. After finally figuring out how to get a socket on it, the P*S has the nerve to not come off. Now I cannot get a socket on it, nor can I plug the wire back in

Now I am stuck with coming up with some means to get the rest of the plug shroud off from underneath or I also get to pull the alternator and cut it down to metal or something I can get a tool on. I have good grip and plenty to pull on from underneath, the bugger just won't budge. I even have adequate room for pliers, etc.

The old plugs were terrible - scorched insulators, practically dead center electrodes (nothing much left), gap way over spec due to wear. So much for double platinum plugs being good for 100k - these are the OEM Champions, the correct model and heat range, just toast. I guess I can't complain for 5 years and 60k of my wife's driving pattern (99% short trips, 7 days a week). Car has been running awful of late, now I can see why! The air filter was also black, all this for a car that sees the dealer on scheduled maintenance. I just choked on the 60k estimate for something I can easily do 75-80% myself.

Gotta figure this one out - she's got my '03 Dodge Ram Hemi Quad Cab (only other auto car) until I finish with her Caravan!

Someone needs to shoot some pics on what we're dealing with, I may do so once I get past being pis*sed over #1!