Tune-Up Question?

[lionelkirk2004]

I was just wondering if someone knew whether or not i needed new Spark Plugs.
It's a 1996 Pontiac Grand AM 2.4L. It has 132,000 miles on it.

Now, As far as I know, the car hasn't had a tune-up with me yet. I got the car with about 103,000 miles on it. I haven't had a tune-up yet but I am wondering what are some of the symptoms of needed a tune- up or getting new spark plugs.
The car hesitates sometimes but not alot and it drives pretty nice for the year and the miles on it.

Any Idea of some symtoms or what needs to be done?

[GTP Dad]

Yes you need a tune up! New plugs will help both performance and fuel economy. With the 2.4 you may want to check the coil assembly under the cover between the cams for carbon tracking. (Black or Grey streaks) if you notice them you may want to replace the coil assembly. You have to remove this to get to the plugs anyway.

[lionelkirk2004]

cool, thanks. And do you know exactly what tools I need? I have a repair manual. But I just need to know what tools to use and stuff.

[Hoags]

The cover bolts are 15mm and the screws to get to the coil assembly are 1/4inch or 7mm I can't quite remember. I'm not sure of the size needed for the plugs but I used my smaller size plug socket it has a rubber insert so yoou don't damage the creamic part of the plug. When you take the cover off I have found it much easier to work with if you disconnect the wire harnes on the right hand side of the cover.

It's not a difficult job, you can do it in less than 1/2 hour.

[Knifeblade]

Spray the plug wells out before pulling them!!!!!!! Get all the rust/dirt/etc. out of the wells first. Use compressed air can, the type we use to blast our keyboards with.

Then, spray some penetrate lube into each plugwell, let it work an hour or so, makes the pull easier, and nothing [if ya airblast the wells out first] will drop into the cylinders.

[Hoags]

Good point Knifeblade!