'01 Spark Plug Replacement?

[jrn1023]

Hi,

Just purchase a 2001 Jeep Cherokee with just over 30K miles on it. While it runs fine, the maintenance schedule indicates that spark plugs should be replaced every 30K.

I also have a '98 Cherokee, which my son took over, that I have replaced the plugs in the past. The '98 has plug wires making the plugs easy to access and replace. This '01 has a bar across the plugs which appears to distribute the wiring to the plugs making access more difficult.

So my questions, before I get started are, do I have to remove hoses and cables/linkage to get this bar off? At the end of the bar nearest the firewall appears to be a connector. Will this connector need to be disconnected, or will there be enough play to just move the bar out of the way? Finally, are the spark plug connectors on the bar replaceable? If so, how often is this recommended? Basically, I'm looking for some suggested hints in getting at the plugs?

Thanks for your time and suggestions.

[Tim960]

Loosen the bolts on the spark plug bar. Gently pull/wiggle it loose from the plugs. It will tilt and slide around enough that you will have access to the plugs. Call your Jeep dealer and ask the recommended plugs for your model year and get them at any parts store. With out going into great detail the 2000 and 2001 run happier on standard plugs instead of expensive deluxe plugs or Splitfire type plugs. When you are done align the spark plug bar and genlty press it onto the plugs. Re-install the hold down bolts. I think the bar is a complete unit and if you need new plug boots you will have to get a whole new bar.

[jrn1023]

Thanks for the info Tim. I went ahead and replaced my spark plugs this weekend with the Jeep recommended plugs. All went well with your tips and the engine is running as smooth as it was before, meaning I didn't foul anything up. While the old plugs didn't look that bad, I don't think they had been replaced before.