spark plugs

[SLechner]

Does anyone know where the spark plugs are on a 99 Pontiac Grand Am ? I tried to buy a Chilton's book at O'Reilly and they said it hasn't been made yet. I have a 105,000 on my car and haven't changed them yet. Do you think that it would give me better mileage changing them ? Or do you think changing the gas filter will help ?

[xeroinfinity]

4 cylinder or V6? I think Chiltons alittle behind. You can find other books like Haynes at Auto Zones. With 100k miles, probley do for a change in plug and wires. It certainly should improve your gas mileage. If you do change them I would Highly suggest putting Anti-seize on the threads of the spark plugs. This will allow them to be removed easier the next time they're changed.

[Markgase2000]

Originally Posted by SLechner

Does anyone know where the spark plugs are on a 99 Pontiac Grand Am ? I tried to buy a Chilton's book at O'Reilly and they said it hasn't been made yet. I have a 105,000 on my car and haven't changed them yet. Do you think that it would give me better mileage changing them ? Or do you think changing the gas filter will help ?

99 GA's had platinum plugs. I noticed the plugs like to burn right out around your mileage but they can keep running too. I switched to iridiums and they stay unburnt alot longer.

Locations for the plugs , 3 infront and 3 rear. 2 ways to replace them in the rear. Either unbolt the proper engine mounts (Instructions on bottom of tranny) using a wood block to lift and tilt the engine forward so you can get at them easier. The other way is to change them by feel by crawling on top of the engine and replacing one at a time. The angles they go in are tricky so becarefull not to bend the tip of your plug. I use a 3/8 piece of airline hose cut about 4 inches long , it holds the plug snugly and allows you to place them better back there since space is limited and our arms are only so long. Change only one wire and plug at a time to ensure your putting them in proper order. Last time I did this took me 20 minutes for all 6. The first time I did it took me 45 minutes.

If you dont want to take a chance or dont feel like doing it the $50 - $100 for a tune up is well worth it. If you want to go longer without changing plugs do what pontiac did and switch from platinums to irridiums they take excessive heat better. JMO