spark plugs

aroma · #1 10-05-2005, 02:15 AM

I am thinking about changing the spark plugs of my 2000 chevy venture but it looks so complicated, do I need a special tools to do it?

shooter_va · #2 10-05-2005, 05:46 AM

No special tools necessary, just a ratchet strap, small hands/arms and some band-aids for scraped knuckles. Do the rear first (they are the hard ones). It helps if you take the coil pack loose and tie it out of the way.
It will take you a few hours to to the job. Change the wires as well.

Kevcules · #3 10-09-2005, 08:55 PM

I would definitely check with someone first to see what they would charge you to install your plugs. I changed mine and it only took four hours!!! (first time on this type of vehicle) It's not complicated but time consuming for the rookie. I think I'll pay the $50 to have them installed by someone that changes them everyday!
Be sure to use the good plugs from the dealer. They are expensive but will last a long time and it's probably the last time you'll change them anyway.

aroma · #4 10-10-2005, 02:38 AM

I have'nt change the spark plugs since I bought this van and I check the dealer they told me $500.00 that's why I ask

Also the indicator light say's ENGINE COOLANT IS LOW is turning on and off while driving, sometimes it's on for 5 minute or two then off then on again, I don't know if the sensor is loose or there is something wrong with the thermostat or water pump or temparature sensor.

shooter_va · #5 10-10-2005, 06:04 AM

Before I did mine, I checked with the local dealer: $350.- (plugs, wires & labor).

MagnaPilot · #6 10-10-2005, 03:05 PM

I've done mine... having previous experience with Camaros, this one wasn't too bad. I personally had trouble getting the coil pack off... infact.. it pretty much wouldn't come off. I got to thinking, and found a somewhat easier way to do the rear plugs. Remove the Front passerger side tire, You'll have a hole that you can put your arm through, and have easy reach of the plugs. The only problem is that you must do it one handed. It's a tad tedious, but it isn't terrible. Expect to take a couple hours on your first try though.

mmorales · #7 10-11-2005, 12:28 PM

I just changed the plugs and wires on my 2000 venture this weekend. It is a pain, but not too complicated. As someone above mentioned, the hardest part for me was removing the coil pack, because the rear nuts are hard to reach. Last time I paid someone to do it for me, it came out to about $200 in labor charges so it is worth figuring out how to do it yourself in my opinion.

cdru · #8 10-11-2005, 03:57 PM

Here is a secret to the rear nuts holding the coil bracket on: Once you get them off....don't put them back on. The two bolts are more then enough to hold the entire bracket down properly torqued. If you ever need to get to the rear of the engine, it becomes a 30 second job to get the coil pack out. Remove two bolts, unhook the wiper linkage, and just twist/pull it out.

mmorales · #9 10-11-2005, 04:32 PM

Cdru, I read that tip in another topic here and I did not replace the rear nuts. I think you were the one that mentioned it in the other topic as well, thanks for the info.

MagnaPilot · #10 10-12-2005, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aroma

Also the indicator light say's ENGINE COOLANT IS LOW is turning on and off while driving, sometimes it's on for 5 minute or two then off then on again, I don't know if the sensor is loose or there is something wrong with the thermostat or water pump or temparature sensor.

I had this happen once (while driving on the autobahn no less). Ended up that I just had low coolant... but not enough to keep the sensor triggered all the time. Also, if you ever get low on coolant like I did, you have to drive the vehicle around for a short bit, then bleed the air out of the system. There is a bleeder screw on the motor, you just follow the coolant line to the engine, and you'll see it. I believe it's a brass color.

cdru · #11 10-12-2005, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagnaPilot

I had this happen once (while driving on the autobahn no less). Ended up that I just had low coolant... but not enough to keep the sensor triggered all the time. Also, if you ever get low on coolant like I did, you have to drive the vehicle around for a short bit, then bleed the air out of the system. There is a bleeder screw on the motor, you just follow the coolant line to the engine, and you'll see it. I believe it's a brass color.

There is actually two bleeder screws. One to the right of the water pump on the bypass pipe. The other is on the thermostat housing attached to the upper radiator hose.

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