Spark plug (rear) removal

[wingmass]

My 2000 Pontiac Bonneville has been losing power on take offs and normal driving. My check engine light has been on and the local auto parts store gave me with the codes. I'm replacing the O2 sensor, ignition coils, wires and plugs. The problem is the spark plug wires and very hard they are to get off and with the rear plugs there's not enough room to pull them out, even with pliers. To make things worse one wire broke and was basically dry rotted from the the long term exposure of heat. Can someone help on what they did with their tune up.

[xeroinfinity]

So what was the code(s) ?

They do sell a spark plug boot removal tool thats kinda like plyers, but with the end made to fit around the boot.

Try some twisting action with some plyers on the boot(S) if you dont want to splurge for the SPlug boot tool.

Be sure to use the silicone stuff in the boots, so If you need them off in the future .

[ChemMan]

To get the rear plugs out, start by removing the strut tower brace that runs between the bolts on the strut towers. That should give you the room to reach down by the plugs. I usually find that twisting the boots until they slide around the plug and then pulling them off works best. However, it sounds like your plug wires are too far gone, so get them off the best you can and make sure to get a good quality replacement. Now as for the plugs, try and spray some penetrating fluid or WD-40 at the base of the plugs and let it soak for a few minutes. I use a spark plug socket with a 4 inch extension and a ratchet with a flexible joint the the neck. Be sure to support the head of the rachet with your other hand as you remove the plugs to prevent breaking a plug. After properly gapping the new plugs, apply some anti-sieze to the threads and install them without over-tightening. When putting the new wires on, use plenty of silicone di-electric grease inside the boots to prevent sticking, and you might want to buy some metal boot shields for the rear plugs if the old wires didn't have them.
Good Luck!

[jdq]

Unless he bought one seperately he shouldnt have a strut tower brace.I like to climb on front of engine bay on my knees to reach the back plugs, you have to go by feel and yes a flexible extention helps too.you have to persevere. Also take chemmans advice with the diaelctic grease.

[ChemMan]

I didn't realize that 2000 bonneville's didn't have the strut tower brace. However, I would not recommend using a universal drive socket or anything like that, only a rachet with the flex joint just below the rachet head. It's too easy to break a spark plug otherwise.

[xeroinfinity]

its not a good idea to use a swivle type device at all if it can be avoided.
Its real easy to break the tops off if you dont hold/support the ratched head.

Bonnies dont have much room back thier thats for sure