change spark plug wires-01 windstar

[floydhoo]

can anyone give me detailed info on removing the wiper cowl , in order to change plug wires on an 01 windstar--thanks in advance--floydhoo

[garync1]

First remove the Windshield wipers I use a cheap gear puller from Advanced Auto
I think the nuts on the wipers are 17 mm. I found that to be the best way so it won't damage the splines. Keep in mind when you do this you will need the hood open to do one side of the wiper and hood close for the other. You will be able to figure out which side. Because the gear puller won't fit when hood is open. There are several plastic hold down pressure clips they have the phillips type head that can be screwed out a little to get your fingers on to pull up then they will pull out by hand. On the end corners close to the windshield they snap on a end clips they can be pulled off the clips. After you get the plastic main cover off there are several "8mm I think" bolts that all will need to be removed. After all have been removed the cowl should come off. Keep in mind you will need to unplug the windshield wiper motor from the cowl to get out of way. Hope this helps.. gary

[garync1]

To get to back spark plugs you will most likely want to go under van to get to number one spark plug closest to passenger side. You may have to fly blind and go with feel like I did.. Also i would go ahead and change spark plug wires as well. There is one clip that holds wires together that may not allow you to pull last 2 wires out. I had to search and find it. I could not get to it by hand so i use a long pry bar to snap off clip. i did not reuse that clip. I just made sure wires are not touching hot parts of the exhaust. If I see a problem i will use zip ties if needed but so far there fine. Number 1 plug you may wont to snake arm through front end parts to find you way through it. I had to pull up on ramps to do this. hope this helps. gary I used Autolight double plat plugs and Autolight pro series wires. They seem to work real well and are close if not better than motorcraft or the same. In other word they may make these plugs and wires for Motorcraft..

[floydhoo]

thanks for your help--i'll try that--floydhoo

[busboy4]

Hi
Good info, however I have never had to use a puller to get the wipers off. If, after you remove the nut you tilt the wiper arm up to the 90 degree position you can fairly easily wiggle the arm free of the splines. When I re-install, I first snap the arm back to its extended position so I can line it up on the windshield, then lay it over the drive shaft and run the nut down into position and tighten it.

Be carefull of the plastic snaps that hold the cowl at the top along the base of the windshield. They break easily so apply gentle pressure around each one to pop the cowl free. Write yourself a note to remember to hook the washer fluid lines back up before you screw the cowl cover down. I have, more than once I am afraid put the whole mess back together and then found the washers not working. DOH!

[floydhoo]

thanks for the help--so much easier to bypass mistakes others have made instead of making them yourself- and i've made plenty already--thanks again--was very helpful floydhoo