Has anyone changed the spark plugs on a on a 1999 Grand Caravan with a 3.3L engine? The front three are easy but what is the way to get to the rear spark plugs easiest to replace them and their wires. Do I have to remove the exhaust pipe or other stuff.
donald7150
02-24-2007, 06:55 PM
wow
here is the procedure from the FSM:
SPARK PLUG SERVICE - 3.3/3.8L ENGINES
WARNING: The ignition cables should not be removed while the engine is hot. This could cause server injury/burns and can cause damage to the ignition cables.
Use extreme care when removing and installing the spark plug cables.
The spark plug boot heat shield needs to be installed correctly on the boot before being installed on the engine Spark Plug Boot/Heat Shield Orientation If it is not installed correctly engine misfire would occur.
Do not use pliers to pull the boot/heat shield assembly from the spark plugs. This will damage the shield assembly.
SPARK PLUG #3 AND #5
REMOVAL
Remove the resonator.
Remove intake strut to cylinder head bolt at cylinder head.
Loosen bolt for intake strut at intake.
Swing strut away.
Grasp the spark plug boot/shield assembly as close as possible to the spark plug. Twist the boot/shield assembly slightly to break the seal with the plug and pull straight out. Do not use pliers, pull on the ignition cable, or pull the spark plug boot at an angle. This could damage the spark plug insulator, terminal, heat shield or the insulation. Wipe spark plug insulator clean with a dry cloth before installation.
Remove spark plug
INSTALLATION
Install spark plug and tighten to 28 N·m (20 ft. lbs.)
When installing the spark plug cables, make sure spark plug insulator and terminals are fully seated. A click sound should be heard or felt when the terminals are properly attached.
Install the cable into the retaining bracket. Make sure that they are also attached to the rear retaining clip mounted on the rear of the intake manifold.
Swing strut back into place.
Install intake strut bolt to cylinder head at cylinder head.
Tighten bolt to intake strut at intake.
Tighten bolt at cylinder head.
Install the resonator.
SPARK PLUG #1
REMOVAL
Remove the accessory drive belt, Refer toCooling.
Remove the 4 bolts from the upper half of the generator bracket.
Push the Generator rearward.
Grasp the spark plug boot/shield assembly as close as possible to the spark plug. Twist the boot/shield assembly slightly to break its seal with the plug and pull straight out. Do not use pliers, pull on the ignition cable, or pull the spark plug boot at an angle. This could damage the spark plug insulator, terminal, or the insulation. Wipe spark plug insulator clean with a dry cloth before installation.
Remove spark plug
INSTALLATION
Install spark plug and tighten to 28 N·m (20 ft. lbs.)
When installing the spark plug cables, make sure the coil or spark plug insulator and terminals are fully seated. A click sound should be heard or felt when the terminals are properly attached.
Pull Generator back into place.
Install upper Generator bracket with the 4 bolts.
Install the accessory drive belt, Refer toCooling.
kabhatti
02-24-2007, 10:13 PM
The above post is the official way, but "our" way is the following:
Plugs 3 and 5 need to be done from underneath. Jack up the van as high as possible, and reach up there using all sorts and combinations of swivel sockets and extensions. Air tools are nice to have. For plug number one, it is actually done from the top. Simply take off the three mounting bolts of the mount holding the alternator and swing it upward. You'll be able to have somewhat decent access using all sorts of swivel and extension combinations. One of the hardest things about all of those are making sure the new cable makes a click sound. I'm not sure I was able to hear it my case....
