How to Install a Spark Plug on a 1996 Chevy Monte Carlo

The base model 1996 Chevy Monte Carlo came equipped with a 3.1 liter V6 engine that uses a distributorless ignition system. In this system each coil operates two spark plugs, with the wasted energy from each spark returning to the coil and to its companion spark plug and wire. This allows an extra spark to occur during the exhaust stroke, which aids in lowering emissions. Each time the spark jumps the spark plug gap a tiny amount of the metal from the electrodes is vaporized and, over time, the gap between the electrodes grows. This can cause the cylinder to misfire and, if left alone, may cause damage to the coil pack and ignition module. Chevy recommends that you replace the spark plugs in your 1996 Chevy Monte Carlo every 30,000 miles.

Instructions

1

Turn the engine off and open the hood. Allow the engine to cool. Damage could result from removing spark plugs from a hot aluminum cylinder head like the ones used in the 1996 Monte Carlo.

2

Begin with the spark plug closest to the front of the engine compartment. Replace one plug at a time, to avoid mixing up plug wires. Remove the first plug wire, using a spark plug wire puller, and inspect it's entire length for physical damage and white patches or burned spots that are signs of arcing. Replace the spark plug wires as a set if there are signs of arcing or physical damage. Clear dirt and debris from around the spark plug using spray parts cleaner.

3

Remove the spark plug using a 5/8-inch spark plug socket, long extension bar and ratchet. Check and adjust the gap on the new plug to .060 inch using a spark plug gapping tool. Slide the tool into the gap and rotate or slide it, depending on the tool's design, until it contacts the center and ground electrodes of the plug. Observe the gap size measure on the tools gauge. Adjust the gap until it meets specifications.

4

Insert the new plug into the spark plug socket and install the new spark plug into the cylinder head by hand, to avoid cross-threading. Torque the plug to 11 foot-pounds, using the torque wrench. Alternatively, tighten the plug 1/8 turn after initial contact with the head. Slide the spark plug wire terminal onto the plug until it snaps over the end of the plug. Repeat the process for the other two plugs on the front of the engine compartment.

5

Remove the engine strut mount bolts that attach the two engine struts to the engine and radiator core support brackets. Use a 15 mm socket and ratchet, and a 15 mm wrench, to remove the engine bracket bolts. Use a 13 mm socket and ratchet to remove the radiator core support bracket bolts.

6

Temporarily reinstall the engine strut bolts into the engine bracket after slipping a short piece of strong chain onto the bolt. Rotate the engine forward approximately 1 1/4 inch by inserting a pry bar into the engine bracket and pulling back on the pry-bar. Secure the engine by passing the radiator core support bracket bolt through the chain and into the bracket. The chain will hold the engine in the rotated position while the rear spark plugs are replace.

7

Remove one of the plug wires from a rear plug using a spark plug wire puller. Inspect the wire as previously described and replace the set if any appear to be damaged or arcing. Replace the spark plug and reinstall the plug wire as previously described.

8

Rotate the engine forward to take the pressure off the chain. Slide the engine strut bolts out of the brackets and allow the engine to rotate back into it's normal position. Reattach the engine struts and test drive the car.