How to Replace the Spark Plug Wires in a 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup

The 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 base model was equipped with a 3.9-liter six-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. The 3.9-liter engine makes use of a mechanical distributor to distribute current to each spark plug. The spark plug boots are protected by a heat shield pressed into the cylinder head that makes it necessary to use spark plug boot pliers to remove the plug wires from each spark plug. Only remove and replace one spark plug wire at a time.

Instructions

Removal

1

Lift the vehicle hood and support it with the hood prop rod. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench and set it aside

2

Remove the nut that secures the intake air tube to the top of the throttle body. Loosen the two clamps securing the intake air tube to the air filter box with a screwdriver. Remove the intake air tube.

3

Trace the spark plug wires from the distributor cap to the cylinder head on each side of the engine and pop open each plug wire retainer with a flathead screwdriver.

4

Start with the rear passenger side plug wire. Disconnect the spark plug boot from the spark plug by holding it firmly with the spark plug boot pliers and turning it one half turn. Pull the boot directly from the spark plug. Remove the spark plug wire from the distributor cap.

5

Remove the coil pack to distributor wire from the coil pack and the distributor.

Installation

6

Install the included dielectric grease into each end of the new plug wires. Install the coil to distributor wire onto the center terminal on the distributor cap and the ignition coil.

7

Plug the spark plug wire 90-degree boot onto the distributor cap at the only available terminal. Plug the straight boot end of the spark plug wire onto the spark plug; it will click when properly seated.

8

Perform the removal and installation for each additional plug wire one at a time until all six plug wires have been changed using the same procedure as for the first spark plug wire.

9

Install the intake air tube onto the air filter box and the throttle body. Tighten both clamps at the air box with the screw driver. Tighten the mounting nut at the throttle body with a wrench.

10

Attach the negative battery cable to the battery and tighten the battery terminal with a wrench.