How to Install Spark Plugs in a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta was first introduced in 1979. It evolved from the VW golf hatchback and revamped to include a trunk in place of the hatchback. This, plus several body refinements brought the Jetta to the forefront of the consumer market. The name Jetta is a reference to the Atlantic jet stream. Most of Volkswagen's vehicles were named after predominant winds. Replacing the spark plugs in a 1996 Jetta is a simple process for a do-it-yourselfer with minimal tools.

Instructions

1

Park the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta on a flat service. Engage the parking brake.

2

Open the hood. Do not disconnect the battery. Unless you are working on or around the electrical system, there is no need to disconnect the battery. Disconnecting the battery causes the security system to loose memory -- the computer looses its idle strategy and will need to relearn. The radio and GPS also loose their security code and will not work without the being coded along with the sunroof, automatic windows and others needing resetting. If the battery must be disconnected, purchase an inexpensive memory saver -- 9-volt battery with a cigarette lighter plug -- it has enough power to keep the memories alive. Install this in the cigarette lighter before disconnecting the battery and pull it out after the battery is connected.

3

Disconnect the fuel-injector electrical connectors on the rear two cylinders. This will make enough clearance to access the plug wires better.

4

Remove the plug wires starting with the one closest to the radiator, or front of car, by inserting the spark plug puller around the spark plug boot. It must be around the boot because pulling on these wires will surely tear them, rendering them useless. Twist the boot right and left to break its adhesion to the plug loose and pull it off. Ensure you identify their positions before removing them, such as wrapping a piece of masking tape around the wire and identifying which socket it plugs into. Alternatively, only remove one spark plug at a time to avoid confusing the order in which they plug into the Jetta.

5

Insert the 5/8-inch socket on a 6-inch extension into the hole and turn the plug counterclockwise to remove it. Gap the new spark plug to .028 inch with the gap tool.

6

Insert the plug into the socket and thread the plug in by hand with the extension. When the plug bottoms out, add the ratchet and turn the plug a quarter turn further. The plugs have compression gaskets and this is enough to compress them to 19 foot-pounds.

7

Add some dielectric grease to the inside of the spark plug boot to keep it from sticking to the plug. Place the spark plug boot in the tool used to remove the wire and push the boot onto the spark plug until it snaps on.

8

Repeat this procedure for the remaining plugs. When all the plugs have been replaced, plug the fuel injector connectors back on the injectors.