How to Change the Spark Plugs in a 2002 Ford Taurus 24 Valve V6

From 1986 through 2006, the Ford Taurus sat atop all Ford cars as the automakers best-selling passenger vehicle. The Taurus returned in 2008 and Ford converted it to a performance sedan in 2010. The 2002 model year was an interesting one. Ford tried to retain customer interest by giving away high-end options, which varied depending on the trim level you selected. One option that was not free was the 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6, known as the Duratec engine. Replacing the spark plugs in this engine is a little trickier than most, but most do-it-yourself mechanics can complete the task successfully.

Instructions

1

Check the gap at the base of all six new Motorcraft AWSF-32F or equivalent spark plugs using a spark plug gap tool. The correct gap for the Duratec engine is between 0.052 and 0.056 inches. Adjust the gap as needed to meet the specification using the spark plug gap tool.

2

Remove the two metal clips from the front of the passengers side of the cowl grille by prying them out with a flathead screwdriver. Pull upward on the rear of the cowl grille firmly to disengage its rear retaining clips. Remove the cowl grille.

3

Remove the two screws securing the passengers side water shield the component revealed after removing the cowl grille using a ratchet and socket. Remove the passengers side water shield. This exposes the Tauruss ignition coil.

4

Label all six spark plug wires and their receptacles on the ignition coil in a manner that will aid you in installing them in the correct position on the coil, using masking tape and a permanent marker. Pull all six spark plug wires from the ignition coil by their thick rubber boots, using a slight twisting motion.

5

Press and hold the unlocking button on the ignition coil wiring harness and pull it upward to unplug it from the ignition coils receptacle. Remove the three screws securing the ignition coil using a ratchet and Torx-bit socket. Remove the ignition coil to provide access to the rear plugs.

6

Trace one spark plug wire until you reach its thick rubber boot that goes inside the spark plug tube in the valve cover. Grab the boot and pull upward with a twisting motion to remove the wire from the spark plug. Remove the spark plug with a ratchet and spark plug socket.

7

Pull the spark plug from the socket a rubber insert holds it in place. Thread a new spark plug into the engine and feel for any resistance as you thread it. If you feel resistance, immediately remove the plug and thread it again. Torque the spark plug to 11 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and spark plug socket.

8

Inspect the removed wire for any defects, including breaks, cracks, tears, burn marks or excessive aging. If any exist, replace all six wires one at a time. If you replace the wires, transfer the labels you placed on the old wires to each replacement wire.

9

Place a dab of dielectric grease meeting Ford specification ESE-M1C171-A into the spark plug wire boots. Spread this grease around the inside of the wire with a small flat-head screwdriver.

10

Line the long spark plug boot up with the top of the spark plug and press the boot downward until you feel it click into place.

11

Repeat Steps 6 through 10 to replace the remaining five spark plugs.

12

Set the ignition coil back onto its mount on the rear valve cover and hand-thread its three retaining screws. Tighten the three screws to 53 inch-pounds using an inch-pounds torque wrench.

13

Line up each spark plug wire boot with its receptacle on the ignition coil, according to the labeling system you made, and press the boot downward until it clicks into place.

14

Set the passengers side water shield back into place under the front windshield and hand-thread its retaining bolts. Tighten these bolts with a ratchet and socket. Position the cowl grille in place under the front windshield, lining up the grille's retaining clips on the rear with the slots under the windshield. Press downward on the rear of the grille and slide its two metal retaining clips into place until you hear them click.