How to Change Spark Plugs in a 1995 Stratus

The 1995 Dodge Stratus base model was equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine or an optional 2.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder variant. The 1995 Stratus ES was available with both four-cylinder engines, but came equipped with a 2.5-liter V-6 as the stock engine. The spark plugs on the 1995 Stratus are responsible for the ignition of the gasoline when each piston is at the top of it's cycle. When the spark plugs wear out, poor starting, poor idling, misfires and no-start situations can arise.

Instructions

1

Raise the hood and set the hood prop. Loosen the negative (black) battery cable tie-down with a ratchet and socket. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery.

2

Remove one rubber spark plug boot from the front of the engine, at the top of the valve cover. Twist the boot, by hand, and pull it straight upward. Inspect the boot and the attached spark plug wire for cracks or tears. If any cracks or tears exist, replace the entire spark plug wire set.

3

Remove the spark plug from the engine with a 3/8-inch-drive ratchet, extension and spark plug socket. Turn the spark plug counterclockwise to remove it. Inspect the plug to see if there is oil on its bottom part. If the bottom of the spark plug is saturated with oil, you need to replace the spark plug oil seals prior to installing new plugs -- these are small O-ring seals at the bottom of the spark plug hole, which keep oil away from the spark plugs.

4

Check and set the gap on the new spark plug to 0.050 (in thousandths of an inch), using a spark plug gauge tool, or feeler gauge set. Remove the ratchet from the extension and spark plug socket. Insert a new spark plug into the socket and begin threading the plug into the engine, by hand. Turn the plug until it is snug in the engine. Attach a torque wrench to the extension and spark plug socket, and tighten the spark plug to 20 foot-pounds of torque.

5

Insert the rubber boot over the new spark plug, and press it onto the engine until it clicks into place.

6

Repeat Steps 2 through 5 to install the remainder of the spark plugs. Install the negative battery cable back onto the battery when all of the plugs are installed and properly torqued.