How to Install Spark Plugs on a 2000 Grand Marquis

Ford Motor Company introduced the Mercury Marquis in 1975, and the Grand Marquis was introduced separately in 1983. The 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis GS base model was equipped with a 200-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 engine. An optional 215-horsepower version of the same engine was available for the 2000 Grand Marquis. The spark plugs on the Grand Marquis should be changed every 30,000-miles, and the spark plugs should be checked every 50,000 miles or 60-months. The spark plug gap can increase during every 2,500-miles interval, causing more power to be needed to create a spark to ignite the engine fuel.

Instructions

1

Raise the hood of the Grand Marquis. Loosen the negative (black) battery lead, using a ratchet and socket. Remove the negative cable from the battery.

2

Remove one spark plug wire from the engine by turning it 1/2-turn, then pulling upward, by hand. Remove the spark plug with a ratchet, extension, and 5/8-inch spark plug socket. Turn the spark plug counterclockwise to remove it from the engine -- the spark plug socket has a special insert which will grab the spark plug to remove it from the engine.

3

Check the gap on the new spark plug, using a spark plug gab ring, or a set of feeler gauges. The spark plug gap should be set at 0.54 mm. Spark plugs are usually set at 0.44 mm from the factory. Insert the spark plug ring between the metal arc and the center electrode. Push the arc upward, away from the electrode, by spinning the spark plug ring until the reading is 0.54 mm.

4

Separate the ratchet from the extension and spark plug socket. Insert the new spark plug into the spark plug socket. Install the new spark plug into the engine, and turn the plug 3 to 5 times to ensure proper threading. Install a 3/8-inch drive torque wrench onto the extension and socket, and tighten the spark plug to 180 inch-pounds (15 foot-pounds) of torque.

5

Install the spark plug wire onto the new spark plug. Twist the wire as you push it onto the plug, until it snaps into place. Gently tug the wire to make sure the wire is properly grabbing the spark plug.

6

Repeat Steps 2 through 5 to replace the remaining seven spark plugs. Replacing the spark plugs one at a time will ensure that you do not confuse the firing order by pulling all of the plug wires at one time. Upon removing the driver's side spark plug, furthest to the rear of the engine (8 in the firing order), you may need to install a swivel U-joint attachment between the extension and spark plug socket. The steering shaft can impede access to this spark plug, and adding a swivel attachment can help you maneuver around the shaft.

7

Install the negative battery cable and lead back onto the battery. Tighten the battery cable lead to 106 inch-pounds with the 3/8-inch drive torque wrench and a socket.