How to Replace Spark Plugs in a Pontiac Grand Am

Pontiac Grand Am engines produced after 1998 are available with four different engine sizes. For any Grand Am engine, the spark plugs need to be replaced every 100,000 miles. Replacing the spark plugs in a Grand Am takes about 1 hour to complete.

Instructions

1

Park the car in cool, shady area and allow the engine to cool.

2

Remove the parts of the Grand Am engine that hinder access to the spark plugs. For a 2.2 L engine, remove the ignition coil housing. For a 2.4 L engine, remove the bolts that hold the retaining ignition coil and disconnect the electrical connector. Pull the assembly straight up and away from the engine to remove it. For a 3.1 L engine, remove the air cleaner. For a 3.4 L engine, remove the windshield wiper module cover and rotate the engine for service access to the rear spark plugs.

3

Locate the spark plug wire and grab it by the spark plug boot. Twist the boot in both directions and pull back to remove the wire.

4

Insert the spark plug socket over the old spark pull and unscrew it from the cylinder well. Remove the old spark plug.

5

Lubricate the threads of the new spark plug and screw it into the cylinder well.

6

Test the tension and adjust it to the required setting. It needs to be 15 ft-lbs. for a 2.2 L engine, 16 ft-lbs. for a 2.4 L engine, 13 ft-lbs. for a 3.1 L engine, and 11 ft-lbs. for a 3.L engine.

7

Reconnect the spark plug wire and twist it to lock the plug in place.

8

Repeat Steps 3 through 7 for the remaining spark plugs.

9

Replace all of the parts that were removed from the Grand Am in Step 2 to reach to the spark plugs.