How to Identify the Routing of Spark Plug Wires

If you heard that changing spark plugs is an easy task and decided to do it yourself, you can take a few steps that might make your project more successful. The first is to identify the route that the spark plug wire takes.

Instructions

1

Establish how the motor is laid out. Always view the motor from one position. This helps when you lay out a diagram. Find the transmission and use that as the key to finding the power output side. View the motor from that side.

2

Find the spark plug wire that is furthest to the front, which is spark plug number one. Everything on that side is an odd number. It contains spark plug 1,3,5 and 7 in a V8. In a V6, it contains 1,3 and 5. Inline cylinders are designated as I. All these spark plug wires are in a row.

3

Note the side that the odd bank is on and loosen a wire. The wire is connected all the way down. Follow the spark plug wire and even remove it from the wire guide all the way down to the distributor cap.

4

Draw a picture of the cap from your position and a picture of the wire placement on the spark plugs. When you do this, always keep the same vantage point, at the back of the motor so that once you remove the wires your diagram is easy to follow.

5

Continue to add each wire to the diagram until you have identified the location of each wire's connection to the distributor cap. Numbering them gives you a way to keep track of the wires that are replaced and where they go.