Thread: Changing spark plug problems

To start I been wanting to change the spark plugs since I bought my car in Feb. of 2012 I did almost all the general maintenance on the car like K&N air filter, oil change, automatic transmission fluid and filter/gasket, tires, 180 F thermostat and gasket coming next ect. Now back to the spark plugs last night I started to take off the front driver side spark plug wire boot I twisted/pulled it didn't want to come off finely it came off, next I did the middle one when the boot came off but to my surprise the metal connector was still on the spark plug so I fixed it, now the belt side came off cool so I replaced the spark plugs if you want to look at the spark plugs I took out click my 2000 Grand Prix Cardomain link in my signature below, now the back driver side behind the stupid O2 sensor dumb location I think but I seen a guy on youtube take the O2 sensor out to get to it so I got the socket but my extensions didn't fit in the socket right size just didn't fit I couldn't get it out so I just pulled the boot out and again the metal connector was on the spark plug so I fix it now i'm tying to to put the spark plug socket on the spark plug and it turns and turns can't seem to get it on the nut of the spark plug to take it out my fore arm barely fits back there. Does anybody know a better way to get to the back plugs or is this the only way? any ideas?

re move the dog bones, ratchet strap the engine forward, this will let your hands back there, and to see better.

buy new plug wires, yours are dead now.

the middle back plug, i take the socket and put it on the plug first, the stick a 3 inch extension into it, break it loose, take it out by hand with he socket still on it.

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

re move the dog bones, ratchet strap the engine forward, this will let your hands back there, and to see better.

buy new plug wires, yours are dead now.

the middle back plug, i take the socket and put it on the plug first, the stick a 3 inch extension into it, break it loose, take it out by hand with he socket still on it.

I got some MSD wires that were on my camaro you think those would work for the 3800 or should I buy new wires? The real problem is the spark plug behind the O2 sensor.

if the wires click on, i suppose they would work.

like i said, pull the engine forward, then slide the socket on the plug first then stick the extension and ratchet to the socket, it may not go in all the way, just hook it best you can. or use a swivel on the socket.

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

if the wires click on, i suppose they would work.

like i said, pull the engine forward, then slide the socket on the plug first then stick the extension and ratchet to the socket, it may not go in all the way, just hook it best you can. or use a swivel on the socket.

the O2 sensor socket is defective I think cause none of extensions or ratchets fit it barely goes 1/4 of the way in or out of the engine bay I tried braking the O2 sensor loose and the extension popped out and I cut my middle finger knuckle pretty bad so I called it a night at like 3:00-4:00 am. thanks for the help.

leave the o2 in place, socket on the spark plug, then stick the 3 inch extension in the end of the socket thats on the plug already. slide the extension past the o2 sensor.

or a universal swivel will make life much easier.

Started changing my plugs tonight. Got the front 3 done and the back 3 out, then gave up. I'll put the back 3 in tomorrow. Such a ***** with no space.

Changing the plugs on our cars is easy, I have no issues getting to the back plugs or even the one behind the O2 sensor. I can change the plugs wires on these cars in less than 30 min.

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

this will let your hands back there, and to see better.

Seeing? There's no seeing in spark plugs!

Originally Posted by slick2500

Changing the plugs on our cars is easy, I have no issues getting to the back plugs or even the one behind the O2 sensor. I can change the plugs wires on these cars in less than 30 min.

You know what I do when my friends are having a tough time trying something for the first time?


Brag about how much better I am at it.

But seriously guys, it's like yoga in there especially for short dudes. Keep trying new positions.

I can do plugs on a 3800 in no time super easy once you've done it once. My first time probably took me maybe 30 min.

I think too many people just use kid gloves... If those boots are stuck, it's time for new wires. Rip the suckers off and upgrade the wires. On the GTP I never had to pull the engine forward but to each his own, it is mostly by feel... Lol. On the GP I've had to pull the engine forward though as it is a bit tighter there. Also, plug wires are lengthened for the application, the wires from the other car may work but you'll probably have sagging cables/slack, not good IMO. Lastly, use some dielectric grease if you care to on plugs and coils when replacing wires or plugs... Will help with next removal. Lol

I will admit the 3800s are better than LXs motors in ANY body lol, but they are not the easiest I've ever done. PITA the first time, defintely recomment ratcheting the motor forward, 2 bolts for the dogbonesand hook and pull and you get an extra 6" of space for your arms. I'm not small at 225lbs and I will pull it forward and sit up on the radiatior support and go to town on the plugs.

I do suggest when the wires break on the back, a pair of long vice grips, or long handled channel locks. Clip onto the metal piece and wedge against the valve covers and they pop right off everytime. Then for the 02 sensor plug, a socket on first and then a short extension and it'll pop right off. Its a tight fit and the socket will sit next to the sensor, extension will be against the sensor, but it will work. Be careful putting the plug back in, I've cracked them by over torquing again the sensor, so be gentle. But it is do-able, just a pain the first time.

Just remember gloves, lots of things to bust knuckles on back there and you will thank me when you slip and don't cut yourself.

Just ratchet the motor forward some if your having probelms, it makes a world of difference. I hook to the alternator brace at the bolt, across to one of the holes in the radiator support and give a good pull after unbolting the dog bones.

This isn't the first time I've changed spark plugs on cars (4 Banger's /S.B. V8s /B.B. V8s much easier then a transverse V6 engines with barely any space) but this is the first for a transverse V6's it doesn't help that i'm 260 lbs. 6'2" not a small guy and I've got big hand and forearms so it's not easy for me to get my forearms pass the engine hoist bracket maybe if you're skinny it would be easier/faster.

im with you on the no room, im 6'6" and 250 ish. i always pull them dog bones, and pull the engine forward, stand at the pass side, and use my left hand to work the plugs out, holding my big ass up with my right hand/for arm a top the sc. nice pic painted for ya lol


i also wear 3x gloves.

with the engine moved a bit, you can literally see what the f your doing back there and you gain like 3 inches of room, which is huge!

I removed all unnecessary brackets and heat shields to make it easier. I got lazy and got an O2 socket to get that plug out, otherwise put the socket on the plug and then the wrench.

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

im with you on the no room, im 6'6" and 250 ish. i always pull them dog bones, and pull the engine forward, stand at the pass side, and use my left hand to work the plugs out, holding my big ass up with my right hand/for arm a top the sc. nice pic painted for ya lol


i also wear 3x gloves.

with the engine moved a bit, you can literally see what the f your doing back there and you gain like 3 inches of room, which is huge!

Sounds all to familiar the only thing probably different is every time I start a project my two boys ain't acting right or my infant daughter is crying so I gotta stop and then start, stop, start, ect. so annoying.

Originally Posted by Gm Man

the only thing probably different is every time I start a project my two boys ain't acting right or my infant daughter is crying so I gotta stop and then start, stop, start, ect. so annoying.

Sounds like everytime i try working on a car lol

Originally Posted by dsmuts

Sounds like everytime i try working on a car lol

Just all part of being a father/mechanic lol