how to replace spark plugs and wires in 04/05

Originally posted by y2daniel1981

How to replace plugs and wires

This is for 2004-2005 Model Chevy Aveo

I'm sure most people know how to do this, but for those who don't, here's how

Tools: Allen wrench
Socket and extension

Gap .044

1- Turn car off
2- Open hood
3- With the Allen wrench, undo the screws on the engine cover
4- Remove coolant lines from brackets
5- Remove oil cap
6- Remove engine cover
7- Replace oil cap to prevent stuff from falling in
8- Remove wire at coil, follow back to plug, pull straight up (makes it easier, even if not replacing wires)
9- Get the spark plug out
10- Put new plug in
11- Place wire on plug, then coil
12- Repeat for each plug/wire
13- Make sure wires are in spacers
14- Remove oil cap
15- Replace engine cover
16- Replace oil cap
17- Replace coolant lines to brackets
18- Replace engine cover screws
19- Start car and check to make sure idle is ok and there are no miss fires or studdering, if there is check wires at the coil and plugs to make sure they are secure. If studding continues, check to make sure your plugs are gapped right and secure

mtlswift says: Just a few points to add:
1) you don't have to, but it doesn't hurt to take off the neg battery terminal.
2) if you have a compressed air gun some air can, blow out the spark plug well before you remove the plug, just to make there's no grit that can fall in.
3) use a proper spark plug socket cuz it's padded at the top to a) help remove the spark plug and b) prevent cracking the ceramic
4) install the spark plug by hand (i.e. fingers with the socket and extension but no ratchet), making sure that the threads haven't crossed and that it twists in without binding. DO NOT FORCE IT! If it seizes, back off and try again. You can apply anti-seize to the spark plug threads, but it's not completely necessary.
5) New spark plugs have crush washers. Once the spark plug is fully seated by hand, either use a torque wrench and torque to specified setting (preferred) or give it 1/4 turn with the ratchet.
6) If you're reusing plugs, better to use a torque wrench, but you can also tighten ~1/3 of a turn after seating.

yay! another one of my how to made it across!

just add my name to it!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by y2daniel1981

yay! another one of my how to made it across!

just add my name to it!

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Done, guess I missed that when moving it over.

sweet, thanks, can you also up my post count? lol

I am about to do this too...I will get some pics of the install and share them.

Great write up!

I pulled the rubber cover on two plugs and the wires didn't come off the plugs. It looks like and extension of the plug wire. Did I damage the wire? How do I get the wire off the plugs. I don't want to damage anything by using pliers to pull on the remaining wires which are just out of reach of fingers, in the plug well.
Your help is appreciated.
Clem

use a pair of needle nose pliers.

Replaced plugs. Works better with new plugs.

But I pulled one wire through the rubber cone and fed it back through - I think.

It was like trying to string a wet noodle through a hole you couldn't see in a place you couldn't get your finger. Have I damaged this one (no 3)?
Apparently with no impact, as the car runs better with new plugs.
To be sure; should I replace the wire set too?
04 Aveo 125,000 KMS (not miles). (First set of plugs for me after 70,000 KMS.)
Thanks for being so helpful.
Clem

if you think you damaged it, replace them.

Nice write-up, going to do this on the weekend. Are there any particular recommended plugs for 2005 Aveo?
I was just going to go to GM and get OEM.

Bosch copper plugs and Bosch wires worked great in my wife's car.

Great write-up! Just changed my spark plugs for the first time without any issues thanks to this~

Quote:

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Originally Posted by petrified.rabbit

if you think you damaged it, replace them.

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Hey guy. Do you recommend putting 'anti seize' on the threads of new spark plugs? I am going to replace my plugs next week, (and look for that short you mentioned in MY post), or do you think it can cause them to become loose down the road? Or that I might over tighten them? I have never used it, and I am just asking, if I should, or does it not matter? IF you think I should, should it be 'conductive' or 'non conductive'? Thanks.

I usually don't, but I don't think it will be a problem if you do.