How to Replace Spark Plugs Wires

1. Look under the hood to confirm that your vehicle uses spark plug wires. Many newer
vehicles use ignition coils instead of the distributor and spark plug wire system.
2. Once you’ve confirmed that the vehicle does indeed have spark plug wires, know that
they are designed for an exact fit, based on vehicle make, model, and year. Make sure
you ask for and receive the new spark plug wire kit designed specifically for your
vehicle.
3. Lay the new wires out on a flat surface so they’re fully extended.
4. The old wires, as well as the new ones, may each be numbered (look near the wire
ends) making your job easier. Correspond the new wire with the old, like-numbered
wire, remembering to replace only one wire at a time. Don’t worry if the wires aren’t
numbered. You’ll learn how to get around this in Step 7.
5. Identify which spark plug wire you’ll remove first. Then use the spark plug boot
removal tool to remove one end of the old wire from the distributor. Use the tool
again to disconnect the other end from the spark plug. The spark plug wire’s “boot” is
located at the rubber housing at each end of the wire. The boot removal tool makes the
job easier and prevents damaging the plug itself.
6. Compare the old wires to the new wires to find the one with the exact same length
and/or match the wires’ numbers if available.
7. Using your fingertip, place some dielectric grease into the boots on each end of the
new wire.
8. Reinstall the boot by pushing it into place on the spark plug and then onto the
distributor. As you do, you should feel a noticeable “click” that indicates it’s installed
securely.
9. Double check that the new wire is installed in the same pattern as the old wire, and
that it isn’t in contact with any part of the hot exhaust system or with moving parts,
such as a fan belt.
10. Repeat steps 4 through 11 until all the wires have been replaced.
11. There will be one wire that's only about 6 or 8 inches long—this goes from the
ignition coil to the distributor. You'll want to replace this last. The coil is the
cylindrical object near the distributor cap, and the coil wire goes to a terminal at the
center of the cap.