Spark Plugs Season Finale

To see the first post on how to change the spark plugs on a chevy malibu: click here

So, I have been needing to conclude the spark plug series, and I think part of the reason I was putting it off is that there is not much left that is new to say.  By replacing the front three spark plugs first, you should understand the process.  The process for the back three spark plugs is the exact same, only the space is more cramped as the position of the engine block routes the spark plug boots up against the firewall with little clearance.

So your spark plugs and boots are somewhere back here (in the direction of the red arrow).

By dropping my camera in the direction of the arrow in the picture preceding this photograph, I was able to grab a picture of two of the three rear spark plugs.

Really, even after removing the alternator to free up sapce, I would say I mostly relied on feel to replace the rear three spark plugs.  You can find the spark plugs by following the wires from the ignition coils to the spark plug boots.  I then used pliers and a wrench placed underneath the pliers for leverage to loosen and remove the boots.  Once the boot is removed you can lead the spark plug socket to the spark plug for replacing.  Once you screw the new spark plug in place, you can feel the new spark plug and lead the boot back over it.

So in the end, this was not a very useful post, but the spark plug series is now complete.  Congratulations, you should now be able to change your spark plugs on your 2000 or 2001 Chevy Malibu.  

If you happen to own a Saab 9-3, you will get a considerably shorter post in the coming months as the spark plugs in this make/model are considerably easier to access.