how to replace spark plugs and wires in 04/05 aveo

[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

[red]

how long did that process roughly take you?
Just got rid of my 95 grand am. Litereally took me 4 hours to do the first time, 3.5 hours the next time, standing on my head to get to the back of the engine. I'm looking forward to some easier regular maintenance

[mtlswift]

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.

[y2daniel1981]

mtlswift: only thing is you cant put the plugs in by hand, it's way to deep. But other then that good pointers

red: it took me about 30 minutes

[mtlswift]

y2daniel1981 said:

mtlswift: only thing is you cant put the plugs in by hand, it's way to deep.

Sorry, I meant using the plug socket + socket extender to twist in the plug by hand and not the ratchet.
Many a time at my dad's old shop we saw some amateur ratchet plugs into their aluminum head, cross the threads or strip it completely... Sad for them, good business for us!

[y2daniel1981]

ok, gotcha