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Location of spark plugs to change myself

Tiny
MILF00000000006
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 186,000 MILES
Hello I was wondering if you could help me. I'm trying to change my spark plugs but I can't find the location of them. I have searched on top and under the engine. They are nowhere to be found. Do you know the specific location?
Thursday, May 29th, 2008 AT 4:07 PM

32 Replies

Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
You have to remove the ignition plate on top of the engine to gain access to the spark plugs.

This guide will help us step by step

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:47 AM
Tiny
GALLETA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Electrical problem
1999 Chevy Malibu 6 cyl Automatic

I am trying to replace the spark plugs and wires in my car and I think I switched the wires. Can you please tell me how to get the wires in the right position because I do not have an owner's manual. Thank you in advance.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_malibu_2.jpg

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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_malibu_3.jpg

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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROGBULKLEY7
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 103,000 MILES
I need to change the spark plugs in my 3.1L malibu, but can not figure out how to access the plugs next to the firewall. Should I remove the coil pack to better access? Thank you for your help.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DALEJRFAN820002000
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes you will have to take of the coil pack. I just got doing a head job on a 99 malibu and it was fun.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEAN404
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Transmission problem
1999 Chevy Malibu 6 cyl Automatic

I was changing the spark plugs and wires in my car nd I pulled on e of the wires and the metal piece stayed on how do I get it off it is one of the plugs in the back
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Just pull it off with pliers, but at this point you should change the wires too!
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEAN404
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ok I tried to and it still wont come off
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
It will come off, pull harder! If you are changing the plugs, dont be afraid if the plug breaks!
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FAVORITEMODEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Chevy Malibu 4 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I recently had a tune up, when they replaced my spark plugs under one of them was oil. My car started smoking a few days after, and now theres oil in my muffler, if I start it dark white smoke comes out the muffler. Can this be fixed or do I need to replace the motor?
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
This could be a head gasket or valve seals. You really need a pro to look at it to give the proper diagnosis.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KNIGHT0488
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 168,815 MILES
My 99 chevy malibu 4cyl 2.4 motor keeps burning out the spark plug boots, burning oil and overheating and cuts off everytime I stop. I just changed the spark plugs with OEM replacements and changed the spark plug boots and did an oil change about a 1.5 weeks ago and it melted the spark plug boots again. I changed them to get home on the way home it started sputtering and losing power like it melted the spark plug boots again. Why is that?
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Melted the spark plug boots?
How hot is this engine getting?
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KNIGHT0488
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Its not any more now that I have changed the thermostat. But now I have a really hard time starting the car. It turns over without a problem and feels like it wants to start but it just doesn't get the fire it needs to start it without letting it constantly turn over.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KNIGHT0488
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It also is leaking oil from somewhere and ends up on the top by the spark plugs, but there is no oil by the gaskets.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You've probably done internal damage when you overheated it. Take a complete compression test.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GARYHEBB
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
Change spark plugs 1998 Chevy Malibu
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
Hello,

Here is a guide that will help you get the job done, though the rear plugs are a little tough but hang in there and you can get it done. Here is a guide that will help you get started.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Turn the ignition key OFF.
Remove foreign material from around the spark plug holes.
Remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Adjust the spark plug gap. Use a round wire type spark plug gap gauge. While gapping the plug be sure to keep the platinum pads aligned to ensure maximum plug life.
Install new plugs and tighten properly.
Reapply dielectric lubricant to the insulator boot.
Tighten
Tighten to 19 N.m (14 lb ft) .

Diagram (below)

"I have seen my mechanic roll the engine forward by undoing the strut engine mount and moving the car forward while the transmission is in park.

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JCLANCY07
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • CHEVROLET MALIBU
I've recently bought a 1998 Chevy Malibu, with a mileage of 89000. Fuel runs out of the exhaust. However we have replaced the Fuel Injector on one cylinder where the spark plug smelled of gas. It has spark. We don't know what else the problem could be. Please if you have any advice let me know.I need it fixed. :Roll:
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 11:34 AM (Merged)

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