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Spark plug wire will not snap on?

Tiny
DIDI7154
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
I pulled off all my spark plug wires to change the valve cover gasket. Three of the wires snapped back on, but one won’t “snap” on and now the engine is running a rough idle. How do I get the one wire that won’t “snap” on to “snap” on?
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 AT 6:47 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

There is a metal connector in the spark plug wire boot. Check to make sure it is aligned to properly attach to the plug. If it is, there is a chance it was stretched and will no longer snap in place.

If that is the case, take a pair of pliers and gently squeeze the connector a little at a time until it snaps into place. If you are careful, just place the pliers on the outside of the boot where the connector is located. You may want to place a rag or something between the pliers and the boot, so it doesn't get damaged.

Try this and let me know if it helps. Also, and don't laugh, make sure that the connector wasn't ripped off or pulled further into the boot when removing the spark plug boot from the plug.

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving. Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
DIDI7154
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Thanks Joe. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving also. I was eventually able to get the spark plug wire back on the spark plug and the car is still running rough at idle. I have a feeling that the wires are bad because before I took the valve cover off, I degreased the engine, and I got quite a bit of water in the spark plugs tubes. Water got all over two spark plugs and the associated wires. Am I right to think that water coming into contact with the wires would make them go bad?
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Thursday, November 24th, 2022 AT 6:21 AM
Tiny
DIDI7154
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  • 30 POSTS
Here’s a video of the car at rough idle, make sure you watch to the end. Thanks again.
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Thursday, November 24th, 2022 AT 6:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I watched the entire video and noticed the change toward the end. That doesn't sound like a misfire to me. Were there any other issues prior to replacing the gasket?

Do me a favor. I need you to check if there are any diagnostic trouble codes stored in the computer. This has an OBD1 system which doesn't require a scan tool to retrieve codes. Follow the directions in this link and let me know if any codes are found.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/toyota-trouble-code-definitions-and-code-gathering-method-1990-1995

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, November 24th, 2022 AT 7:01 PM
Tiny
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There were no issues before I did the valve cover gasket. I’ll check for codes and let you know.
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Thursday, November 24th, 2022 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Sounds like a plan. I'm questioning if you have a vacuum hose disconnected or damaged allowing a leak.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, November 24th, 2022 AT 10:22 PM
Tiny
DIDI7154
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I ran for diagnostic trouble codes and the check engine light blinks. I can’t seem to find a code for a blinking light, unless it’s code one which the Haynes manual says is a “normal” code.
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Friday, November 25th, 2022 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

As far as the light, were you able to find any possible codes by counting the blinks? It has been a while, but I believe the light should stay solid if there are no codes.

Also, you may what to check for vacuum leaks.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, November 25th, 2022 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
DIDI7154
  • MEMBER
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So, I changed the spark plugs and spark plug wires and the engine is still running rough. However, I found a small crack on the small hose coming from the PCV valve. Is this crack enough to cause a vacuum leak and this causing a rough idle? I attached a picture of the crack.
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Sunday, November 27th, 2022 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Looking at the crack, I'm going to say no because it is before the clamp. However, if it is cracked there, it may be in a different location.

Here is what I would do. With the engine running, carefully spray carb cleaner where the crack is located. If there is a leak, the engine RPMs will likely increase. You can do this around other vacuum hoses and the intake.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, November 27th, 2022 AT 7:07 PM

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