Spark Plugs...

[quickdodge]

I bought some spark plugs a month ago when I was having problems with the car starting and never returned them. I bought the car(used) in November and figgered I might as well change them out. They are Autolite Platinum plugs. Are these good plugs? Also, are the plugs on this car(2004 SE) easy to replace? Thanks. Later, QD.

[tenspeed]

Easier on the four banger. Search for the V6 spark plug changing procedures.

I couldn't get the front plugs loose on my '94 Ciera 3100.

[rixGAphx]

Your car is an '04, 3-yrs old. So about 36k miles?
You don't need plugs yet.

The stock plugs will 'last' 100k miles (this is guaranteed by GM, per the Federal EPA requirment that the car pass emissions testing for 10-yrs/100k miles).

But, *most* plugs will suffer enough degraration by 60k miles that the engine will run better, and you'll get better gas milage, if you replace them then.

There's no benefit to changing plugs with fewer miles on them.
Unless the engine was 'abused' by poor maintenance, specifically if there was a problem with the fuel injection or poor quality gasoline was continuously used; this might have caused the plugs to foul.
If this were the case, you would be getting an 'SES' light and P030x codes indicating 'misfire'.
* * *

You don't say which model 'Autolite' plugs you have, other than 'platinum'.
The GM engines run best on 'dual platinums' (see my write-up in a different thread about plugs in this forum), specifically ACDelco 'Professional' plugs.
If the Autolites are the same type with a single ground electrode (not some fancy 'split-fire' or double (or triple!) ground electrode), then they *should* work just as well.

IMO, assuming the Autolites are the same as ACDelco 'RapidFires', set them aside for a couple years until you have enough miles on the existing plugs to make it worthwhile.

I haven't replaced the plugs on an Ecotec, but it should be a simple matter of unbolting the entire ignition assembly from the top of the engine, and lifting it off for access to the plugs.
* * *

You should get a Haynes manual for your car to better understand the procedures.

Follow the maintenance schedule in the glovebox Owner's manual.
Rather than worrying about spark plugs (which are not a big concern on modern cars including the GA), you would do well to keep on top of the other major maintenance items: Oil changes, air filter, fuel filter, battery cables, and coolant system.

Hope this helps,
-Rick

[quickdodge]

Originally posted by rixGAphx Your car is an '04, 3-yrs old. So about 36k miles?
You don't need plugs yet.

The car has about 63K on it.

Originally posted by rixGAphx You don't say which model 'Autolite' plugs you have, other than 'platinum'.

That's all it says on the package. AUTOLITE PLATINUM. Says it has a platinum tip and there is no fancy stuff with it.

Originally posted by rixGAphx Hope this helps,


It does. Thanks. Later, QD.