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A spark plug wire delivers electricity to a spark plug in an engine. That electricity is used to create an electrical arc (the “spark”) that ignites a mixture of air and fuel that is injected into one of the engine’s cylinders. Each spark plug wire is connected on one end to a spark plug and on the other end to either an ignition coil or a distributor cap.
An internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle is made up of anywhere from four to eight (sometimes more) cylinders. Each cylinder houses a piston that moves up and down, pedaling the crankshaft the way your legs might pedal a bicycle. And each cylinder typically features one spark plug. When a spark plug fires and sets off a combustion event, it forces the piston down toward the crankshaft.
Many newer vehicles with “distributorless” ignition systems do not rely on spark plug wires. Instead, they have individual coil packs attached directly to each spark plug. But many vehicles do use spark plug wires, especially older models.
HOW IS THIS SERVICE PERFORMED?
How is a a Spark Plug Wire Replacement done?
To replace the spark plug wires, a technician will take the following steps:
Allow your engine to cool enough for service
Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery
Remove any shields, guards, covers, or ducts necessary to gain access to all of the spark plug wires and their connectors
Remove each of the spark plug wires one by one and replace them with new wires
Remove and replace the coil wire (when necessary)
Reinstall any shields, guards, covers or ducts that were removed for access
Start the vehicle and verify the repair was performed correctly
Some technicians may apply a special grease to the spark plug wire ends to prevent corrosion
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POPULAR VEHICLES
National average cost of a a Spark Plug Wire Replacement for popular vehicles:
Car Model
Avg. cost
$50
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How do I know if my vehicle needs new spark plug wires?
Spark plug wires are responsible for transferring a high voltage electrical signal to the spark plugs. That electricity creates an electrical arc that ignites compressed air and fuel. If a spark plug wire fails, you might notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Your engine sputters, pops, or stalls, especially in damp conditions
You notice a loss of engine power
The engine fails to start
Black see black smoke coming from the tailpipe
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Other questions customers ask
Do I really need to change spark plug wires?
The spark plug wires carry high voltage electricity from the ignition coil or distributor cap to the spark plugs. If the spark plug wires are in poor condition, the electrical current can be disrupted or reduced. This can lead to a loss of engine power, poor fuel economy, and a failed emission test, among other problems. Spark plug wires should be replaced as part of routine vehicle maintenance.
Can you change spark plug wires without changing the spark plugs?
Yes, it is possible to change spark plug wires without changing the spark plugs. It is, however, common to replace the wires along with the spark plugs, since they are all considered to be routine maintenance items that wear at roughly the same rate. It is often recommended that the plugs and wires be replaced at the same time.
How long does it take to replace spark plug wires?
Spark plug wire replacement times differ from one vehicle to the next, depending on the number of wires (or cylinders) and the complexity of the layout in the engine compartment. You can generally plan on an hour or so for most four-cylinder engines; longer for larger engines.
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