Looking for some reassurance about spark plug change
 

Hi all,

I started to replace the spark plugs on my '99 2.5L in preparation of Massachusetts thawing out eventually.

One question - when I re-seat the coil connector on the plug, I don't feel a positive engagement on the plug like I'm accustomed to on my other vehicles. It feels as if the coil connector is just floating 'around' the plug. I've taken a plug and a connector and tried it on a bench - no 'lock' or engagement there either.

Is there just not a noticeable engagement on these connectors?

Thanks,
-Michael

I didn't notice any on any of mine, like I've noticed on other cars I've done. I just did mine 2 weeks ago w/out any problems. You should be fine.

when I changed my plugs I had the same problem and got IMMEDIATELY when I started her back up a CEL, error code "cylinder misfire" - and yes from the way the engine sounded it was clear that one cylinder was not firing at all.
I then figured out that I had to press real hard to put the coil connector on the plug, until I felt it snap in.
The scary part was that even though only ONE cylinder was misfiring, ALL connectors were actually loose and had to be pushed in.
So what you describe to me sounds like a time bomb ticking ...

Thanks for the replies. I only did one bank, and got sidetracked, so no time bomb yet. The nice part about snow outside is that projects can get stretched out.

Think I'll dissect one of the old connectors and figure out how it snaps on. Sounds like I should be looking for a more positive engagement.

Thanks.

It does usually snap in. Absent that, make sure that the CoilPak is properly engaged and centered (on the plug), and properly torqued w/ 5mm Hex Bit (7.5 Ft.Lbs.) and you'll be fine.