How do you change the spark plugs in a 2002 Chevy s10 pick-up truck?

Answer 1

For the 2.2L version, you will need a flathead screwdriver, a 10mm socket, a spark plug socket (with wrench), and a gaping tool.

You will need to remove the black intake baffle before you can gain proper access to the spark plugs. With the 10mm socket, remove the black bolt near the front left corner. With the flathead screwdriver, loosen the two clamps that fasten the intake baffle to the engine and fan shroud/air box. Finally, on the back side of the baffle is a short hose that connects from your cylinder head cover to your baffle. Remove one side of this hose. Pull the intake baffle to the right (wiggling as needed) until the intake baffle is free.

Now you should be able to see the spark plug wires. Simply pull up on the boot (not the wires) until the boots are free. Make sure to remember which order the spark plugs were in so that you have them in the right order when you put them back.

With the spark plug wires out of your way, take your spark plug socket (with as many extensions as you need) and twist counter-clockwise until the spark plug is free. (In a well running engine, the spark plug should be covered with a tan-ish powder. If the spark plug is more black or ghosty-white, you may have a different not-so-serious problem.)

Take your new spark plugs and gap them if they are not pre-gapped. The gapping for the 2002 S10 2.2L is .040 in or 1.01 mm.

Now, set the new plugs in. Remember that the plugs are at a bit of an angle so don't screw them in straight down. When you first start screwing them down, do the first turns with your hand so that you can feel if the spark plug is going to crossthread. The spark plugs should screw in easily until the last few turns. Don't force them down, but be firm. Space can be tight (especially if you have A/C), but you should be able to reach all the spark plugs with a little effort.

*Note* If you are planning on changing the spark plug wires as well, you will need to lift the car up and slide under the truck looking behind the front right wheel. If you have a light, you should easily be able to see the ignition coil. The cables appear to be complexly wrapped through the engine, so unless you're absolutely determined to do this step by yourself, consider taking your truck to a shop.

Now that you have the new plugs in, work your way backwords, putting the spark plug wires back on in the order you've hopefully remembered (make sure you snap them down good). If you don't remember the order and you still have the stock spark plug wires, you can look on the wires for the numbers 1-4. Wire number 1 goes on the front cylinder and wire number 4 goes on the furthest back cylinder.

Reattach the intake baffle by lining it up with the intake manifold and wiggling it to the right. Remember to replace the couple of hoses that originally rested on the baffle. Attach the short hose connecting to the cylinder head cover, slide in the bottom side intake hose, tighten the two worm gear clamps, and reattach the single bolt.

If the engine does not fire or stutters when you try to start it, check your spark plug wires to make sure that they're plugged in correctly and check to make sure they're in the right order.