Thread: Changing spark plugs

Hi all, my '01 Grand Prix turned 100K recently. Need to change the plugs as it is due for smogging in a few weeks. Front side looks easy. But the back side? Pretty slim clearence there. Any tips to make this easier? Also what size socket for the plugs? Seems like everything is mix and match with metric and SAE on cars these days. Thanks in advance. Chumley

Thanks, I do happen to have fairly slender hands , but they don't contort or RECOVER as well as they used to. What bolts do I loosen to rock the engine forward? Any issues with connections or transaxle? I don't have a service manual for this car (yet) Thanks.

Hey Chumley,

I know this is an older post and i'm still the new guy here, and you may have fixed this already, but i had to change the plugs on my GP GT and your right the back plugs are a PITA the only way i could get the number 6 plug and wire out was to remove the O2 sensor. Autozone sells the socket you need to remove it i have no idea on how much they are anymore. That's the only way I have been able to get that darn plug and wire out, just be careful not to burn yourself on the exhaust manifold back there (ouch), and don't forget to reinstall the O2 sensor before you start the engine.

Hope this helps

instead of moving the o2 just put the 5/8 on it and 13/16 wrench on it.. save the extra work.. i did it using the 5/8 then puttin the 13/16 socket an extension and got em all out without a big delay change all 6 in about 35 minutes..

Originally Posted by bluegtp91

FWIW, I've never removed the rear o2.

Remove misc. engine pull brackets...spark plug metal shields...gold manifold shields...etc.

All that junk isn't needed and gets in the way.

i also got rid of the shields in the back the first time i changed my plugs

A couple of helpful tips to remove the rear plugs: Remove the plastic acostic cover rear braket (two 13mm nuts)
Remove the oxygen sensor (7/8" oxygen socket)
These two simple tasks will make the rear bank #2, #4 and #6 plug removal quite easy without having to rotate the
engine forward.