04 and up Grand Prix Changing Spark Plugs

[@slickpuller85]

I was going to attempt to do this myself because the shop is saying that this a 200 job! Very insightful!!!!

[@johncannonnh]

Thank you for the video I have an 04 Impala and was finding it almost impossible to reach back there wondering why they would design that in a certain way. Knowing that the engine can be moved forward fairly simply is great for a diy person thank you. These comments help us figure this out without banging our head against the wall.

[@NexusAuto]

Definitely. Thanks for watching and for commenting. That definitely helps out future viewers...i encourage it for sure!

[@SWApilot94]

Just got done changing the plugs and wires on the 3.8L in my 05 Monte Carlo. Biggest freaking pain in ass in my life lol. The first five plugs came out no problem, but the one under the alternator was horrible. I ended up breaking the old plug in half and took me hours to finally figure out how to tighten the new one. Nice vid though. I watched it before I took on this project

[@NexusAuto]

Yep, you can change all of them without taking out the engine, but the last plug(I assume you are talking about the one underneath the alternator) is a pain in the ass. You will literally have to lean over the engine(best from the passenger side fender) and really arc your arm down and around with a smaller wrench. It's is tricky though. I have heard people say that it takes the same amount of time to do that one, versus the other 5 combined.

[@nickiwelch3805]

Me, personally, if I ever have to get up on the engine to pull out (for instance) the back wire, I like to use a bath mat 🤷🏼 Living in AZ it can take ages (seemingly) for my car to cool off and I find that the rubber under a nonslip bath mat works the best (not to mention the nonslip factor) 😂 Actually, it's the only thing I use to get up under the hood, if need be (for changing brake pads, for example) because, as I said, living in AZ, doing literally anything outside (not to mention something made of metal) gets ungodly hot 🤷🏼 so to avoid getting blistered or melting my flesh, a bath mat is my go-to 😜👍🏼✌🏼

[@NexusAuto]

@@nickiwelch3805 i hear that! While I don't get Arizona heat levels, the summers can be hot, and stuff can cook, even with my temps. So I can only imagine what that's like on AZ. It's a great idea!

[@lp398859]

Thanks so much for the video! Glad you actually went into detail with the shots you took up close. Makes it easier for the viewers :D

[@timothycarvelli2436]

Was unable to remove any boots, like glued on. Just broke the plugs off by hitting with large screwdriver or grabbing with a plier or vice grips and bending them. Once the plugs are broke they come right out, LOL. Then remove the plugs with socket.

[@NexusAuto]

Hey, sometimes you have to do what you have to do to make it work. Glad you were able to get it done!

[@daniel-ku4em]

There is the MIDDLE plug wire in the back of the motor that wont come off. I got all the others some were a pain but came off pretty easy at the same time im re using the wires ANY TIPS OR TRICKS FOR GETTING THIS WIRE OFF!? I've twisted and pulled and rocked em but no luck

[@NexusAuto]

The 'official' answer, or best answer, I guess, is to get a set of spark plug pliers. They really help with getting those plugs off. Alternatively, any old pliers will work, but you run the risk of damaging the wires or the old plug (it can get stuck and break inside the spark plug boot, which is very difficult to get out). It is difficult to work with, but possible to be done. Be prepared. I know you are reusing the wires, but when they get really hard to take off, there is a chance they are really stuck on there and they may get damaged when removing, one way or another. You *may* have to get a new wire set. But that's just an FYI. You may be able to get them off with a pliers. I know others who spray something like wd40 or pb blaster around the wire and hope to break free any build up. I am not a fan of that due to risks of that fluid getting into the combustion chamber. Just in case that comes up, that's my thoughts. Good luck. Hope that helps.

[@daniel-ku4em]

@@NexusAuto now when you say to spray it, you mean inside the heatshield where the boot enters the heat shield ?

[@NexusAuto]

@@daniel-ku4em yeah, where the wire boot goes into the block to the spark plugs. Sometimes rust, sediment or contaminants get in their and seize the boot onto the spark plug. But like I said, you run the risk of whatever spray you use entering the combustion chamber.

[@scotttabor8180]

Put a ratchet strap hooked to the alternator bracket then run the other end of the strap up front to the radiator bracket. Then take out both bolts on the upper engine mounts, then ONLY loosen the bottom bolts of the same mounts! Then you can ratchet the whole motor forward a good 4-6in. forward to access the 3 back plugs & wires!!👍 More room to work=😊

[@NexusAuto]

Absolutely one of the best ways to do it. I made the video without because not every DIYer has ratchet straps or feels comfortable with touching the mounts. But I've thought about making a video with the ratchet straps. We'll see.

[@jantzen8895]

Gotta change the spark plugs and wires on my girlfriends car this week. A lot different than my Subaru! Thanks for the help!

[@benderrodriguez7075]

If you have a 3800 series 2 with a super charger like me. You will need to take off the mounts to rotate the engine. It is so much faster. It you can fight for a extra 45 min just my experience. There is a mount that can come off you don't need to put it back on. It is for hoisting the engine out the car. Keep it in the trunk. But leaving it off will save you at least 30 min.

[@NexusAuto]

Thats a good tip!! Thanks for watching

[@Mr_J_1313]

Nice vid, fixing to change my plugs and wires in my GT, I was wondering about the pain in the ass plug, now I got it...

[@greenday3091]

Where did you get those spark plug wires with those boots?

[@kingavery8918]

I finally got my radio rewired 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽, but now I'm still having a problem with this rattling sound it goes away when I accelerate... But when I slow down or is at a complete stop it sounds terrible. And when I removed the dipstick ther le was smoke coming out of it and out the oil cap too. So I'm at a lost at what could be the problem.

[@NexusAuto]

Nice on getting the radio rewired! That is awesome news. But damn bro! I don't want to jump to any conclusions, but smoke coming from the oil cap and dipstick is normally an indicator of bad piston rings. Could be other things too, but that may be the cause. How does the dipstick look? Any fuel smell? Does the engine oil look contaminated? You may have a big issue there 😬

[@kingavery8918]

@@NexusAuto thank you. The dipstick look's normal the oil is still the same color it was when I put it in, the normal fuel smell from the exhaust that last about a couple of second's then go away after starting. I had a mechanic check it out the sound he said it sounds like something is loose inside. He mentioned the pistons too. I finally got the harmonic balancer on right it's not wobbling anymore. But imma take my car to ETE so they can do a engine diagnostic.

[@NexusAuto]

@@kingavery8918 That's a good idea to have ETE look at it. Something is definitely not right there at all. At least the harmonic balancer is sorted, but sounds like something internal is happening now. It never ends, huh? Hopefully it's not the rings and a cheap fix. Fingers crossed for you

[@kingavery8918]

@@NexusAuto right that's what I said especially after the harmonic balancer stopped wobbling and that sound was still there I started thinking the same thing. And I'm hoping it's not nothing major myself. If it is I might just go to the junkyard and get the piece's off another Pontiac.

[@NexusAuto]

@@kingavery8918 I hope it's nothing big. The crappy part too is that there used to be a fair bit of these cars to pick from in the junkyard, since they sold so many. But they are starting to become rare (at least, in my area they are). Hopefully whatever it is, you can still get the parts easily

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks!! I hope the video helped. All but one plug is very easy. The plug under the alternator is a big time pain in the ass. That one plug will probably take you as much time as the other 5, but still worth doing yourself IMO

[@NexusAuto]

Yeah, that one under the Alternator was the stupidest thing I have ever seen when dealing with spark plugs....I was literally on lying on top of the engine to get behind there. I did the plugs about a year ago and I swore in languages I didnt even know LOL. Should have done the damn wires at the same time. But glad you enjoyed the vid and I hope it helped you out.

[@edperez1206]

Nexus Auto lmao

[@anorsegoddess9797]

What size is that bank 1 O2 sensor size? 5/8?

[@NexusAuto]

Oh wow, that's a great question. It's been a while since I did this. I believe it's 7/8?

[@RickWilliamscrm]

Can you make a video that shows how you'd slide the engine forward to make this job easier? I can't imagine a GM Mechanic spending 45+ minutes on one plug, there must be a trick! Thanks for making this video, I'll probably have my side job Mechanic do it.

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate the comment. Hope it helped!

[@benderrodriguez7075]

Thank you so much you rock man five or of six are doable pain in the butt. But doable.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem man. Thanks for the tip from a couple of days. Appreciate the great comment too!

[@hunnicbarbarian103]

To just change the plugs i dont need to remove bracets do i?

[@reyescustoms5591]

My moms car dose not accelerate when she floors it please reply y this is happening

[@OfficialUnknown2047]

hey mine does the same thing, also pudders an spits a lot, im wodering if its spark plugs or lines or gas lines ect not sure.

[@reyescustoms5591]

Dose it sound loud like it has open hedders

[@jbstorm17]

Richard Reyes Mine did the same thing and it turned out to be the ignition module code P0300.

[@edkissee]

Had the same problem - like jbstorm17 above, my 2008 Grand Prix blew 1 of the ignition coils and the ignition module.

[@NexusAuto]

The banks are spot on. I believe the firing order is 1 6 5 4 3 2. I dont think it changed since series 1 3800 series, but I dont remember off the top of my head. I can check the firing order when I get a chance, but I am 99% positive thats what it was. You have an 04....your running the series 3 as well, right? It should be the same, but ill double check for ya when I get a chance

[@NexusAuto]

And thank you. Glad you enjoyed the vid and hope it helped out!

[@whalen530]

Did you have to take off the o2 sensor

[@NexusAuto]

Nope, not at all. You do not need to touch to O2 sensor to change the plugs.

[@hughdono525]

I have to do this on my 04 in the morning, thanks for the tips.

[@NexusAuto]

I got my wires from a local shop here in Toronto, Ontario. I am running NGK plugs and wires. I normally like to stick to AC Delco for GM cars, but I heard the NGKs worked well with the 3.8 And man what a difference. The car ran smoother, fuel economy went upa slight bit and power delivery was better. I would recommend the change to the NGKs for sure. I cant tell you the specifc gains, unfortunately, as I never ran any numbers after the change, but it was noticeable

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks for the great comment!!! Its messages like these that make us continue to put out videos. Glad it was helpful and you got the job done. :) As the weather warms up I will be putting out some more on the Grand Prix and other cars so keep watching. I appreciate it. Thanks for watching

[@AmerRican213]

my numbet four cylinder keeps reading misfire before and after the new plugs and wires and the test keeps saying random misfire. im at a lost. the diagrams in google arent accurate for some dumb reason. need help with the number pattern to see if i got it right

[@NexusAuto]

Yeah I agree, the guides online aren't that great. Hopefully this helps. The coils should be numbered. they are 1, 4, 5, 2, 3, 6. You can see them labelled in the video. The cylinder banks are as follows. Front of engine 1, 3, 5 back of engine (towards firewall) 2, 4, 6 hope this helps. thanks for watching

[@BeeABaw]

how did you get the little heat shields off the wires.

[@PureBlood42]

Thanks for posting this. I don't have the time or money to do all the plugs this week, but #4 must be replaced right now. I've got fairly small hands. That being said....on a scale of 1 - 10 how difficult is #4, in your opinion? As a reminder, that's the middle one on firewall side.

[@NexusAuto]

I personally don't find any of the plugs hard, except the one under the alternator (2). That one is awkward to do. I guess it would be hard to scale, since I have worked on some vehicles that were truly a pain. So I would rate this as a ...3 or 4? It's just slightly a pain as it is facing the firewall, and some patience is needed. With a spark plug socket, extension, and ratchet, should be able to get it done quickly.

[@somedude8403]

Do you happen to know what are the normal spark plugs that games in the grand prix? I'm pretty sure they are the same, but my girlfriend have a 08.

[@jessicadettmann1728]

Okay great video but I saw you pointed out where 6 2 and 4 go on but where do the others go?

[@NexusAuto]

6 2 and 4 are in the back, the others are right in the front

[@NobodysAngel81]

NexusTMPG Engine light went on today and found out spark plug #2 (and maybe wire) need to be replaced. Thought of doing it myself but after seeing this video I think I'll let a professional do it since it's behind the engine.

[@NexusAuto]

good idea. if you're not comfortable with it, bring it to your local mechanic. its a pain in the ass to get to. But thanks for watching

[@geoferret]

Thanks for showing us some tips on changing these wires and plugs, good video! Do you have one for removing the factory stereo and installing a new stereo?

[@NexusAuto]

+Roger Callahan No problem. thanks for watching. Unfortunately, I do not have one on replacing the factory stereo. I may be able to put one together soon. I will keep you posted

[@cidkramer]

I'll repost my comment for plug changes here: Once the wire is removed off the plug, it's worth giving the spark plug area a blast of compressed air to get rid of any debris that may have collected there and may prevent you from getting your plug socket completely on the plug hex area.. Last thing you want to do is break a plug end off or round off your plug hex area

[@Maniboops]

hey this is a tough job did you have to remove the o2 sensor to get to cylinder 6 spark plug? Is there a more detailed video?

[@NexusAuto]

I did this video a few years ago, and so I'm about to do some changes/upgrades to my car, including new plugs, wires and o2 sensor. i will be putting out a new updated video showing the actual work being done. stay tuned...should be out soon

[@GETEMBEAU81]

......and where did you find your wires?

[@MrEddieFast1]

Well done video. Very thorough. Thanks.

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks for the great comment. Glad it helped. Thanks for watching

[@BeingJermaine]

Do I have to unbolt anything if I'm not changing to wires?

[@NexusAuto]

no you shouldn't have to. the brackets mostly interfere with the wires, but you can change the plugs without unbolting them

[@zackscruggs4543]

What is brand maker of that Blue spark plug wire and where did you get it at?

[@NexusAuto]

They are NGK and I got them at a local parts store. I am thinking of upgrading and getting MSD. If I do, I will have a video on that.

[@NexusAuto]

I just pulled them right off. They are little difficult to get off, but not impossible. Then I slipped on the new rubber boots of the NGKs

[@ljones67781]

i changed my spark plugs on my 07 grand prix 6c and now its jerking really bad and i lost power to my radio what can cause this and how can i fix it

[@NexusAuto]

damn!!! this sounds like a much bigger issue than I can answer over here. both issues, separately, can be tricky, but if they occurred together...well, that's a big problem. technically, the stereo and ignition system are not related, so a problem with the ignition shouldn't cut off your stereo. try this....1. for the radio, check the fuses. if the radio fuse looks good, check the electrical system with a voltmeter until you find where the power drops off (if you are proficient with a voltmeter). for the ignition, first check the wires and make sure you matched each wire to each plug correctly. seems like a simple thing, but you'll be surprised one how many times this gets overlooked. if the wires match up correctly, you may have to pull out each plug and check the plug gap. you'll need a plug gap tool, which is fairly cheap and you can get it at your parts store. you'll need ti double check the gap size for each plug. if this doesn't work, let me know. I may also recommend bringing it to a shop, as both issues may be a much bigger thing. let me know if you have any other questions

[@got5at12]

+Shelly Jones Always remove your nrgtive battery cable. you ca nground off sensors and blow lights.

[@NexusAuto]

got5at12 this is very true. A good point that is not mentioned in the video

[@GETEMBEAU81]

Awesome tutorial man! A couple of questions though, are you using ngk plugs as well as wires and if so, what are your opinions on their performance?......I myself was going with the combo of ngk iridium/laser plugs and taylor wires

[@ChristianGallardo]

what about the clips that are holding the wires

[@nelsonenriqueherediaheredi7641]

Tengo en mi taller un chebrolet impala 2005 enciende dura unos cinco minutos encendido y luego se apaga cuando se le la para encender denuevo no enciende y en las bobinas no vota corriente porfa un dato una sugerencia

[@NexusAuto]

I dont know off the top of my head. I am almost positive its the same for the 04 and up, non-supercharged.....but dont quote me on it. I dont think there was much changes in the ignition system throughout its last run

[@BAYAREA4150]

so the fronts would be 1,3,5 and rear would be 2,4,6? i ask because i bought me a 04 gp and came with a different firing order they probably put them wrong

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome. I hope the video helped out.

[@burtthebeast4239]

Good video Brother, Thanks...

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks, appreciate it. Glad it helped out.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem. Glad the video helped out!

[@o0Orange]

where did you get this set from?

[@NexusAuto]

Are you talking about the plugs, or the wire set? Lol. Thanks for watching too

[@o0Orange]

wires set colored ones and the plugs

[@BAYAREA4150]

whats the firing order on your gp?

[@Mechanic789]

No, you don't have to remove the two brackets. That just creates unnecessary work. Also, for easier access to the rear plugs, remove the radiator overflow container and set it aside.

[@NexusAuto]

@Mechanic789 i actually had established this in another video i made. It turns out some spark plug wire 'rails' faced the front, and others have a different angle. So, some models just had an easy flap to remove and you could take the wires out of the rails without removing the brackets. While others, like my model, the brackets press right up against the bracket and must be removed. You know how it goes...model to model year changes. Agree with the overflow container, if someone is going in from the right side. I found myself personally getting better leverage from going on the left side. But this is a matter of preference for sure. It's a great suggestion

[@mcdavidhome100]

Hey Nexus how much better are those NKG plug wires versus the OEM wires?

[@jonathancaylor6730]

Q

[@tremayne3]

Thank you kindly for the good video.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem. Glad it helped

[@xxkillratio]

Great video, thanks!

[@NexusAuto]

You just need a flat head screwdriver or a pliers and they can be pried open...its like a standard alligator clip. Just do it carefully as they seem to be a bit flimsy.

[@GastonsWorld]

Wtf you didn’t take off the spark plugs 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@NexusAuto]

Gaston Bouquette yeah I know. A big complaint for this video. It was one of my earlier ones for sure. I do have a newer one where I show the actual work. It would definitely be more helpful

[@ghost-4230]

Because his engine was hot.😐 he told you how to do the job. I successfully did it

[@rickcarp5453]

@@NexusAuto what size socket for spark plug

[@NexusAuto]

@@rickcarp5453 its a 5/8 socket.

[@jacobhoegger5533]

It would be much easier to take the two bolts out from the top engine mounts, push the car back. The engine will move forward and the you put the bolt back thru the passenger side engine mount. There is a notch in the engine mount to keep it forward while you change the back spark plugs. This is how they designed it.

[@Tadders]

Jacob Hoegger if I attempt this I can do what you said? Thank you :)

[@ThaMurdaShow187]

you gotta hold that camera still my G

[@NexusAuto]

I hear you there! This was one of my earliest videos, before I had tripods and stuff. Really bad shaky cam. My videos do get better though lol

[@Bigdaddy0622]

it didn't show me how to change the spark plugs it's just show me how to take off the wiring is there another video cuz I need to change out spark plug number 6

[@NexusAuto]

chris m check my channel. i have some updated videos on how to change the wires, plugs and coils. 3 brand new ones from last year! thanks for watching too!

[@cmartinez8643]

Very informative video good job man

[@grantneuer9870]

You don't have to take off the metal part bye the spark plug, your just not wanting too work around it, I did my spark plugs on my 2006 Pontiac Grand prix GT With out removing anything

[@Playboinardy19]

how?

[@NexusAuto]

No prob. Glad this vid helped you out too. Keep watching as i'll have more out soon! Also, if there is anything you want to see, let me know!

[@johncannonnh]

Moving the engine forward. Here is another link with a slightly different car but there's a lot of similarities that may help answer some of those questions about moving the engine forward. I am not a mechanic.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jl66ip1noZqViqc

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks for posting the link!

[@EYECOMEINPEACE]

Good job. No babbling which was refreshing. Thanks.

[@NexusAuto]

Yeaaaaaaahhh....that would be a bad idea. But you should warm it up SLIGHTLY...helps pull the plug out. But not too much otherwise you will just end up burned and sore lol

[@rickcarp5453]

the front is 135 back 246

[@derekgallegos2842]

you just talked did really understand what you did...

[@NexusAuto]

I agree. This was one of my earlier videos (2012), so I made the video AFTER doing the work. I actually remade this video not too long ago as this was a common complaint for this video. Definitely check that video out....far more helpful.

[@jayfountains1133]

nice vid brah.....

[@Nickie_421]

I took the rail off

[@NexusAuto]

Nice! I considered the same. Maybe I will in the future

[@daclyguy]

great shit

[@NexusAuto]

Lol thanks brah.

[@shawngtpsvm]

Rule of thumb....don't change plugs when the engine is hot....

[@rickcarp5453]

u dont need to take off bracket thow

[@Tdub66]

my man you don't have to remove those brackets to change the wires or plugs. definitely a diy'r with no shop experience. 👉😕👈

[@NexusAuto]

Well, first, I never claimed to be anything more than that. So thanks for pointing out the obvious. I will forgive that you probably never worked on a series III, so you are probably not aware that they do need to be removed. The right bracket(driver side) needs to be removed to get the far right wire removed, as it pushes against the rail where the one wire is fed. You could just loosen it, but it is annoyingly in the way and easy to remove. You can see it at 3:56. As for the left side(passenger side), you can get the wires through, but you cannot fit the wire boots. So you have to loosen it. Obviously, if you are just changing the plugs, then the brackets do not need to be removed. Thanks for watching though.

[@Tdub66]

NexusTMPG No sir, all you have to do is remove the sleeves and install the engine moving tool that pulls it forward making access to the plugs easier and yes I've done that job on many occasions without completely removing the brackets😧👍

[@Big_LosF]

Tdub Williams the guy made a video for the DIY kind of guys, the kind of guys that might not have the tools more experienced mechanics have. No need to try an belittle the guy.

[@got5at12]

Way to much talking and not showing detail on how to remove plug wires.

[@trayahzz537]

cant watch..motion sickness..Wow

[@NexusAuto]

Yeah, it was a crap camera and I had no tripod. I am fixing this for future videos. I may even redo this one. Thanks for watching.

[@charlesdowns1691]

wasting time with mounts

[@NexusAuto]

I've made another video on this in the past. Seems some 3800s you need to work the mounts, others you do not. If I do not work the mounts, I cannot remove the wire from the little plastic rails, and I cannot fit the spark plug wire boots through the bracket on the right. However, I have seen models where the rail opening is along the top, not the side like mine, and the opening is wide enough to fit the spark plug boots through, so touching the mounts are not needed. Not sure why mine is like that. Trust me, I tried.

[@slickster1001]

wtf are you doing?

[@NexusAuto]

I dont know...wtf are you doing? LOL

[@nolann3815]

Dude.....youre making me sick.......

[@Liftedllama95]

i have two series 3s and you DO NOT need to move the brackets to do the front. dummy

[@NexusAuto]

Tyler Erzinger ok. I'll humour you for a minute. why not? are you going to give me a shop answer like many other do? Let me know why I'm so dumb