Changing Spark plugs in a PT Cruiser (how to)

[@user-22-]

Wow, thank you! Other videos detail removing so many parts I didn’t feel I wanted to do it myself, but after watching yours I’ll give it a go 👍🏼. Im so grateful for people like you on KZbin who are kind enough to help people do things for themselves. 💜

[@CarswithNash]

That’s great to hear and that is exactly how I aim my videos to help out people who have little to no experience, that’s why I always try to make them as easy to follow as possible.

[@EmmaEquinox]

i know these are like years old, but again, Matt, youre an absolute legend for these. My PT has been broken down with a bad battery plus bad camshaft. lost my job the same week. so ive been learning to take apart the car and tinker with it to save shop money and its been rly fun. and your vids have been sooo helpful!

[@CarswithNash]

Thank you, I really appreciate the feedback! I still have more PT repair videos to come. Hopefully things turn around for you financially, I can certainly identify with that situation.

[@jjsantistevenjr3437]

Way more simpler than other videos and thanks for adding the gap on the plugs and torque specs for tightening down

[@CarswithNash]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. Have a great weekend!😎

[@marcdorsett6935]

Thanks, Matt. I am now on my 5th PT in my business of driveaway (I tow behind with 5 spd manuals), do everything my home garage will allow me to do, and I still love your easy demeanor and down to earth tips which I find find money-saving at every turn. I have gotten more than 300K out of each of these PTs - MAINTENANCE! Thanks!

[@CarswithNash]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words.

[@Notfishy1-y7v]

I wanted to thank you for this video. It saved me loads of time. Video has been up for a long time and still helping people. Thanks

[@CarswithNash]

Ron Highley I’m glad to hear, that’s my goal and I’ve got a lot more PT repair vids coming. Thanks for the feedback!(-:

[@swayz87]

Hey man you're awesome!! Maximum love to you and your videos. I just picked up my late father's 2008 PT cruiser. Thing is in great shape with 68, 000km on it. Looking forward to watching many more of your video series to tune it up and tinker. Thanks so much!!

[@CarswithNash]

Thank you. I really appreciate the feedback. Sorry for your loss.

[@Neildo430ci]

Note* on PCV hose can get hard and crack, careful removing. Had to replace. I bought a. foot length of 3/8" of rubber vacuum hose from orelleys under $2. Cut to lenght needed.

[@2stefti]

Thank you Matt very detailed and a nice slow pace (and comforting voice) so anyone will understand. Deep appreciation PS (You should write a book) all the Best! Stef

[@CarswithNash]

Thanks for the feedback, this comment actually made my day!(-:

[@2stefti]

@@CarswithNash Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[@CarswithNash]

@@2stefti You as well!

[@Rylee_G]

Btw this is very helpful, bc the other videos I watched they took the whole engine cover off unnecessarily

[@CarswithNash]

Rylee G That’s nice to hear, thanks!(-:

[@stephenh5944]

Rylee G - Yeah, I saw some of those too. They unhooked all the electrical connectors, hoses, cruise control cable, etc. This method is so much cleaner, and much less chance of making a mistake or breaking something.

[@user-22-]

@@stephenh5944 Yes! This went from something I didn’t really want to do to attempting it myself.

[@swistedfilms]

Thanks for all this! My mom has a PT Cruiser and it's running really rough. It only has 72K miles on it but it's a 2005 (I think) so I'm going to hook up a scan tool and see if it's misfiring, running rich, etc. I'll see if I can narrow down the problem and get it running a little smoother.

[@kevincameron9028]

Thanks for showing me what to do because, I am on learning status

[@obeejuan2558]

Best video I've seen on this procedure. Thanks!

[@CarswithNash]

Obee Juan Thank you, I really appreciate feedback like this!

[@johnnyceja46]

dude thanks for that note about the oil and thats its the gasket!

[@meadowthorne4329]

Thank you very much for this post I'm sick of people messing my car up n can so it myself now

[@CarswithNash]

Happy to help.

[@valrath84]

This is amazing man thank you

[@JorgeMartinez-wt4vs]

am following your instructions - but when I removed the first spark plug cable is flooded with oil -should I proceed?

[@CarswithNash]

Your valve cover gasket has failed, it has a seal around each spark plug tube so if one is leaking you must remove the valve cover and replace them. Sorry I don’t have a video covering that yet, it’s pretty easy, just make sure everything’s clean before you remove the valve cover. If you leave it you will get a misfire from the oil affecting the electrical connection to the plug wire.

[@johngate4715]

I have a 2004 turbo pt cruiser limited. I asked online and some people said to gap as low as like 32, but that seems too low. I took the old plugs out which were never changed. They were all screwed up, the gaps ranged from like 28 up to 70 something. I got all new ngk plugs they were all pregapped around 47-50. What do you reccomend as a good gap?

[@CarswithNash]

If I’m not mistaken the gap has been officially revised to 40, that’s what I do and it works.

[@Kirawolf1971]

Hi Matt. I am about to replace my pt Cruiser coil pack. What size wrench 🔧 do I need for the 4 bolts that hold the coil pack in place. Thanks.

[@CarswithNash]

They are 10mm, a socket on a small ratchet works best.

[@Kirawolf1971]

@@CarswithNash Thank you for the reply. Letting me know.

[@GiGisRoom-CheapAndEasyCrafts]

Quick question I hear it click in but it seems like it may pop back up a little and i can wiggle it back and forth a little and there a small gap between the boot and where it sits on there. Does that mean I need a new wire?

[@CarswithNash]

No that is actually pretty common, especially if they are not Chrysler wires, I wouldn’t worry about it as long as you can’t pull it back off easily.

[@GiGisRoom-CheapAndEasyCrafts]

@@CarswithNash awesome. It's still pretty tight and have to pull pretty hard to get it off. Thank u for responding. One more question if I have a bad oil pressure sensor could that cause a crank no start issue?

[@CarswithNash]

@@GiGisRoom-CheapAndEasyCrafts No I don’t think it would be that I have driven with them bad and never had an issue like that. More likely the crank position sensor. Try to scan it or depending what year your car is you might be able to retrieve the code by doing the key dance method (3 key cycles and the codes read out where the odometer display is)

[@GiGisRoom-CheapAndEasyCrafts]

Ive had it scanned and the only code I get is the oil pressure sensor code. I've had it looked at by 2 mechanics and they have no clue why it wont start

[@GiGisRoom-CheapAndEasyCrafts]

Also when I turn the key to the on position the engine light blinks like 10 times and then stays on... Idk it's driving me crazy...lol

[@Richard-w8d6q]

Great information thank you.

[@CarswithNash]

@Richard-w8d6q Thank you, I appreciate the feedback.

[@winstonemerson2439]

I have a 2006 PT GT Turbo Convertible and it has the plastic intake manifold instead of the aluminum one so it is larger and has to be removed to change the plugs.Is there a gasket on that manifold I have to replace when I remove it?

[@CarswithNash]

Honestly I have never dealt with a plastic intake on a turbo model, I would think it would have the reusable gaskets just like on this but it certainly does not hurt to replace those gaskets anyways so if I were you I would probably order a set just to be safe.

[@winstonemerson2439]

@@CarswithNash Thank you,that is if I can find one.New PT parts are getting scarce.

[@CarswithNash]

@@winstonemerson2439 Seriously? I have never had any issues getting parts for a PT, I normally order them from Rockauto, but even the few times I have been in a hurry I have been able to get them locally no problem. ( PT’s are a very common car in my area, I see one almost every block when I’m driving) Anyways I just checked Rockauto and they have several options for those gaskets, that’s a very easy part to source, $10-$20.

[@winstonemerson2439]

@@CarswithNash Thank you I will try them.Dealers and auto parts stores around me have very little.I had to go to 5 dealers to get a factory camshaft position sensor because I read the aftermarket ones don't last.

[@JorgeMartinez-wt4vs]

Great video - am assuming once you are there the Ignition Coil could be easily replaced IF needed ?

[@CarswithNash]

Jorge Martinez Yup, just 4 10mm bolts and one electrical plug.

[@billycook5688]

Replaced mine this morning, it was easy. I didn't remove the intake hose, just the PVC hose.

[@CarswithNash]

Billy Cook Yeah it’s a pretty easy job.

[@Noah-bw3cf]

Hey Matt, I have some questions that aren't really but kinda related to the video, but if you see this and have time to read and respond to this please do so. So I have a 2002 Limited Edition PT Cruiser (automatic transmission), and it's been sitting for a while now. So I got around to it and she starts up and will run (I don't know how long it will stay running), but there seems to be many problems. It idles extremely rough, most of the time it won't/will barely start, the whole engine bay will shake really bad, when I turn the steering wheel it will turn off sometimes, there's a lot of like grease stuff on the engine bay, (real quick before I continue I don't know anything about cars) it gets hot fast like in the first couple minutes of it being on when it cranks, the air conditioner doesn't work, after you give it some throttle then let off it will come close to turning off and starts to shake really bad and makes a squeaky noise (sometimes turns off hard after), and you don't have to press the brake to change gears it just stays really lose. So again if you can read this or reply please do so. Thanks for your time.

[@CarswithNash]

Again sorry for the late response, I answered you on the other video.

[@macduff1956]

You should put anti-seize grease on each spark plug thread....

[@s.g.6376]

Good, sorry there is a time to change the spark plugs, I mean every so often they are changed I am 8 years old with my 2001 pt cruiser and I got the doubt when I saw your videos since I met your channel looking for how to maintain the electrical system.

[@CarlosOrtiz-ok5jn]

Hi, Nice video, how much torque is given to the spark plug

[@CarswithNash]

13ft LBS

[@CarlosOrtiz-ok5jn]

Thank you , Matt's

[@albertpetergrier5653]

no antisieze on threads ?

[@CarswithNash]

Nope and I think that’s sort of a no no on spark plugs.

[@stay.alive.00]

is there a specific order when installing the actual spark plugs???

[@CarswithNash]

danny. Nope, just as long as you ensure they are all torqued down correctly, order of install doesn’t matter, they are all the same.

[@roadkillsf.f.cgarage386]

Not at all just be sure to check the gap as he stated in this video✌✌✌

[@philwhipple4557]

Yeah, one at a time.

[@laurentpenot2656]

you must keep the order when unplugging ! because each plug must be examined to "read the condition" of the corresponding cylinder (diagnose combustion, injection, valves and seats)... if you ever find a dirty/damaged spark plug but mix it with others, you loose precious information

[@Billy_Darley]

Pricier turbocharged models add fire under the hood. For 2006, the fire has been turned up to 230 horsepower in the GT model. A more affordable 180-horsepower turbo is also available. www.autoblog.com/buy/2006-Chrysler-PT+Cruiser/?_contentView=true

[@willyhall9468]

Have a 2003 PT cruiser 2.4 put a new battery in pulled it out of the driveway p backed it up and it died on me and cannot get it started for anyting

[@CarswithNash]

Willy Hall Sounds like maybe a bad connection, did you clean up the battery cable ends and tighten them up snug? Is it cranking over?

[@gustavouribe518]

Mine did the same it was my ignition switch I mark the two ignition parts with a marker so every time I shut it off the marks meet up it happen to me when I took off the key it was off the left and it drain my battery

[@CarswithNash]

Gustavo Uribe Yep, ignition switches are proned to failure on these cars as they get some miles on them. I do have a video on changing the ignition switch, about a 20-30min job and the switch is under $20.

[@BennyC-qg6rd]

My dealership charged me $75 per spark plug. ouch. I wish I saw your vid before I had the work done.

[@CarswithNash]

@BennyC-qg6rd That seems pretty crazy for how little time it takes to change them. I swear dealerships just want to make your car repair as expensive as possible so that you will be tempted to go shopping for a new one.

[@BennyC-qg6rd]

as a side note, one of the plugs did not work. 😂it was replaced at no cost.

[@Billy_Darley]

glad to see you using the same plugs i just bought. i have to install them today. i feel a good bit of vibration at idle thru the car, even my seats.. thought id see if new plugs helps out. then again, maybe its a motor mount. at least one has already been changed.

[@CarswithNash]

Billy Darley Another thing can be the cooling fan believe it or not, if the high speed setting goes out the A/C can cycle in and out and causes a bad vibration, it basically loads the engine more then it should at idle so you get an under load sorta vibration. Fresh plugs are never a bad thing in any case.

[@Scott-wb5qx]

Check and clean the throttle body/ throttle body position sensor.

[@Billy_Darley]

@@CarswithNash the plugs were pretty worn down. new ones helped but i can still feel the car idling. maybe im supposed to. ive only driven one other pt and it wasnt a turbo. seems like i didnt feel it idling so much in that one. i dont get if i should feel anything like a saturn sl or if i should feel nothing like a camry. this feels more like a saturn sl.

[@CarswithNash]

Billy Darley Maybe try an injector cleaner, just the kind you add to the gas tank, they actually are very effective and it might make all the difference for you. You can try the above advice as well, they do tend to gum up around the throttle plate and you can get a special spray cleaner just for cleaning throttle bodies.

[@carldunbar678]

Very good video! Carl

[@kathylewis7543]

Thanks Matt!!!

[@CarswithNash]

Thanks for watching!(-:

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Good video. Some of the PT Cruisers are turbo'd? Good time to change the upper radiator hose too aye? What was the gap on the old plugs?

[@mostlymoparih5682]

porcupine?

[@CarswithNash]

MostlymoparIH Lol! That’s my pet hedgehog “Spiky”, she was digging a hole & then she sleeps in the hole, it’s a form if protection for them. Yes the SRT-4 Neon’s actually used the same engine as the turbo GT’s, a 2.4 with forged internals, it made 215HP in the GT PT’s & 180HP in the other turbo models like the “Dream Cruiser”. In the SRT-4 the engine made 230HP due to the better flowing intake the Neon’s engine bay allowed for. My car has the n/a 150HP 2.4 with cast internals, a slightly higher compression ratio & the plastic intake (turbo models had a cast aluminum intake). You will see in the next video I had that hose right off, but it looks good still, not soft or bulged etc so I put it back. I may swap it out for a low mileage one I have in my parts bin when I do the timing belt, for now I just wanted to do a few basics without investing much time or money & just drive it. Considering my investment thus far it is a very low stress vehicle to drive, much like my Neon, that was my goal so I can have some guilt free fun with it. I never checked the gap on the old plugs, it looked a little big for sure. To be honest the reason I don’t own a gapping tool is I gap my V-Power’s @ .040 regardless & have yet to have a misfire or negative result, from a Chevy big block to a weed wacker, they all get a V-Power set at .040 & they all run better then prior if anything. My 4.6 in my ‘94 Town Car saw a 3mpg increase after I put V-Power’s in. I should make a slow motion clip of a V-Power plug sparking off, that “V” actually makes for a much taller spark area, so even if you gap @ .040, they will still have at least as tall of spark as a .050 gap’ed Champion plug, but with a small gap you get a stronger spark, that’s why I love V-Power plugs.

[@mostlymoparih5682]

You should check out DE NIchols he does a thing on tune ups and spark plug wires. he tries to get all his wires at the same resistance so the spark is the same for all the plugs. Good in theory anyway I guess.

[@thesoulofmemories]

I like your videos but using air to blow out junk out of the spark plug holes would be better than putting oil in my opinion.

[@CarswithNash]

I do that in situations where it is feasible but it would be nearly pointless with the depth and diameter of these spark plug tubes you would be unlikely to get enough backflow to push contaminants back out… Typically these plug holes are pretty clean since they are sealed.

[@thesoulofmemories]

@@CarswithNash Matt, there are special flexible air gun attachments with really nice thin tubes that can do this particular job superb.

[@albertpetergrier5653]

antiseize allways on spark plugs espicially on alluminum heads

[@CarswithNash]

I disagree personally but do what works for you I guess. I have worked with many of auto tech and never saw anyone do that.🤷‍♂️

[@Rylee_G]

Wow... I found someone as meticulous as me :0

[@blueplasma5589]

You don't say why you don't want to change sparkplugs on a hot engine...

[@CS-en5xz]

You. DO NOT need to remove the manifold. I did it and had no issues whatsoever

[@CarswithNash]

You must own a turbo with the aluminum intake then, on a non turbo like this there is no way to access the middle two plugs with the intake manifold on.

[@albertpetergrier5653]

ask any true auto tech