Note. Engines with a displacement of 3.8 liters are equipped with a distributorless ignition system. The spark plug wires are connected directly to the ignition coils.
1. Spark plug wires should be checked at recommended intervals and whenever new spark plugs are installed in the engine.
2. The wires should be checked one at a time to ensure that they are not mixed up when connected, which is the key to the correct operation of the engine.
3. Disconnect the wire from the candle. To do this, grasp the rubber tip, twist slightly and pull out the wire. Pull not on the wire itself, but on the rubber tip.
4 Check the inside of the wire lug for corrosion that appears as a white powder. Reinstall the wire with the ferrule on the end of the spark plug. It must be firmly fixed on the candle. If this is not the case, remove the wire and, using pliers, carefully place the metal conductor inside the ferrule so that it is securely attached to the end of the spark plug.
5. Using a clean rag, wipe the entire length of the wire to remove any buildup of dirt or grease. When the wire is clean, check it for burns, cracks, or other damage. Do not make sharp bends in the wire or pull it out - this can break the inner conductor.
6. Disconnect the wire from the ignition coil. This time also pull only on the rubber tip. Check the wire for corrosion and fit tightly in the same way as the spark plug. Insert the wire back into the ignition coil.
7. Check the remaining spark plug wires one at a time, making sure they are securely attached to the ignition coil and to the spark plug when the test is complete.
8. If new spark plug wires are required, purchase a kit designed specifically for your engine model. Wire sets are sold in the correct length and with rubber lugs installed. To avoid confusing ignition order, remove and replace wires one at a time.
9. Loosen the screws securing the distributor cover (note that the screws have a collar so they cannot be pulled out completely). Pull the cover up along with the wires to separate it from the distributor, then set it aside.
10. Now you can see the rotor (slider) on the axis of the distributor. Check it carefully for cracks and burns. Check that the rotor spring is at the correct tension and look for signs of corrosion and wear on the top of the rotor. If there is any doubt about the condition of the rotor, replace it with a new one.
11. If the rotor needs to be replaced, remove the screws, remove the rotor from the axle and install a new one.
12. Check the distributor cap for cracks or other damage. Carefully examine the terminal on the inside of the cover for excessive corrosion and damage (see illustration). If in doubt about the condition of the cover, replace it with a new one.
33.12. Shown here are the most common defects seen when inspecting the distributor cap (if there is any doubt about its condition, replace it with a new one)
13. If you need to replace the distributor cap, separate it from the distributor and transfer the spark plug wires one by one to the new cap. Be careful not to mix up the wires!
14. Reinstall the distributor cap, then tighten the screws.