Engine Tune-up
Most vehicles have ignition systems and a throttle bore. The
enigne's ignition system
is the component that ignites the fuel air mixture inside the combustion chamber.
When an ignition system fails, it can cause various symptoms such as
stalling,
rough engine under power,
service engine light (check engine) and complete engine shut down. Be sure to
keep your vehicle's engine and fuel system clean to assure the proper operation
of your vehicle. The step by step instruction below is characteristic of today's
ignition and air intake systems. Most vehicles today need a tune up every 35,000
to 65,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Before starting determine which
tune up parts are needed. Inspect the particular system on your car then purchase
the appropriate parts to complete the job.Step 1 - Identify Throttle Bore (air intake plate and bore)
Cleaned Throttle BodyMost vehicles have an air intake system that will become clogged with air contaminants that the air filter cannot keep out of the system. This condition is called "coking" and can cause stalling as well as variable idle condition and poor mileage. The throttle bore in this illustration has been cleaned for visual purposes. Usually the throttle bore and plate are coated with a dark light tar that needs to be cleaned with every tune up.
Step 2 - Cleaning the Throttle Bore and Throttle Plate (air intake plate and bore)
Opening Throttle boreMost vehicles have a throttle cable that can be held open to help with the cleaning procedure. Open the throttle bore and with a cleaning towel and cleaner, (rubbing alcohol works well) continue cleaning until the throttle bore and plate are clean. Step 3 - Identify Tune Up Components
Identify Ignition ComponentsMost vehicles have two kinds of ignition systems. The first is DIS (distributor less ignition system) and COS (coil over spark plug) no spark plug wires. If you can't identify which system you have, follow this link to get the right system for your car (car repair manuals). Confirm your vehicle to determine the tune up parts needed. A typical tune up includes spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, spark plug wires, distributor cap and ignition rotor. You must determine which parts are needed before you start.
Step 4 - Remove Plug Wire Retainer Guide
Plug Wire RetainerRemove the spark plug wires retainer clip(s). These are important in keeping the plug wires separated and controlled to avoid any contact with undesirable components (exhaust manifold, serpentine belts etc). Clean and inspect the spark plug wire separators for reinstallation.Step 5 - Remove Plug Wires
Removing Plug WiresRemove the spark plug boot end and twist the boot to break the airtight seal created round the plug wire boot. Then gently pull the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Remove the plug wire from the coil terminal. It is important to change the spark plugs and wires ONE AT A TIME to make sure you don't get the wires mixed up. If you have already taken them all off at once and cannot get them back on correctly, visit this link for the proper engine firing order, car repair manuals.
Step 6 - Matching to Replace Plug Wires
Comparing Plug Wire LengthRemove all plug wires from the packaging, straighten them out and organize the plug wires from largest to shortest. Match up spark plug wires by length and reinstall one at a time.
Cleaned Throttle BodyMost vehicles have an air intake system that will become clogged with air contaminants that the air filter cannot keep out of the system. This condition is called "coking" and can cause stalling as well as variable idle condition and poor mileage. The throttle bore in this illustration has been cleaned for visual purposes. Usually the throttle bore and plate are coated with a dark light tar that needs to be cleaned with every tune up.
Step 2 - Cleaning the Throttle Bore and Throttle Plate (air intake plate and bore)
Opening Throttle boreMost vehicles have a throttle cable that can be held open to help with the cleaning procedure. Open the throttle bore and with a cleaning towel and cleaner, (rubbing alcohol works well) continue cleaning until the throttle bore and plate are clean. Step 3 - Identify Tune Up Components
Identify Ignition ComponentsMost vehicles have two kinds of ignition systems. The first is DIS (distributor less ignition system) and COS (coil over spark plug) no spark plug wires. If you can't identify which system you have, follow this link to get the right system for your car (car repair manuals). Confirm your vehicle to determine the tune up parts needed. A typical tune up includes spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, spark plug wires, distributor cap and ignition rotor. You must determine which parts are needed before you start.
Step 4 - Remove Plug Wire Retainer Guide
Plug Wire RetainerRemove the spark plug wires retainer clip(s). These are important in keeping the plug wires separated and controlled to avoid any contact with undesirable components (exhaust manifold, serpentine belts etc). Clean and inspect the spark plug wire separators for reinstallation.Step 5 - Remove Plug Wires
Removing Plug WiresRemove the spark plug boot end and twist the boot to break the airtight seal created round the plug wire boot. Then gently pull the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Remove the plug wire from the coil terminal. It is important to change the spark plugs and wires ONE AT A TIME to make sure you don't get the wires mixed up. If you have already taken them all off at once and cannot get them back on correctly, visit this link for the proper engine firing order, car repair manuals.
Step 6 - Matching to Replace Plug Wires
Comparing Plug Wire LengthRemove all plug wires from the packaging, straighten them out and organize the plug wires from largest to shortest. Match up spark plug wires by length and reinstall one at a time.