I want to change my own spark plugs

Tiny
JOHNSD27
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 99,999 MILES
How do I change the spark plugs on my 2007 Chevy Malibu? It's a Chevy Malibu LS, 4 cylinder ecotech engine. I do not want to pay $200.00 to have someone do it. My 2007 Chevy Malibu is right at 100,000 miles and is in need of a tune-up. Every place I have called wants $200.00 plus to do a tune-up on it for me. I am a single mom of three, I do not have the money for this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, December 5th, 2011 AT 8:28 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hello,

With a spark plug socket and ratchet you can change your won plugs here is a guide to help you see what to do for the tune up.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

Inspect the gap on the NEW spark plug(s), re-gap the plug(s) as required.
1.1 mm (0.45 in).

Install the spark plugs.
Tighten the plugs to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).

Install the ignition coil(s).

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
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Monday, December 5th, 2011 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
JAMMEY81
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 94,000 MILES
How do I change spark plugs. Are the wires metal?
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:48 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
You need to remove the plate at the top of the engine then you can gain access to the spark plugs. I think there is 6 bolts holding the module on.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:48 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEVINVW12
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 194,500 MILES
Hello my question is about my car and how it slowly accelarates and starts to smoke inside? It Starts up but I engine really rocks and inside it shakes. Once I put it into drive or reverse the car shakes real bad. I replace the spark plugs, ingition coil pack, plug wires boots, replace the fuel pump and tried cleaning out the converter. At first when I tried it after the replacements the car went a max speed of 45 mph. It still shook but not as bad before. But before the replacements I tested it and the tool told me a misfire. So I did the replacements. Now the car starts but it shakes as bad as it did before. I took it for a test ride and the car went only 10 mph and it got smoky inside the ride so I turned around. The smell was bad too. I Need Help And thanks for your time.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
The proper way to diagnose a drivability problem is to isolate the system which is faulty, then trace and test each component until the offender is found.

Hunting by removing/replacing parts never works and only costs you money that could've been spent on an experienced technician.

If you've replaced the entire ignition system already, then you're either looking at one/more bad fuel injectors or a clogged fuel filter. It is also possible that you converter is shot. A severely restricted exhaust will wreck havoc on a engine.

And if smoke is penetrating the cabin, then I suggest you take your car into a shop immediately, because that is dangerous and could kill you.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DURPH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 53,000 MILES
How to replace spark plugs on Malibu 3.1
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Twist and pull wires to remove them from plug. Insert spark plug socket and unscrew plug. Reverse directions to install.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SMITHNS2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,000 MILES
Trying to change spark plugs. I did the 2 screws that hold in a coil pack with 2 spark plugs inside, but can't figure out how to open them. Are they sealed shut? I can see the tip top of the spark plug where I removed the spark plug wire connector. Only the tip opposite of the spark plug itself is exposed. Is there a way to open the coil packs without breaking them open? It looks like the plastic is sealed.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
The spark plugs are in the cylinder head only thing in coil pack is wiring. Follow plug wires attached to coil to head remove boot there is plug.
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Monday, June 8th, 2020 AT 1:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ISUMMITT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU
I have changed the front plugs and I can not reach the back ones
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Youtube may have some vids. Most say they just reach around and remove by feel, not by sight.
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)

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