6G Celicas Forums

Im going to change my spark plugs for the 1st time. Can anyone give me a step by step instructions on how to do so?

Well i dont know if you have a ST or GT, but i do not believe it matters anyways. First off when you buy them get them pre-gapped so you dont have to do it yourself. Ummm i do not know what the gap is suppose to be off hand???? And step by step:
-Remove your spark plug wires first, be careful cause some shi**y ones come aparts easily. After this take the time to kind of clean up under where the wires were and everything. Sometimes oil and grease build up there.
-Use a spark plug socket to remove them. Make sure you have a socket for a spark plug tho, makes it SO much easier. It has a rubber seal on the inside that seals around the spark plug, so when its out you can just pull it up with the socket with no problem. You will also require an extension long enough to reach down to the spark plug
-Once you have them all out then go ahead and do the reverse of above. You can just stick the spark plug in the socket cause it gets stuck in, and then put it back down where the others came from.
- CAUTION: this step is most important, when you put in the new spark plugs, be sure to do it gently, and be sure the thread catches good. You do not want to strip the threads at all. I usually turn the spark plug back, like left(ty loosy), until i feel it drop into place, then slowly tighten it down, again being sure the threads catch good. You wanna make them tight, but don't go crazy with it.
-Then put your spark plug wires back on. Do this gently too, and then push down so you feel it kind of klick/seal around the spark plug.

I would advise changing your spark plug wires plu your cap and rotor if your changing your sprak plugs. GOOD LUCK

If I was you I would only use steps 1,3,5 for removal and 1,2,3 for instalation.

Here is step by step from CHILTONS CELICA 94-98 repair manual.

Removal:
When you are removing spark plugs, work on one at a time. Don't start by removing the plug wires all at once, because, unless you number them, they may become mixed up. Take a minute before begin and number the wires with tape.
1) Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position
2) Disconnect the negative battery cable, and if the vehicle has been run recently, allow the engine to thoroughly cool. Wait 90 seconds once the negative battery cable is disconnected to hinder air bag deployment.
3) Carefully twist the spark plug wire boot to loosen it, then pull upward and remove the boot from the plug. Be sure to pull on the boot and not on the wire, otherwise the connector located inside the boot may become separated.
4) Using compressed air. blow any water or debris from the spark plug well to assure that no harmful contaminants are allowed to enter the combustion chamber when spark plug is removed. If compressed air is not available, use a rag or brush to clean the area.
>Remove the spark plugs when the engine is cold, if possible, to prevent damage to the threads. If removal of the plugs is difficult, apply a few drops of penetrating oil or silicone spray to the area around the base of the plug, and allow it a few minutes to work.
5) Using a spark plug socket that is equipped with a rubber insert to properly hold the plug, turn the spark lug counterclockwise to loosen and remove the spark plug from the bore. A 16mm socket is usually used to remove the spark plugs on these celica engines.

Installation:
1)Using a wire feeler gauge, check and adjust the spark plug gap (gap sizes are at the bottom of the page). When using a gauge, the proper size should pass between the electrodes with a slight drag. The next larger size should not be able to pass while the next smaller size should pass freely.
2)Carefully thread the plug into the bore with the (extension and socket <<I always use a hose to lower the spark plug and screw in>>) by hand. If resistance is felt before the plug is almost completely threaded, back the plug out and begin threading again.
3) Using the 16mm socket, carefully tighten the spark plug. If the plug you are installing is equipped with a crush washer , seat the plug, then tighten about 1/4 turn to crush the washer. If you are installing a tapered seat plug, tighten the plug to 13 ft. lbs (18Nm).
4) Apply a small amount of silicone dielectric compound to the end of the spark plug lean or inside the spark plug boot to prevent sticking, then install the boot to the spark plug and push until it clicks into place. The click may be felt or heard, then gently pull back to assure proper contact

Spark Plugs GAP
94-98 Celica ST 0.31in
94-98 Celica GT 0.43in

Ok, ok......i think Niskyspy did a better job on this one, but hey its the thought that counts right? And o yea, i think its kind of funny/ironic we were both replying on how to do this at the exact same time.....

Yea, but it took me a while to type all of that up. I am gonna send it to How to for the future ppl that dont know how to change spark plugs. And people if you are working on ur cars go to your main county library they should have a CHILTONS manual there.