How to Replace Spark Plugs in a Chevy Impala
by Editorial TeamUpdated November 07, 2017Items you will need
Spark plug socket
Socket wrench with extension
Wire brush or canned air
Motor oil or anti-seize compound
New spark plug
Tension test tool
How to Replace Spark Plugs in a Chevy Impala. The Chevy Impala has cruised the streets of the USA since 1968. Since that time, the basic spark plug removal process has not changed even if the locations of the spark plugs have shifted over the years. Replacing the spark plugs in a Chevy Impala takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Pull the hood release, lift the hood and slide the hood brace into place. Allow the Chevy Impala engine to cool for at least 30 minutes after turning it off.
Locate the spark plug wires. On Chevy Impala models, they are on the sides of the engine. Later models are located close to the top of the engine, while models built before 1989 are located toward the bottom of the engine.
Grab the spark plug wire at the end, or boot, near the engine mount. Turn the wire in each direction until the locking mechanism releases. When the lock releases, pull the wire boot to remove the wire.
Connect the extender and the wrench to the socket. Slide the spark plug socket onto the spark plug. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise until the spark plug is free from the spark plug well.
Clean the spark plug well and the spark plug boot with a wire brush or canned air. If you use the wire brush, gently brush the areas as not to harm any components.
Apply one to two drops of clean engine oil onto the new spark plug threads if the Chevy Impala is more than 20 years old. For newer Chevy Impala models, apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound onto the spark plug threads. No matter what the Chevy Impala model is, apply one or two drops of anti-seize compound inside the wire boot.
Insert the new spark plug into the socket. Place the new spark plug into the well and turn it clockwise to tighten it. Remove the socket and test the spark plug tension with the tension tool. The spark plug package contains the manufacturer's recommended tension for the spark plug.
Place the spark plug wire on the spark plug and turn it half turn in each direction until you hear a click. Gently pull back on the boot to test the wire to see if it is locked in place.
Repeat Steps 2 through 8 on all of the other spark plug wires.
Tips
Unplug one spark plug wire and complete the replacement process before unplugging any other wires.
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