Instructions for a PT Cruiser Tuneup
by Zyon SilketYour PT Cruiser could have either a 2.0-liter or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Being a four-cylinder engine means it has four spark plugs installed on the driver's side engine head located between the engine block and the fender well. When you tune up your PT Cruiser you must replace the distributor cap, spark plug wires and the spark plugs.
Step 1
Locate the distributor cap secured to the back of the engine on the driver's side. The cap has five spark plug wires connected to it.
Step 2
Remove the plug wire from the center of the cap and then trace that wire to the ignition coil mounted on the firewall. Pull the wire off the ignition coil and plug the new cable onto the ignition coil. Plug the other end of the ignition cable onto the center lug on the new distributor cap.
Step 3
Remove the remaining four wires from the old distributor cap and plug them into the new distributor cap. Make sure you orientate the wires so they go onto the same lug on the new cap. This helps you keep the firing sequence in order.
Step 4
Remove the bolts that secure the old distributor cap onto the distributor. Discard the old cap and then place the new cap onto the distributor. Secure the new cap using the bolts, socket and ratchet.
Step 5
Locate the spark plug and spark plug wire closest to the radiator on the driver's side of the engine. Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug by pulling up on it. Trace the wire back to the distributor cap and remove the wire from the cap.
Step 6
Remove the spark plug from the engine head using a socket and ratchet. Thread the new spark plug into the engine head using your fingers to avoid cross threading it. Tighten the spark plug using a socket and ratchet.
Step 7
Plug the new spark plug wire into the empty lug on the distributor cap and onto the top of the spark plug.
Step 8
Repeat steps five, six and seven on the other three spark plugs. The other three spark plugs are located in a line, directly behind the first spark plug.
References
- "Chrysler PT Cruiser Repair Manual 2001-2009"; Robert Maddox, John H. Haynes; 2009
Things You'll Need
- Distributor cap
- Socket set
- Spark plug wires
- Spark plugs
Writer Bio
Since 2006 Zyon Silket has been writing for companies such as SEOWhat, L&C Freelancing and T-Mobile Wireless. He has extensive experience working in supervisory roles within the wireless and Internet technologies fields. Silket is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in business management and network technologies at Lehigh Carbon Community College.
