How to change spark plugs in a Mercury Sable?

How to Change Spark Plugs in a 2002 Mercury Sable

• Answer:

  The 2002 Mercury Sable has a 3.0-liter V6 engine with four spark plugs. The spark plugs are located on the side of the engine, and the distributor cap is on the top of the engine toward the rear of the engine. The wires on the distributor cap will lead you to the tops of the spark plugs in the engine. This is a simple job and can be done in your driveway or inside your garage with little preparation and no major tools. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You'll Need Ratchet Spark plug socket Tape Pen 4 new spark plugs Spark plug gapper Instructions Park your Sable on flat, level ground and open the hood. Locate the distributor cap at the top of the engine toward the rear. Follow the wires on the distributor cap to the spark plugs on the side of the engine. Pull off the rubber wires that are connected to the tips of the spark plugs. Using tape, mark the holes each spark plug comes out of and the wire you pull off each plug. Number the tape markers with the pen so you don't mix up the wires. Connect the spark plug socket to the ratchet and use the ratchet to remove the spark plugs. Remove the spark plugs from the engine. Place the gapper between the metal pin in the center of the spark plug and the metal arm over the pin. Turn the gapper until ".052" is shown in the center of the metal arm. Insert the new spark plugs into the engine and tighten them using the ratchet and socket. Plug in the wires to their corresponding holes and close the hood. Tips & Warnings Tip: Allow the engine to cool before beginning.