changing spark plugs on 2003 Dodge Neon SXT

What precautions should I take when removing spark plugs on my Dodge Neon? Is it necessary to disconnect the battery before doing so? (I don't want to disconnect the battery if I don't have to) I know I will need to buy some special tools, since the plugs are recessed down into the engine; can any one give me the correct description of the socket and extension I will need to buy to do this?

My engine has over 150K on it, and I suspect one of the plugs is fouling, evident in some hesitation at low RPM (1K to 2K RPM).

During the winter, my check engine light was on most of the time (I forget exactly what the code was, but they suggested I get a new gas cap first; it is the same code you would get if you ran your car without a gas cap) but since the nice weather came, it goes off & comes on sproadically. Usually it goes out after some highway driving at higher speeds. This is what makes me suspect a fouling spark plug.

Thanks to all for any help/advise you can offer.

Doug

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What, no help? I am surprised I was unable to get even one drop of wisdom from this whole collective group. Surely the questions posed were not so difficult that everyone was stumped! This group was what I considered a possible resource, but that was a mistake; I guess I should have written in poor grammer and incomplete sentences, then I might have had a few hits.

Using my own intuitive abilities, I suspect MAYBE my exhaust may have a slightly higher level of emissions due to the number of miles on it, thus causing the carbon canister becoming saturated quicker when it is cold out (since the car does have a lot of miles on it, it's entirely possible that the cannister needs to be refurbished or replaced). With the warmer weather, the check engine light rarely comes on. I do need to change or clean a plug or two though, and my mechanic (in my opinion one of the best in central NY) will be more than happy to advise me on the tools necessary, whether I need to disconnect the battery, & what to gap the plugs at, and all at no charge. I just figured that the drive is about 15 miles, he is very busy and quite in demand so I hate to bother him when he is working OR relaxing. Besides, I thought I could sit in my own home and click away and get some advice, maybe even a couple of suggestions that would help me avoid some pitfalls. You know, your two cents worth...

Doug

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news.verizon.net

No you don't have to disconnect the battery.

nothing special about an extension except that it needs to be long enough,a socket for removing spark plugs would be good too or you can just use the plug wire to pull the plug from the tube.

if your plugs are copper core plugs they should be replaced every 30k.

nope,if it has an evaporative system leak a spark plug won't fix it.

take it to a dealer or a garage that knows what they are doing.

you seem like a smart person,you may not have gotten a reply because you are asking a very simple question that you can figure out on your own. technicians can get a little perturbed when a person calls on the phone to ask what size socket to use. also this isn't a chat room,you won't get an immediate response,it could take a couple days at times. some people post through Google and goggle is having issues right now. this is likely a good group for advice though. I just decided today to check out this group and I see some people from other groups post here that are knowledgeable Chrysler technicians. patience is a virtue.

Reply to
TNKev

Sorry & thank you for the info in your reply. I figured most would look at my questions and think what you did, but I wanted some sort of reply, good or bad. Besides, I waited for about a month before replying to my own message..

I was wondering if there were special sockets that were required to "fit" into the holes, so I could avoid buying a socket with the right size on the inside, but too fat to fit into the hole where the plugs are. Plus I remember reading that, years ago, the battery needed to be disconnected when changing the plugs or damage to the electronic ignition might result. That is why I asked what I asked.

Anyways, thanks again. My MIL has not turned on in over a month, except when I start the car, so I am feeling good about that.

Reply to
DOUG

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