I am getting ready to change spark plugs in my 2003 Saturn Ion 2 Quad Coupe. There is a small wire harness connector near the right side of the spark plug cover plate.

How do I unhook the connector to remove the spark plug plate, or is it even necessary?

Prompt response much appreciated!

Larry Jenkins

 

Did not receive any responses to my original post regarding changing spark plugs in my 2003 Saturn Ion 2 Quad Coupe. I did it today. Here's how..

The wire harness connector on the right top of the spark plug cover does NOT have to be dissconnected.

The bracket that bolts to the right side of the engine that secures a cable that runs over top of the spark plug cover DOES have to be removed. It gets a little tricky because of tight space, but a small, thin onen end 3/8" wrench works.

Remove the four bolts that secures the spark plug chamber cover.

Gently pry the cover off evenly and move to the back of the engine to provide clearance for your deep well socket set.

Remove and replace spark plugs. Do not over-torque the plugs.

Carefully place cover back on, pressing down to secure the hidden spark plug wires.

Replace the four spark plug cover bolts, sequentially tighening in a criss-cross pattern until secure. Do not overtighten.

Reassemble the cable bracket and slip the cable under the hold down finger on the bracket.

Larry Jenkins

 

I didn't see your post till a few hours after you made it, so seeing I was not going to be "prompt" enough for you I didn't reply that the plug could be left connected.

 

Sorry I was asleep, and missed the call. Only thing I don't see in your response is the warning to NOT use platinum plugs .....

 

I'm getting ready to do the same thing on a 2004 ION2 2.2L. Why no platinum plugs?

 

The ignition system was not designed/built for them. Use OEM plugs for best results

 

Oops...I took the platinum plugs back to Auto Zone and picked up iridium instead. Car seems to run well...hope that's OK! Thanks for the reply.