Hey

I bought this '99 Malibu a few months ago and have been fixing what'* needed for the past couple. All the brakes are done - shoes, pads, rotors, some line - and the rest is pretty much typical maintenance - air filter, oil & filter, serpentine belt.

There are 2 particular items I want to act on next - cabin filter and the spark plugs. This is where I need some help. I use a simple Haynes repair manual and it does not show how to get at either the filter of the back 3 plugs on the V6.

I'm wondering if anyone knows a relatively easy way to reach those plugs and/or where the filter is. Thanks!

Brian

This video may be the same location as yours, for the cabin air filter.

With the cover off, can you take a few photos of what the rear spark plug location looks like on the 3.1?

Hey,

thanks Soft Ride. I watched a couple but neither coincided with my car'* design. I'm beginning to wonder if the '99 has one...?

There is no 'cover' on the'99 V6. The 4 has one. The V6 just has the manifold starin' right atcha. The back 3 plugs are at the same location as the front but tucked up under the ignition system. I can get to it with some component removal but was hoping someone might know a shortcut.

Brian

Oh yeah...while I'm picking brains...where can I find the paint code for this car?

Good question! The paint code on mine was discovered in the trunk.
It is on a sticker for the lid, that covers the spare tire. Look on the back side of lid.
Also re the paint code with a Vin# the dealer can provide it, and if your car does have a cabin air filter.
They both may be on the options/build sheet that they can print out for you for free.
BTW my cabin air filter is above driver foot well, to the right/middle of dash area. You have to a contortionist to remove them. LOL..

Trying to remember if this has dogbones on the radiator support to the engine, or the mount under the cruise control....if it doesn't have dogbones, you put it in neutral and apply e-brake, and you can pry the engine forward a little and wedge a block of wood between the alternator and the firewall...

Getting your hand on the boots of the wires, twisting and pulling, is the hard part....

If you can get your hand in there to remove the boots, that'* half the battle....I had a special tool....it was a spark plug socket with a ball swivel on it....I add another ball swivel to that....then with an extension, you can get at the plugs easily...





Your other option is to remove the bracket to the coil/ICM assembly...2 bolts, 2 nuts...

Tech II,

thanks. I'm sure to have the sockets I need but those boots are said to be tough - I've seen a special tool suggested for removal but it doesn't look like it would fit back there.

This car is nuts - loosen motor mount for belt and now shift engine for plugs!! Gimme back my VW Beetle.

Anyhow, thanks- I'll give it a go.

Brian

If you are replacing both the plugs and wires, why worry about the wires? Take a straight razor and run it along the length of booth. Twist the boot and it should break right off.

Mike,

the wires look ok for now. My only real concern here is access to the back 3 and that seems doable. Anyhow, if I were to replace the wires, eventually I'd want this tool. I've broken a few wire caps in my day.

Brian

If you don't know the complete history of the car, don't judge plug wires based on looks. If your in there pulling the plugs, you might at as well replace the wires also. Once you disturb those who knows how old wires, you could cause more damage and develop misfires.

Do it right the first time.