View Full Version : Plug Change on an 02 Escalade


digitalcaddie
10-22-08, 02:56 PM
I just retired my 97 SLS with 168k miles (and tons of problems) and moved up to an 02 Escalade. Any tips on changing out the plugs? It looks pretty straight forward, but the ones in the back might be a problem. Any tips on what (if anything) has to be removed to make the job easier would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

digitalcaddie
10-23-08, 09:40 PM
In case anyone else is wondering, to get this job done, you'll need to move the metal clip that holds the wires coming off the alternator when you're removing the plug on the driver's side closest to the front bumper. That's only two bolts. The problem one is the plug furthest toward the back of the truck on the passenger side. This one was a nightmare due to the tight space, angle of the plug and some stupid aluminum tray that's back there for some reason. I started by removing the bolt holding the dipstick in place. That allowed the dipstick to move a little bit, but its VERY tight back there. I couldn't get the boot puller tool on the boot so I had to work the wire off by hand which was not easy. I prolly damaged the wire when removing the boot (1 other wire tore off since the metal connector inside the boot was stuck so bad to the plug) so I would suggest replacing the wires along with the plugs. Anyway there's not enough room to get an extension back there on your plug socket which makes things VERY tight. If you have a ratchet with a pivoting head, you're gonna need it here. If you don't have one, you may want to buy one for this job. I was eventually able to get that last plug out, but MAN it was tough. Truck only has 63k miles on it...I couldn't imagine getting that last one out if it had another 40k+ miles to lock in there. Other than that, the job took 2 hours as I was taking my time and enjoying some time away from my screaming 1 month old. Can't wait til the little guy is about 9 years older and I can send him to the garage to do these jobs. Or at least cut the grass while I enjoy a cold one.