spark plug wire removal on 2001 Yukon XL

[jpdub]

i have seen a few forums with this question, but no clear cut answer. Seems pretty simple but don't want to cause any damage. My 2001 Yukon XL has spark plug wires with a metal shield. I am not sure how to remove the wires to get to the spark plug. All the wires are really tight. Do I remove the metal shield first? Or do they both come out together?

[Molson02536]

Originally Posted by jpdub

i have seen a few forums with this question, but no clear cut answer. Seems pretty simple but don't want to cause any damage. My 2001 Yukon XL has spark plug wires with a metal shield. I am not sure how to remove the wires to get to the spark plug. All the wires are really tight. Do I remove the metal shield first? Or do they both come out together?

They can be tough to get off. You need to twist and pull at the same time. Once they are off, you can remove the metal shield, and reinstall it on the new plug wire.

Or after removing the metal shield first, you need to grip the boot at the plug insulator and twist and pull. There is a special tool that fits at the bottom of the boot http://www.harborfreight.com/spark-p..._source=nextag . Put silicon grease in the boots before you replace them and they won't stick next time.

Here's the bulletin on the spark plug replacement and gap.

Document ID# 1396703

Subject: Information on New Spark Plugs and Gapping #03-06-04-060 - (10/24/2003)

Models: 2004 Buick Ranier

2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2004 Cadillac CTS-V

1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette

1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro

1999-2004 Chevrolet Silverado

2000-2004 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe

2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche

2003-2004 Chevrolet Express, TrailBlazer

1999-2004 GMC Sierra

2000-2004 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

2001-2004 GMC Yukon Denali, Yukon XL Denali

2002-2004 GMC Sierra Denali

2003-2004 GMC Envoy XL

1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird

2004 Pontiac GTO

2003-2004 Hummer H2

with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L or 6.0L V-8 Engine (VINs V, P, T, Z, G, S, N, U -- RPOs LR4, LM4, LM7, L59, LS1, LS6, LQ9, LQ4)



A new spark plug has been released for use in the above vehicles. The new spark plug has an Iridium tip instead of the current Platinum tip. Due to the different tip design, the gap of the spark plug has also changed. The new spark plug, P/N 12571164 with AC Delco P/N 41-985, is gapped to 1.01mm (0.040 inches) when the spark plug is made. The spark plug gap is set during manufacturing and should not be changed or damage to the spark plug may result. Any new spark plug found to not be properly gapped should not be used.



GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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Document ID# 1396703

Good luck and be safe.