Spark Plugs
 

I am thinking about changing the spark plugs in my 2006 Ion. Its a 2.2. The car has 65k miles. Dealer says the plugs can last to 100k, but I don't want to chance it.

Does anyone know where the plugs are located? I see a rectangular panel at about the point where they are on other cars I've changed the plugs to. The panel has 4 10 mm bolts.

If that is the place where the plugs are, do I need to be aware of any springs or harnesses under the plastic piece?

Last, are there any differences in changing a spark plug that are with a coil pack to changing those with wires?

No need to change the plugs ....................

Plugs
 

Thanks for the feed back.

The dealer said they are good till 100k. How long do you think they are good for?

From my experience they don't last that long. And, a friend let his go to the length of time the dealer stated and had to have a large part of his engine taken out because the plugs became ceased, they had been left in to long.

Its like synthetic oil. Says it can be used for 10k, but I'd never go over 5k with out an oil change.

Also, what answer can you give to my original question? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Well, all of my Saturns (4 ) have gone to the 100k mile mark on the odometer before the plugs were changed, and I have never had the problem of a "seized" sparkplug. Perhaps your friend didn't install his plugs properly the first time, or in his efforts to ensure the plugs didn't leak, he exceeded the torque specifications, I dunno. Bottom line, I cannot "absolutely 100% guarantee" that you will run problem free for that distance --- I'm just saying I have, and on four different Saturns ......

plugs
 

When I do hit 100k- what do i need to do to change the plugs?

Is it routine or are there some things I should know?

Purchase plugs identical to those removed DO NOT USE PLATINUM PLUGS!!! - check and adjust the gap (if necessary) to meet specifications - coat threads with anti-seize, install, and torque to recommended value. Oh, by the way --> do one plug at a time so you can be sure you don't switch up the wiring ............

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Generally, today's engines due in part to fuel injection which is much better controlled than a carburetor and plug materials technology, aka platinum plug life is orders of magnitude better than anything used to be. Back in the day, shortly before dinasours became oil, a twice a year tune up required new plugs because they were shot.
I just pulled the plugs on my Chrysler, 2007 at 50,000 miles and they do not look as if they have been used.
I fail to understand the concern with platinum. Most OEM plugs have been platinum for years now. They last longer. What has the material got to do with anything. Metal is metal, the electicity does not care!
Multiple electrode plugs have their place. Some cars come with them from the factory because the spark will jump around to different electrodes as they wear down taking longer for the plug to wear out. This is usually the case on cars where the plugs are located in such a manner that everything but the engine must be removed to get at the plugs, which includes the front bumper if the engine is in the rear. Multiple electrode plugs can also be sold as a sales gimmick. Usually with some stupid claim as to how powerful they make something. They don't.
I have run accross the odd situation where a plug is siezed in an engine. It is not often and it is expensive to fix.
It probably will never happen but the longer they are in there the greater the odds are.
However back to platinum, if they are installed along with making the gap larger, such as if the gap is 35 thousands and for some reason a decision is made to open the gap up to 45 thousands or larger, that takes more voltage to jump that gap and ignition systems are not designed to run larger gaps if the orginal design is smaller.
That WILL stress the ignition system out. And cause problems.
I have no preference as to plug make. I use Champion for my own reasons, no reason for me to change, no reason for you to use them.

plugs
 

I appreciate all the info people have given me.

Are iridium plugs fine for this car?

If they are not, which should I use?

As for the original question, I guess there is no difference between changing plugs on a car with wires than changing plugs on a car with coils?

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plug
 

OEM = original equipment manufacturer.

I know that, but thank you.

iridium are the OEM for this car. My question is, what is people opinion of them, and the other questions I've had

As close as I can tell, iridium spark plugs are a variation of platnium. Have long life and cost more. I personally see no reason why they will not work in any engine no matter what country it came from or any ignition system no matter what type it is.
The serve the purpose of plugging the hole where spark plugs screw into the head and carry the electicity to make the spark.
As does any other type of plug.
The material used will last longer than say a plug using Porcelain as an insulator and lesser metals as an electrode.
As to doing something else other than just lasting longer, I would attribute all additional claims to supposed performace increases to that of advertising hype!

To answer your question about how to change the spark plugs mozzer, that rectangular panel on top is what you need to remove to get to the plugs. But before that, you need to remove the bracket for the throttle cable. (I can provide pictures if you need) Then just lift on the rectangular "ecotech" panel until it comes off. (not a ton of force just keep pulling and wiggling little by little. If it flys up it may hurt the throttle cable.) Then just set the panel to the back. The plug wires are built into the panel so you dont need to worry about them getting out of order. Replace your plugs (Iridium only please) then put the panel back, tighten it down, and put the throttle cable bracket back on.

I just replaced my 03' ION's plugs at 66k just a little while ago, they say 5 years or 100k miles is when they need to be replaced, so i did it since its been 6 years. They weren't damaged (just a little nasty) and I didn't notice any immense performance increases, but it feels good to keep a car in top shape. :)

Ok after all of that you do not need to replace the plugs in an ecotec for 100,000 miles. If for any reason you have that area of the engine apart and have 75K on the plugs go ahead and swap them out.

Torque on your 03
 

what torque did you yse for the 03’

L61 Ecotec - Overview, Torque, Fluid, and Engine Specs - Performance Forum - j-body.org - The J-Body Organization

Every torque spec, capacity, fluid spec you'll ever need for a 2.2 L61

15ft lb -- use the low end of a 0-50 or 0-70 ish ft lb wrench; the lower values for any wrench with 0 --- (whatever) will not be accurate at the low end

And please do no reply to 9-year-old posts