What are the spark plug wires connected to?
Content
Spark plug wires are an important component of the ignition system. Spark plug wires in automotive engines with a distributor or remote coil pack transfer the spark from the coil to the spark plug.
As an experienced mechanical engineer, I will help you understand where the spark plug wire connects to. Knowing where the spark plug wires connect will help you avoid misconnections that could compromise your car's ignition system.
Typically, high voltage or spark plug wires are the wires that connect the distributor, ignition coil, or magneto to each spark plug in an internal combustion engine.
I'll tell you more below.
How to Connect the Spark Plug Wires to the Right Components in the Correct Order
To help you understand this idea, in the following sections I will show you how to connect the spark plug wires in the correct order.
Get the owner's manual for your specific vehicle
Having a car repair manual will make the repair process much easier for you, and some repair manuals can also be found online. It can also be found and used online.
The owner's manual has the ignition order and the spark plug diagram. Connecting the wires will take less than 2 minutes with the correct conductor. If you do not have an instruction manual, proceed as follows:
Step 1. Check the rotation of the distributor rotor
First, remove the distributor cap.
This is the large round piece that connects all four spark plug wires. The distributor cap is located at the front or top of the engine. Two latches hold it securely in place. Use a screwdriver to remove the latches.
In this place, make two lines with a marker. Make one line on the cap and another on the distributor body. Then you put the cover back in place. The distributor rotor is usually located under the distributor cap.
The distributor rotor is a small component that rotates with the car's crankshaft. Turn it on and see which way the distributor rotor rotates. The rotor can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, but not in both directions.
Step 2: Find Shooting Terminal 1
The number 1 spark plug distributor cap is usually marked. If not, refer to the owner's manual to determine if there is a difference between one and the other ignition terminals.
Fortunately, most manufacturers label the terminal number one. First you will see the number 1 or something else written on it. This is the wire that connects the failed ignition terminal to the first ignition order of the spark plug.
Step 3: Connect the first cylinder to start terminal number one.
Connect the number one ignition terminal to the first cylinder of the engine. However, it is the first cylinder in the ignition order of the spark plugs. It can be the first or second cylinder on the block. In most cases, there will be a marking, but if not, refer to the user manual.
It should be remembered that only cars with a gasoline engine have spark plugs. Fuel in diesel vehicles ignites under pressure. A car usually has four spark plugs. Each is for one cylinder, and some vehicles use two spark plugs per cylinder. This is common in Alfa Romeo and Opel vehicles. (1)
If your car has them, you will have twice as many cables. Connect the wires using the same guide, but add another cable to the appropriate spark plug. This means that terminal one will send two cables to cylinder one. Timing and rotation remain the same as with a single spark plug.
Step 4: Connect All Spark Plug Wires
This last step is difficult. You should be familiar with spark plug wire identification numbers to make things easier. You probably know that the first ignition terminal is different and is connected to the first cylinder. The firing sequence is usually 1, 3, 4 and 2.
This varies from car to car, especially if your car has more than four cylinders. However, the points and steps are always the same. Connect the wires to the distributor according to the ignition order. Turn the distributor rotor once because the first spark plug is already connected. (2)
Connect the terminal to the third cylinder if it falls on terminal 3. The next terminal must be connected to spark plug #2 and the last terminal must be connected to spark plug #4 and cylinder number.
An easier way is to replace the spark plug wires one at a time. Replace the old one by removing it from the spark plug and distributor cap. Repeat for the remaining four cylinders.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to crimp spark plug wires
- How to arrange spark plug wires
- How long do spark plug wires last
Recommendations
(1) fuel in diesel - https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/diesel-fuel/
(2) varies from vehicle to vehicle - https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/
document/7835926
Video link
