1996 Chevy Cavalier - How to replace the spark plug wires?

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Firing Orders

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• FIRING ORDERS

GM Cavalier/Sunfire 1995-2000 Repair Guide

FIRING ORDERS

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See Figures 1 and 2
To avoid confusion, remove and tag the spark plug wires one at a time, for replacement.
If a distributor is not keyed for installation with only one orientation, it could have been removed previously and rewired. The resultant wiring would hold the correct firing order, but could change the relative placement of the plug towers in relation to the engine. For this reason it is imperative that you label all wires before disconnecting any of them. Also, before removal, compare the current wiring with the accompanying illustrations. If the current wiring does not match, make notes to reflect how your engine is wired.

Fig. Fig. 1: 2.2L (VIN 4) Engine Firing Order: 1-3-4-2 Distributorless Ignition System

I had same issue with my 98', after replacing plugs,wires,map sensor,searched time and time again for vac leaks,both o2 sensors etc.the negative terminal wire from battery to engine was slightly loose at the engine.I pulled that end off and cleaned and tightened and ran like a champ immediatley! Only reason i found that problem was accidental,when i was shaking some wires around it arched at that spot.

Ok Gary I sent you two figures of a 2.2L and 2.4L engine I hope to serve you. Thanks

hesitation under excell can be spark related. check your spark plugs. they may be worn, with exsessive gap.
I always recomend AC delco plugs for GM engines. stay away from Bosch plugs.
Another thing to consider is fuel quality.
Try a different brand.
I have had lots of problems with Arco fuel.

well first you need to perform a compression test, this will tell you right up front of you have major engine trouble be it head gasket, camshaft, cylinder rings etc. First things first what do the spark plugs look like after it has benn running for a while??

The spark plugs on the cavalier are under the 2.2 ecotec panel located on the top of the engine. There are no spark plug wires to deal with. The electronic coil pack directly attaches to the plugs with rubber seats like in a spark plug end. Then you use a deep socket ratchet to get the plugs out. Use anti-seize compound when replacing the plugs.

#1 spark plug wire failed.

Open your hood.
While facing the engine. look straight down.
There will be wires there with boots on the end of them. There are 3 of them in the front by the radiator and 3 in the back by the firewall.

Check your battery terminals and clean them with a wire brush if they are corroded and make sure they are tight. If this doesn't work check the following: Fuel tank empty?, spark plugs incorrectly gapped if they are new, if old- maybe replace them, possibly faulty ignition coils, then maybe the crankshaft sensor is bad or timing chain is broken. I got the latter of information from the Haynes Repair Manual. Check this stuff in order. Good luck.