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The spark plugs in your 2000 Ford Taurus are designed to provide a long and trouble-free life. Ford suggests that they be replaced every 60,000 miles, or every 48 months, whichever comes first. New plugs can be bought and kept on hand in the event that it is necessary to change a plug earlier. Always replace your old spark plugs with new plugs of an identical type. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engines combustion chamber, and they must be of the correct type to ensure proper engine efficiency.
Step 1
Inspect the new spark plugs and check their gap with the plug gap gauge. Adjust the gap, if necessary. The recommended gap is 0.042 to 0.046 inch for OHV (overhead valve) engines and 0.052 to 0.056 inch for OHC (overhead cam) engines.
Step 2
Raise the hood of your Taurus and check that the engine is cool before proceeding.
Step 3
Locate the spark plugs, which are found in the cylinder heads, below the valve covers, on the OHV model engine. On the OHC model engine, the plugs are accessible through the valve covers.
Step 4
Remove the plug wire from one spark plug at a time. If the engine has a separate coil for each plug, remove the screws securing the individual coil and set the coil aside. The screw is removed by turning it counter-clockwise.
Step 5
Remove the spark plug with the plug socket and ratchet by turning it counter-clockwise.
Step 6
Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the new spark plug and install it into the spark plug hole. Tighten the plug by turning it clockwise with the plug socket and ratchet. If a torque wrench is available, torque the plug to 7 to 14 ft.-lb.
Replace the spark plug wire by pushing it back into place. If applicable, replace the individual coils by tightening their mounting screws in a clockwise direction. Repeat with remaining spark plugs.
Tip
- Slip a small section of vacuum hose over the new plug when installing it. This makes it easier to spin the plug into place in the plug hole. Remove the hose before tightening the plug.
Warning
- Never remove the spark plugs from a hot engine. The aluminum head of the OHC engine can be damaged if a hot spark plug is removed.
Items you will need
- Plug gap gauge
- Straight-blade screwdriver
- Spark plug socket
- Ratchet
- Anti-seize compound
- Torque wrench ( optional )
