2005 spark plug wires routing

[tbuelow]

2005 explorer V6 4.0, I am trying to change the spark plug wires, but I cannot figure out how to get 1, 2 and 3 old wires out from between the oil input tube and the alternator? Any suggestions?

[Exproblems]

Originally Posted by tbuelow

2005 explorer V6 4.0, I am trying to change the spark plug wires, but I cannot figure out how to get 1, 2 and 3 old wires out from between the oil input tube and the alternator? Any suggestions?

I've got the same vehicle and had the same problem. I couldn't pull them out without disconnecting the alternator. That wasn't going to happen. What I did instead was cut them off carefully at each end as close to the alternator as I could with a pair of Linemans Pliers, making sure not to cut anything else running by there by accident. Since I was changing the old wires with new and not re-using them, I didn't care about cutting the old ones off and you can't really see the short section of old wires still laying back there anyhow. When I routed the new wires, I layed them right over the top of the old ones I cut by the alternator and then down under and thru the hole in the wire routing bracket that is along side the passenger side valve cover, then on to each cylinder from there. Just mark down or remember what plug wire goes to each cylinder and corresponding coil pack connection, so not to cross wires. If you happen to need the firing order of each cylinder or the coil pack order, just let me know. I've got that. I've had no problems with the new wires since I installed them and that was almost a year and a half ago. I figure I'll pull the old wire ends out if I ever have to replace the alternator in the future.

[home4sale2]

I don't recall having the same issue nor I had to cut the old wires. I believe the harness clips onto the extended bolt on the valve cover and you may have to pry it off using needle nose pliers.

[Exproblems]

Originally Posted by home4sale2

I don't recall having the same issue nor I had to cut the old wires. I believe the harness clips onto the extended bolt on the valve cover and you may have to pry it off using needle nose pliers.

You have a 2002, that might be the difference. On my 2005, no way to pull the factory set wires from out behind the alternator without loosening up or removing the alternator. I tried! The gap was too narrow to pull them thru and they also felt pinched in between there. Since I was changing the wire set anyhow, it was easier to just snip the old wires off.

[tbuelow]

Thanks, I was thinking about cutting them myself.

[derding]

You do indeed have to pull the alternator. Really pretty easy to pull.