Spark Plug Wire Removal Question

[kruegerk]

I attempted to change out the plug wires on my wife's 04 last night thinking it should be a 20-30 minute job like any other wires I've changed. Driver's side took 10-mins. I pulled plug boots on the passenger side and then got stuck trying to route the wires and the L shaped shield from around the alternator. After 20 minutes of cutting up the knuckles I put the old wires back on and gave up for the night. It looks like the alternator needs to come off and searching the forum others appear to cut the wires which doesn't seem like the right way to go about this. Does the alternator need to come off or can the old wires be removed without having to remove other parts?

Thanks in advance.

[juicy-jj]

Originally Posted by kruegerk

I attempted to change out the plug wires on my wife's 04 last night thinking it should be a 20-30 minute job like any other wires I've changed. Driver's side took 10-mins. I pulled plug boots on the passenger side and then got stuck trying to route the wires and the L shaped shield from around the alternator. After 20 minutes of cutting up the knuckles I put the old wires back on and gave up for the night. It looks like the alternator needs to come off and searching the forum others appear to cut the wires which doesn't seem like the right way to go about this. Does the alternator need to come off or can the old wires be removed without having to remove other parts?

Thanks in advance.

Bump, I would like to know as well since I am getting ready to replace my plugs and wires on my 2002 X. Speaking of which, are the 2002 Explorers the same when it comes to the plugs and wires as the poster above?

[Exproblems]

Originally Posted by kruegerk

It looks like the alternator needs to come off and searching the forum others appear to cut the wires which doesn't seem like the right way to go about this. Does the alternator need to come off or can the old wires be removed without having to remove other parts?

Thanks in advance.

If you have the V-6, you'll have to remove the alternator to get them out since cutting up your knuckles hasn't worked for you yet. There is no harm in cutting off the old wires and leaving 3-4 inches of them behind pinched behind the alternator. Won't harm a thing. You then run your new wires over the top of the old and down behind the alternator and then down along side the passenger side valve cover as they would normally be routed. Unless you plan on taking your Ex to some car show in the near future, who cares if a couple of old wire sections no one can see anyhow are left behind? Sure beats taking the belt and alternator off right, just to remove and route new 3 spark plug wires? In the future if you have to replace your alternator, you can remove the old spark wire sections at that time. Just look at your skinned knuckles and the decision should be an easy one for you.

[Exproblems]

Originally Posted by juicy-jj

Bump, I would like to know as well since I am getting ready to replace my plugs and wires on my 2002 X. Speaking of which, are the 2002 Explorers the same when it comes to the plugs and wires as the poster above?

The 3rd generation Explorers run in years 2002-2005, so the plugs and wires would run the same for the V-6's or the V-8's, so it depends on what engine size you have. Make sure you post your engine size in your posts, it helps the people who are giving you advice on your vehicles problems.