Spark plug change DIY on a 996C2-3.4L

[Hanseman]

Dear Renntech forum,

I've been using this excellent forum for some DIY projects on my 996C2-MY99 and most things have worked out fine. Due to a recent CEL light diagnosis I opted to change spark plugs (and look/replace the damaged coils). Following the DIY guide it was not hard to get to the coils and inspect them (all looked good visually). However, I was only able to get to reach and change the spark plugs on CYL 3,5,6. Removing the rear wheels does not seem to be enough for me... Any hints on how to remove the rear bumber and/or the exhausts? It seems that this would allow for better access... I tried calling an Authorised Porsche Service Center but they did not want to give me any hints how they do it due to potential legal actions that could stem from their advice upon malfunction.

With best regards,

Hans

[1999Porsche911]

Dear Renntech forum,

I've been using this excellent forum for some DIY projects on my 996C2-MY99 and most things have worked out fine. Due to a recent CEL light diagnosis I opted to change spark plugs (and look/replace the damaged coils). Following the DIY guide it was not hard to get to the coils and inspect them (all looked good visually). However, I was only able to get to reach and change the spark plugs on CYL 3,5,6. Removing the rear wheels does not seem to be enough for me... Any hints on how to remove the rear bumber and/or the exhausts? It seems that this would allow for better access... I tried calling an Authorised Porsche Service Center but they did not want to give me any hints how they do it due to potential legal actions that could stem from their advice upon malfunction.

With best regards,

Hans

You don't need to remove the wheels, mufflers, bumper or anything but the heat shield to get to the plugs on either bank. Just jack the car up so you can fit under the engine and you can see all coils. Dexterity is the key for a few of them. Once you have done it once, it takes no longer than 1 hour to perform again.

[Izzy]

Hans,

to remove the rear bumper cover on a 99,

Then for muffler removal, this link may be helpful:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=16935

The heat shield is key of course. I find it easier to work on the plugs with the rear wheels removed too.

[win911]

Hans,

to remove the rear bumper cover on a 99,

Then for muffler removal, this link may be helpful:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=16935

The heat shield is key of course. I find it easier to work on the plugs with the rear wheels removed too.

Hi,

You do not need to remove the bumper or exhaust. I was able to change both sides by removing the tires. Having some flexibility really does help.

Good luck.

[zdr2k]

From the DIY section.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=7059

i followed the direction given here......also dexterity is your friend.

jorge

[Izzy]

Hans,

to remove the rear bumper cover on a 99,

Then for muffler removal, this link may be helpful:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=16935

The heat shield is key of course. I find it easier to work on the plugs with the rear wheels removed too.

Hi,

You do not need to remove the bumper or exhaust. I was able to change both sides by removing the tires. Having some flexibility really does help.

Good luck.

Hans asked for instructions on how to remove the bumper, so I provided them to him. He can decide if he needs to do that or not, we all have different body styles and dexterity.

[Hanseman]

Dear all,

Thanks for your replies. I did follow the excellent DIY section (with additional pictures and suggestions provided) and could easily reach spark plugs 3, 5 and 6. But the others seemed nearly impossible to reach with only the wheel(s) removed....and I am pretty agile and not big. Perhaps if I could have fit myself under the car completely it would have worked. I'll give it a shot the coming weekend when I get my round-head hex key. But removing the bumper and exhaust should make it a LOT easier....so thanks for your tips and pictures for the procedure.

Regards,

Hans

[Izzy]

For your convinience, here is the clearance you may get if you decide to remove bumper cover and mufflers. For some (like me with XXL glove hands) it could be easier to get to the bolts on the shield and the plugs. You can see the hex bolts for the coils on the first picture, the second is the harder to reach bolt on the shield (but easy to see here)

Edited November 22, 2007 by Izzy