95 E320: How much upward force is needed to remove ignition coils?
 

1995 E320

I am changing my spark plugs now. The three visible plug boots are off, and I need to get to the plugs diretly under the coils, but they are not budging.

Is it the same, "twist a little and pull up' procedure?

There is something that looks like a screw grounding the coils. Whatever you do, do NOT try to unscrew that!! Just leave it alone.

Very carefully jiggle the coil towards the front of the car, then to the rear of car. They WILL come off. Requires a bit of finesse, not really much force.

Did you get new plug connectors too? They should also be changed with the plugs.

-GH

Thanks -- I read in another thread about not not touching those screws. (Glad I did some advance research, or I would certainly have tried to unscrew them.)

After posting my message, I went back and was able to get the coils off with the help of that metal bar with the spoon-shaped end in the toolkit. Applying gentle leverage helped. Whole job is done now -- and thanks again for your quick reply.

The entire ignition wire set was replaced with the last change of plugs, so I am still good. (The connectors looked and felt new.)

The high temperatures that those plug connectors operate in is really something...

I just did my plugs last weekend along with my engine wiring harness, so it was fresh in my mind:)

How's your '95 holding up with those miles? Any major issues?

-GH

So far, it's held up well, with no major issues, particulalrly since the major trouble items -- engine wiring harness and A/C evaporator replacement -- were done within the last 2-4 years. The head gasket is fine, but I can get small leaks from the timing cover if I use high detergent oil, like 15W40.

Minor issues were the air pump bearing, replaced last year, and the neutral safety switch, replaced last month, but which I still need to realign (not looking forward to getting back under there).

New tasks include replacing the stop light switch on the brake pedal, replacing front brake pads, and lubricating various linkages, the sunroof, and antenna.