Checking the condition of the spark plug wires should be done regularly at recommended intervals and each time the spark plugs are replaced.
1. Begin this procedure by visually inspecting the wires with the engine running. In a darkened garage (make sure the room is well ventilated) start the engine and carefully inspect each wire. Avoid touching the moving parts of the engine. If there is a break, the wire will spark at the point of damage. In this case, replace the wires, then let the engine cool down.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Attention! If your car's radio is equipped with an anti-theft system, make sure you have entered the correct code before disconnecting the battery.
3. To avoid confusion during installation, the BB wires should be checked one by one.
4. Disconnect the BB wire from the spark plug. Do not pull on the wire, just the connector.
5. Inspect the inside of the connector for corrosion, which appears as a white fluffy powder. Connect the wire with the connector to the spark plug. The connector should tightly network on the spark plug. If this cannot be achieved, remove the wire again and use pliers to correct the position of the terminal inside the connector.
6. With a clean rag, wipe the wires from the outside along the entire length, removing adhering dirt and grease from them. After cleaning, check the wire for burn marks, cracks, and other damage. Do not bend the wire at sharp angles, as this may lead to breakage of the conductor.
7. Disconnect the BB wire from the distributor. Don't forget to pull on the connector only. Check it for corrosion and connect in the same way as the spark plug wire. Replace distributor wire if necessary.
8. Check the remaining wires of the spark plugs, and after checking, make sure that each of them is securely attached to the distributor and spark plug.
9. If the spark plug wires need to be replaced, buy a wire set specifically designed for your engine model. The kits include wires of the desired length and with installed connectors. Remove and replace the BB wires one at a time to avoid confusion in the order of the cylinders when they are installed.
10. Loosen the screws or open the clips, then remove the distributor cover. Give back the screws (if they exist) and remove the slider from the shaft. Check the distributor cap and runner for signs of wear, cracks, carbon marks, and worn, burnt, or loose contacts. If defects are found, replace the cap or slider. It is customary to replace the cap and slider every time you change the spark plug wires. When installing a new cover one at a time, disconnect the BB wires from the old cover and connect them to the new one in exactly the same order - never disconnect all the wires at the same time to avoid confusion in the order of operation of the cylinders when they are installed.
11. Remove the distributor cover so that you can inspect it from the inside.
12. Remove the slider from the shaft.
The figure shows some of the common distributor cap defects to look out for when inspecting (if there is any doubt about its condition, it is better to replace it).