Spark Plug R&R on PT Cruiser

I just replaced the spark plugs on our 2001 normally aspirated I4 PT
Cruiser. I checked the service manual and was surprised that the intake
manifold had to be removed to gain access to the plugs.

What a poor design. It was the most complicated tune-up I have ever done.
It took me about two hours instead of 1/2 hour.

Luckily, the engine miss was gone after replacing the OEM plugs with Bosch
Platinum plugs. My wife thinks I walk on water now. That probably won't
last long.

Have others had the same challenge? I wonder what the dealer charges for a
tune-up.

Our other cars include a 1990 Nissan Pathfinder, a 1997 Acura NSX, and a
2004 Acura TL. We like the PT Cruiser and have over 42,000 miles with no
problems, except one software download for the computer that was done under
warranty.

- Russ in Santa Barbara

 

you are right the Bosch platinum plugs probably wont last long, yours uses
non platinum Champion or NGK,anything else won't last long.

PT tune up here is $299.00 (ouch)and no I don't set the prices and no we
don't sell many!

 

Wrong! Champion has an OEM approved dual platinum plug for this application.
Why? Because this motor utilizes reverse firing polarity in alternative
plugs. Thus with conventional platinum plugs two of the plugs will wear out
much faster than the other pair. The dual platinum plugs should be good for
at least 60,000 miles, perhaps 80,000 miles. Standard NGK or Champion's are
good for about 30,000 miles as is a set of single tipped platinum.

Richard.

 

I am not wrong according to Chrysler, the reccomended plug for the '01 PT
cruiser is part #RE14MCC5 gapped at 1.24mm to 1.37mm as per Dealer Connect.
DC doesn't say *not* to use platinum.

 

You published the statement: "... yours uses
non platinum Champion or NGK, anything else won't last long."

This statement is WRONG! The preferred plug in this application is the dual
platinum plug from Champion; it is OEM approved and is from the OEM vender.
It lasts much longer in this application than the non platinum OEM plug or
the non platinum NGK plug. The single tipped platinum Bosh plug will likely
last about as long as the OEM non platinum plug in this application.

Richard.

 

preferred by whom?

what I stated "won't last as long" was from my experience with my own
vehicle and from seeing people come in who don't have the recommended plugs.
as far as OEM spark plugs,looking at deallerconnect>tech
tools>igniton>spark plugs>specifications,the only plug stated is the
champion non plat.
I don't know where you get your info and I am not saying you are
wrong,but the only info I find in dealership technical info provided by
chrysler says to use part #RE14MCC5 non platinum champion spark plug,there
may be other OE approved plugs but they are not listed.

 

The source of my information is from the PT Cruiser Club. They published a
release from Champion that their new dual plat plug had been OEM approved
and was preferred because, in the Cruiser the plugs are difficult to change,
and the dual plat was specifically designed to last longer in this
application. I have used them in my Cruiser for 30,000 miles now and it
still works like new. Any vehicle with reverse firing plugs needs dual plat
plugs or conventional plugs. Single plat tipped plugs are a waste of money.
By the way, Chrysler fits these dual plat Champion plugs in the factory in
many of its vehicles. I guess they are saving a buck when they build the
Cruiser.

Richard.

 

Count on doing the job again very soon. Those Bosch Plats have a VERY
bad reputation - and all of it well earned.

 

I have a'02 PT cruiser as well and it is overdue (37k)its tune up,I'll use
the champion double plats and see what happens.

 

ANY Bosch platinum-tipped plug is a waste of money, which was the
original point.

I prefer sticking with plain copper plugs, personally. But if I were
going to use platinum, it sure as heck wouldn't be Bosch.

 

You should have replaced the wires while you were there, hmm the whole job
should only take 1/2 hr!!

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

The second time around will take a lot less time - for most people
anyway.

 

your speaking from a tech point of view, what about this view...

start timer...
move vehicle
locate proper tools
disconnect air intake from TB
remove intake manifold
remove plugs
gap new plugs
install new plugs
re/re wires
install and torque intake manifold
reconnect tb to airintake

1/2 hr?? I dunno about that.

 

You could remove 2 steps from this don't dissconnect the intake,hang it out
of the way.might cut a little time but it is a pretty tough job.

 

Yes about .5 TSB 18-024-04 (Cylinder misfire fault) on an 04 PT cruiser
(still the same as 01) Pays .6. that includes DRB test, Clearing fault,
Bringing vehicle into the bay and setting up tools, Now grant it that a
first time job for someone doing this repair would take much more time.

 

can't wait intill the bosch plugs start fouling out and they will

 

u are correct but bosch plugs suc

 

I am surprised that the Bosch plugs have a poor performance record. Do you
know why? Wouldn't the company try to fix whatever the problem is? Have
you had personal experience with these Bosch plugs?

Thanks,

- Russ In SB

 

You really need to get a new keyboard -- one with working shift, Y,
K, comma, and period keys, and a more reliable O. The one you're
using now is making you look like you're totally illiterate.

 

Thier 02 sensors have an even worse reputation than thier plugs.