How to change rear spark plugs on 2002 Ford Taurus 3.0 V6 OHV

[smileyfaceguy]

The rear (back) spark plugs on the Taurus are hard to get to on some models but on this engine/year it's not that bad.
Here's how I did it.

Car: 2002 Ford Taurus LX 3.0 liter V6 12 Valve OHV (8th digit of VIN is 'U')
>Original plugs-Motorcraft platinum AGSF-32PM
>Replaced with-Autolite AP104
>Spark plug gap-0.42 to 0.46 (FYI,straight out of the box they were pre-set at.045)

Tools I used:(see pic)
>3/8" drive ratchet (7"long)
>5/8" DEEP (3"long) spark plug socket (3/8" to 1/2" adapter added 3/4" to total length)
>3/8 drive 3" extension (actual overall length is 2 3/4)
>3/8 drive 6" extension (actual overall length is 5 7/8)
>Spark plug gapping tool
>Flat head screwdriver
>Small package dilectric grease
>Small package 'anti-sieze' compound
>flashlight




Remove the air box and snorkle
1-Make sure the ignition is turned off and the key is not in.
2-Remove Breather hose from valve cover.(See pic) Gently pry it up evenly with a thin flat head screwdriver or butter knife and pull it straight up. (The hose is ridgid so be careful not to bend or break it off)
3-Disconnect the electrical connector to MAF sensor. Black box that is on the air intake snorkle.(push in tab and gently pull the plug down).
4-Gently pull off the other small hose thats connected to the air intake snorkle. Tuck it aside.
5-Loosen the clamp that holds the air intake snorkle to the throttle body.
6-Unclip the 2 clips on the air box, pull it up, gently twist and pull the air intake snorkle off of the throttle body. Set the whole thing aside.
7-Pull out the transmission fluid dipstick and set it aside (keep clean) Put an old sock over the tube.
Now you will have enough room to reach in and change the plugs.
Also at this point (if you haven't already) take a look at your air filter, if it is dirty replace it.

8-Rig a flashlight between the intake manifold ane the firewall so it shines down at the plugs so you can see better.
9-Working from the drivers side pull off all 3 ignition wires one at a time. Be sure to number them directly (eg '1,2,3') with a permanent marker or on a piece of masking tape (remove tape later.) Push them aside.
NOTE:They are hard to pull off. Dont hurt your hand!
10-Starting with plug the furthest away (the hardest) and working back towards you using a 5/8 Deep spark plug socket remove and replace each (properly gapped) plug. Make sure they are tight but dont over tighten (TIGHT and then just a little more). Due to the lack of workspace you may have to put the socket only on first and then attach the extension (if needed) and ratchet once the socket is on. Use a bit of 'anti-seize' on the threads and a dab of dilectric in the spark plug wire before you put them back. This should make it spread over the ceramic a bit and also be on the tip. Be sure you hear/feel a 'snap' so tou know they are fully connected.
11-Carefully reassemble everything you removed. Dont forget the transmission dipstick, both hoses,the MAF sensor connector and tighten the clamp to the throttle body.
12-Go ahead and change the front 3 plugs. They are a breeze.
DONE (took me about 1 hour)

[serge_saati]

I was able to change my rear plugs on my Taurus 2002 without removing anything, except my watch. I just pass my hand with the wrench behind the plenum from left and right side and change plugs blindly. I just feel them.