FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Ignition Cable: Description and Operation

SPARK PLUG CABLE
Spark Plug cables are sometimes referred to as secondary ignition wires. The wires transfer electrical current from the ignition coil pack to individual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The cables provide suppression of radio frequency emissions from the ignition system.

Check the spark plug cable connections for good contact at the coil, and spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated. The insulators should be in good condition and should fit tightly on the coil, and spark plugs. Spark plug cables with insulators that are cracked or torn must be replaced.

Clean Spark Plug cables with a cloth moistened with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the cables dry. Check for brittle or cracked insulation. The spark plug cables and spark plug boots are made from high temperature silicone materials. All spark plug cable leads are properly identified with cylinder numbers. The inside of most the spark plug boot is coated with a special high temperature silicone grease for greater sealing and to minimize boot bonding to the spark plug insulator.