Changing the Spark Plugs on the Duratec

From Taurus Car Club Maintenance and Modification Wiki

I just changed the plugs on my 2002 Duratec this last weekend. At the same time I did the "rainhat fix" for water leaking down into the heater fan area. Since you have to remove the cowl pieces for both it makes sense.

1. To remove the cowling you remove the metal clips from along the front edge of the 2 pieces
   1. move the windshield wipers so they are pointing up
   2. carefully unsnap the upper half from the car by pulling it away from the vehicle towards the back edge of the open hood.
2. Remove the lower part by undoing the 3 bolts holding it in place and removing the clip attaching it to the other half of the cowling. This gives you just enough room to get at the back plugs, and takes under 10 minutes to do.
3. At the same time, since you have this apart, you could also replace the cabin filter.
   1. I used Motorcraft spark plugs, and you DO have to check the gap. Three of the six were outside the specs. If you buy platinum plugs, don't slip a gap checker between the electrodes. You can scratch off the platinum that way. They are supposed to be gapped at the factory.
4. To access the back three you have to remove all the plug wires from the coil pack (I numbered each with a marker to make sure they got back on properly) and from the rear spark plugs. On a 2002 Duratec, the plug wires are all numbered as are the terminals on the coil pack. You may find this easier by removing the coil pack. It's held in place by a couple of torx head screws. Take care to replace the ground wire. I was able to leave the coil pack in place.
   1. A spark plug socket, 8 inch extension and ratchet will reach the two plugs closest to the passenger's side of the car.
5. In order to reach the plug closest to the driver's side of the car you will need the socket, ratchet, 2 four inch extensions and a Universal joint to go between the extensions. There is an obstruction in line with where you want to be so you need the U joint.
6. The front 3 plugs are straight forward.
7. Re-install the plug wires to plugs and coil pack, re-install the lower and upper cowl pieces and you are done.