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Dodge Ram 1994-2001: How to Replace Spark Plug Wires

Is your truck experiencing a sluggish start-up? Maybe it's time for some new spark plug wires. Here is how to replace them in your Dodge Ram.

By Neftali Medina - July 9, 2015
Contributors: Spelunkerd

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-2001).

Spark plug wires are cables that provide the current from the distributor to the engine. Although some wires can outlive your ownership of the truck, a good rule of thumb is to replace them every two years or 40,000 miles. This allows the wire insulation to stay in good shape, so it keeps the electrical current from seeping out, which prolongs the life of the spark plugs. You can install the plug wires yourself and save a few dollars by following the instructions listed below.

Materials Needed

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Spark plug boot pullers
  • Electrical grease
  • Pencil and paper

Step 1 – Locate the distributor cap and begin removing the wire clips

The distributor cap on your engine is located towards the rear of the engine compartment. Once you locate the cap, trace all of the wires into the spark plug locations. Each one will follow a path, using special wire clips that hold them in place. Open the clips and remove the wires from their holds.

The front wire clips have a tab that needs to be pushed down (refer to Figure 1).

Figure 1. Front wire clips.

The clips towards the rear of the engine use a tab that needs to be pushed back (refer to Figure 2).

Figure 2. Rear wire clips.

Step 2 – Remove the plugs

The plug wires are located tightly behind the engine. Use a screwdriver or small pry bar to pop off each spark plug wire from the distributor cap.

Figure 3. Pop off the spark plug wires.

Step 3 – Mark the placement of each wire

While you are in the process of removing each wire, use a paper and pencil to write out the locations of each wire to help keep track of the firing order.

Figure 4. Write down the firing order for reference.

Pro Tip

If you have a camera handy, use it to take pictures of the spark plug wire layout.

Step 4 – Remove the spark plug boots from the engine

Using a boot puller, grab onto each spark plug boot and remove them from the engine.

Figure 5. Remove the spark plug boots from the engine.

Step 5 – Install the new wires

Apply the electrical grease on the rubber inserts of the new wires. The grease helps prevent the electricity from arching inside the boot and, as a plus, makes it easy to remove the wires when performing a standard maintenance check on the engine.

Figure 6. Apply electrical grease on the new wires.

Use the drawn diagram to correctly install the new wires. You can use the intake manifold as a point of reference, as it will also have the truck's firing order listed on it. Once the wires are installed, you are finished.

Figure 7. Firing order location.

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