Non-returnable
Parts
FUNDAMENTALS
FOR
THEDO-ITYOURSELF
OWNER
010-
7
Many
independent
repair
shops
make
a
point
of
using
genu-
Original
body
paneis
and
other
large
components
are
identi-
ine
BMW
parts,
even
though
they
may
at
times
be
more
expen-
fied
by
a
label
bearing
the
VINand
two
BMW
roundellogos
.
Re-
sive
.
Theyknow
the
value
of
doing
thejob
right
with
the
right
placement
parts
have
a
similar
label,
bearing
one
BMW
roundel
parts
.
Parts
from
other
sources
can
beas
good,
particularly
if
logo
and
the
letters
DOT-R
.
See
Fig
.
6
.
Parts
or
assemblies
manufactured
by
one
of
BMWs
original
equipment
suppliers,
bearing
the
label
arethe
engine,
transmission,
front
and
rear
but
it
is
often
difficult
to
know
.
bumpers,
front
fenders,
rear
quarter
paneis,
hood,
trunk
lid
and
doors
.
These
labels
shouldnot
be
removed
as
they
will
tear
BMW
is
constantly
updating
and
improving
their
cars,
often
apart
.
making
improvements
during
a
given
model
year
.
BMW
may
recommend
a
newer,
improved
part
as
a
replacement,
and
your
authorized
dealer's
parts
department
will
know
about
it
and
provide
it
.
The
BMW
parts
organization
is
best
equipped
to
deal
with
any
BMW
parts
needs
.
Some
parts
cannot
be
returned
for
credit,
even
if
they
arethe
wrong
parts
forthe
car
.
The
best
example
is
electrical
parts,
which
are
almost
universally
considered
non-returnable
be-
,
..
cause
they
are
so
easily
damaged
internally
.
Buy
electrícal
parts
carefully,
and
beas
sure
as
possible
that
P-
DOT~
R
a
replacement
is
needed,
especially
for
expensive
parts
such
as
electronic
control
units
.
It
may
bewise
to
let
an
authorized
B328FUN
BMW
dealeror
other
qualified
shop
confirm
your
diagnosisbe-
fore
replacing
an
expensive
part
that
cannot
be
retuned
.
Fig
.
6
.
Labels
used
to
identiy
parts
.
Original
equipment
labelwith
VIN
number
and
roundel
logos
(top)
and
replacement
part
la-
bel
with
one
roundel
logos
Information
You
Need
to
Know
Engine
.
3-Seriescars
covered
in
this
manualare
powered
Model
.
When
ordering
parts
it
is
important
that
you
know
the
by
either
a
4-or
6-cylinder
engine
.
For
information
-
on
engine
correct
model
designation
for
your
car
.
Models
covered
in
this
codes
and
engine
applications,
see100
Engine-General
.
manual
are
E36
3
Series
in
both
4-
and
6-cylinderconfigura-
tions
.
Transmission
.
The
transmissiontype
with
its
identifying
code
may
be
important
when
buying
clutch
parts,
seals,
gas
Moda¡
Year
.
This
is
not
necessarily
the
same
as
date
of
kets,
and
othertransmission-relatedparts
.
For
information
on
manufacture
or
date
of
sale
.
A
1997
model
may
havebeen
transmission
codes
and
applications,
see200
Transmission
manufactured
in
late
1996,
and
perhaps
not
sold
until
early
General
.
1997
.
It
is
still
a1997
model
.
Model
years
covered
by
this
man-
ual
are
1992
to
1998
.
SERVICE
Date
of
Manufacture
.
This
information
is
helpful
when
or-
dering
replacement
parts
or
determining
if
any
of
the
warranty
BMW
dealers
are
uniquely
qualified
to
provide
service
for
recalls
are
applicable
to
your
car
.
The
label
on
the
driver's
door
BMW
cars
.
Their
authorized
relationship
with
the
large
BMW
below
the
door
latch
will
specify
the
month
and
year
that
the
car
serviceorganization
means
that
they
are
constantly
receiving
was
built
.
new
tools
and
equipment,
together
with
the
latest
and
most
ac-
curate
repair
information
.
Vehicle
Identification
Number
(VIN)
.
This
is
a
combination
of
letters
and
numbers
that
identify
the
particular
car
.
TheVIN
appears
on
the
state
registration
document,
and
on
thecar
it-
self
.
One
location
isin
the
rear
of
the
engine
compartment,
en-
other
in
the
lower
left
comer
of
the
windshield
.
The
National
Highway
Traffic
Safety
Administration
(NHT-
SA)
requires
passenger
cars
with
a
high
theftrateto
have
the
VINmarked
on
specific
parts
of
thecar
when
manufactured
.
On
BMW
cars,
these
parts
are
identified
byan
adhesive
label
.
)WBADK00000000
0
000
0
The
BMW
dealers
service
technicians
are
highlytrained
and
very
capable
.
Unfke
most
independent
repair
shops,
autho-
rized
BMW
dealers
are
intensely
committed
tosupporting
the
BMW
product
.
They
share
the
owners
interest
in
BMW
value,
performance,
and
reliability
.
On
the
other
hand,
there
are
many
independent
shops
that
specialize
in
BMW
service
and
are
ca-
pable
of
doing
high
quality
repair
work
.
Checking
with
other
BMW
owners
for
recommendations
on
service
facilitiesis
a
good
way
to
leam
of
reputable
BMW
shops
in
yourarea
.
SERVICE
020-
1
0
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
1.
Run
engine
for
afewminutes
to
warm
engine
oil
.
Shut
5
.
When
oil
flow
has
diminished
to
an
occasional
drip,
re-
engine
off
.
install
drain
plugwith
a
new
metal
sealing
washerand
torque
plug
.
2
.
With
car
on
level
ground,
place
drain
pan
under
oil
drain
plug
.
See
Fig
.
5
.
Tightening
Torques
"
Engine
oil
drain
plug
M12
bolt
(17mm
wrench)
.
...
.
..
.
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)
-
M22
bolt
(19mm
.
wrench)
...
.
...
.
60
Nm
(44
ft-Ib)
Fig
.
5
.
Engine
oil
drain
plug(arrow)
in
oil
pan
.
3
.
Remove
filter
housingcover
.
Remove
filter
cartridge
and
discard
any
O-rings
.
See
Fig
.
6
.
CAUTION-
Pulí
the
loose
plug
away
from
the
hole
quickly
to
avoidbeing
bumed
by
hot
oil
.
It
wíll
runout
quickly
when
the
plug
ís
removed
.
If
possible,
use
gloves
to
protect
your
hands
.
ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
MAINTENANCE
0012460
Fig
.
6
.
Engine
oil
filter
cartridge
.
Note
O-ring
locations
when
removing
cover
and
filter
.
4
.
Using
a
socket
or
box
wrench,
loosen
drain
plug
at
oil
drain
pan
.
By
hand,
remove
plug
and
letoil
drain
into
pan
.
6
.
Lubricate
and
install
new
O-rings
.
Install
a
new
filter
cartridge
and
housingcover
.
Tighten
cover
.
See
Fig
.
7
.
7
«
a~
.~~
fT~
iII~IIIi~
.
Fig
.
7
.
Oil
flter
housing
on
6-cylínder
engine
.
4-cylinder
engine
is
similar
.
Tightening
Torque
"
Engine
oil
filter
cover
to
oil
filter
housing
...................
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)
7
.
Refill
crankcase
with
oil
.'Approximate
oil
capacity
is
list-
ed
in
Tablee
.
Use
dipstick
to
check
correct
oil
level
.
8
.
Start
engine
and
check
that
oil
pressure
warning
light
immediately
goes
out
.
9
.
Allow
engine
to
run
for
a
few
minutes
to
círculate
new
oil,
then
check
for
leaks
at
drain
plug
and
oil
filter
.
Stop
engine
and
reclieck
oil
level
.
ENGINE
COMPAR
ENT
MAINTENANCE
The
information
underthis
heading
describes
routine
mainte-
nance-other
than
oil
change-done
in
the
engine
compart-
ment
.
It
is
not
necessary
for
the
car
to
be
raised
and
supported
off
the
ground
.
Information
on
oil
change
is
given
earlier
under
Engine
Oil
Change
.
Air
filter,
replacing
Spark
plugs,
replacing
The
specified
maintenance
intervals
for
the
air
filter
are
To
access
the
spark
plugs
on
4-cylinder
engines,
remove
the
based
on
normal
use
.
If
thecar
is
operated
primarily
in
dusty
cover
fromatop
the
sparkplugs
.
See
Fig
.
10
.
Using
the
special
conditions,
the
air
filter
should
be
serviced
more
frequently
.
spark
plug
wire
removal
tool
(attached
to
rear
of
cylinder
head
beneath
engine
cover),
gently
pull
the
spark
plugwire
from
the
To
replace
the
air
filter
on
6-cylinder
engines,
unclip
and
sude
spark
plug
.
See
Fig
.
11
.
Blow
away
any
dirt
from
around
the
the
filter
cartridge
assembly
out
of
the
air
boxand
remove
the
base
of
the
plug
to
prevent
it
from
entering
theengine
.
Remove
filter
from
the
frame
assembly
.
See
Fig
.
8
.
and
install
the
spark
plugs
one
at
a
time
.
0012625
Fig
.
8
.
To
remove
air
filter
cartridge
on
6-cylinder
engines,release
fil-
ter
cartridge
at
sides
(arrows)
and
then
remove
filter
element
insert
from
cartridge
.
To
replace
the
air
filter
elementon
4-cylinder
engines,
sepa-
rate
the
upper
air
filter
housing
section
from
the
lower
section
by
unfastening
the
spring
clips
.
Remove
the
air
filter
element
from
the
air
filter
housing
.
See
Fig
.
9
.
Wipe
the
inside
of
the
air
filter
housing
clean
and
install
the
new
element
.
Reinstall
the
upper
air
filter
housing,
making
sure
that
the
two
halves
are
mated
correctly
.
Refasten
the
spring-clips
.
Fig
.
9
.
Air
filter
element
being
removed
on
4-cylinder
engine
.
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
020-
11
NOTE-
Spark
plug
applications
are
often
updated
and
super-
seded
from
the
original
plug
specification
.
Consuff
an
authorized
BMW
parts
department
for
the
latest
parts
_'
information
.
The
sparkplug
fisted
in
the
owners
manu-
al
may
not
be
the
latest
recommend
spark
plug,
espgp
cially
on
older
cars
.
0012631
Fig
.
10
.
To
remove
engine
cover
above
sparkpiugs
on
4-cylinder
en-
gine,
turnretainers
90°
counterclockwise
and
lift
cover
off
.
0012630
Fig
.
11
.
To
remove
spark
plugwirefrom
spark
plug
on
4-cylinder
en-
gine,
sude
special
removal
tool
over
spark
plug
wire
end
(ar-
row)
and
pull
straightoff
.
Usea
screwdriver
for
added
leverage
.
Special
tool
is
stored
at
rear
of
cylinder
head
below
top
cover
.
ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
MAINTENANCE
020-
1
2
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
6-cylinder
engines
use
a
coil-on-plug
configuration,
and
re-
Battery
cablesshould
be
tight
.
The
terminals,
the
cable
moval
of
thetop
engine
cover
(between
the
camshafts)
and
ig-
clamps,
and
the
battery
case
should
be
freeof
the
white
deposits
nition
cofs
are
necessary
.
See
Fig
.
12
.
Blow
away
any
dust
or
that
indicate
corrosion
and
acid
salts
.
Even
a
thin
¡ayer
of
dust
dirt
around
the
ignition
coils,
and
then
remove
the
coils
.
Blow
containing
conductive
acid
salts
can
cause
battery
discharge
.
away
any
dustor
dirt
around
the
sparkplugs
.
Remove
the
spark
plugs
.
To
remove
battery
corrosion,
begin
by
disconnecting
theca-
bles
.
Disconnect
the
negative
(-)
cable
first
.
Clean
the
terminal
posts
and
the
cable
clamps
with
a
wire
brush
.
Clean
the
main
chassis
ground
terminal
next
to
the
battery
.
Corrosion
can
be
washedaway
with
a
baking
soda
and
water
solution
that
will
neutralize
the
acid
.
Apply
the
solution
carefully,
though,since
ít
will
also
neutralize
the
acid
inside
the
battery
.
Reconnect
the
ca-
ble
clamps,
positive
(+)
cable
first
.
Lightly
coat
the
outside
of
the
terminals,
hold
down
screws,
and
clamps
with
petroleum
jelly,
grease,
or
a
commercial
battery
terminal
corrosion
inhibitor
.
Fig
.
12
.
Ignition
coil
being
removed
from
spark
plug
on
M52
engine
.
NOTE-
If
necessary,
see
120
Ignition
System
for
more
details
on
coil
removal
.
B11004
Lightlylubricate
the
new
spark
plug
threads
with
a
small
amount
of
anti-seize
compound
.
Thread
the
plugs
into
the
cyl-
inder
head
byhand
to
prevent
cross-threading
.
Tightening
Torque
"
Spark
plug
to
cylinder
head
.......
25
Nm
(18
ft-ib)
Idie
Speed
Engine
¡dle
speed
canchange
due
to
a
number
of
factors,
in-
cluding
normal
wear
.
The
idle
speed
is
electronically
adaptive
and
non-adjustable
.
See
130
Fuel
Injection
for
more
information
.
Battery,
checking
and
cleaning
The
battery
is
located
in
the
right
side
of
the
luggage
com-
partment
.
Simple
maintenance
of
the
battery
and
its
terminal
connections
will
ensure
maximum
starting
performance,
espe-
cially
in
winter
when
colder
temperaturesreduce
battery
power
.
ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
-
"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-
tery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manualonpage
viii
.
"
Battery
acid
is
extremely
dangerous
.
Take
care
to
keep
it
from
contacting
eyes,
skin,
or
clothing
.
Wear
eye
protection
.
Extinguish
all
smoking
ma-
terials
and
do
not
worknear
any
oyen
flames
.
Battery
electrolyte
should
be
maintained
at
the
correct
level
just
above
the
battery
plates
and
their
separators
.
The
correct
leve¡
is
approximately
5
mm
(
1
/4
in
.)
above
thetop
of
battery
plates
orto
thetop
of
the
indicator
marks
(if
applicable)
.
The
battery
plates
and
the
indicator
marks
can
beseen
once
the
fill-
er
caps
are
removed
.
If
the
electrolyte
level
is
low,
replenish
it
by
adding
distilled
water
only
.
Battery,
repiacing
Batteries
are
rated
by
ampere
hours
(Ah),
the
number
of
hoursa
specific
current
draín
can
be
sustained
before
complete
discharge,
or
by
cold
cranking
amps
(CCA),
the
number
of
amps
available
to
crank
the
engine
in
cold
weather
conditions
.
In
general,
replacement
batteries
should
alwaysbe
rated
equal
or
higherthan
the
original
battery
.
CAUTION-
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
thls
manual
on
page
viii
.
The
battery
is
held
in
place
bya
single
hand
screw
and
píate
.
A
secure
battery
hold-down
is
important
in
order
to
prevent
vi-
brations
and
road
shock
from
damaging
the
battery
.
NOTE-
NOTE-
"
Always
disconnect
the
negative
()
cable
first,
and
Design
characteristics
of
the
convertible
body
cause
vi-
connect
ft
last
While
changing
batteries,
clean
away
brations
in
the
trunk
area
.
Therefore,
E36
convertibles
any
corrosion
in
or
around
the
battery
tray
.
require
a
specialbattery
designed
for
constant
vibra-
tion
.
When
repiacing
the
battery,
be
sure
the
replace-
"
Design
characteristics
of
the
convertible
body
cause
ment
is
designed
specffically
for
the
convertible
.
vibrations
to
oscillate
in
the
trunk
area
.
Therefore,
the
convertible
model
uses
a
specialbattery
designed
for
this
constant
vibration
.
020-
1
4
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
uu11989
Fig
.
14
.
Engine
drive
belt
tensíoner
being
released
on
late
4-cylinder
engine
.
Pry
off
tensioner
cover
and
then
lever
tensioner
in
clockwise
direction
(as
facing
engine)
and
slip
beltoff
pulleys
.
Fig
.
17
.
Engine
drive
belt
routing
for
late
4-cylinder
engine
with
poly-
ribbed
drivebelts
.
CA
UTION-
Use
only
BMW
approved
phosphate-free
anti-
freeze
when
filling
the
cooling
system
.
Use
of
anti-
B11177
freeze
containing
phosphates
!s
considerad
to
be
Fig
.
15
.
Engine
drive
belt
tensioner
being
released
on
6-cylinder
en-
harmful
to
the
cooling
system
.
gine
.
Pry
off
tensioner
cover
and
then
lever
tensioner
in
clock-
wise
direction
(as
facing
engine)
and
slipbelt
off
pulleys
.
A
translucent
expansion
tank,
or
overflow
resenroir,
providesmonitóring
of
coolant
leve¡
.
Because
the
expansion
tank
is
translucent,
thecoolant
level
can
be
checked
visually
without
opening
the
system
.
Always
check
thecoolant
leve¡
with
theen-gine
cold
.
The
coolant
leve¡
should
be
at
the
maximum
mark
on
O
o
'~
I
the
expansion
tank,
as
shown
in
Fig
.
18
.
OO
Hose
connectionhld
b
tiht
s
soueg
an
ddry
.
Coolánt
seepage
indicates
either
that
the
hose
clamp
is
loose,
that
the
pose
is
ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
MAINTENANCE
0012470
Fig
.
16
.
Engine
drive
belt
routing
for
6-cylinder
engine
.
A/C
compres-
sor
drive
belt
not
shown
.
'92
irá
Alternator
belt
Coolant~
0
pp
o0o
Belt
tensioner
Cooling
System
Service
0013000
Cooling
system
maintenance
consists
of
maíntaining
thecoolant
leve¡,
inspecting
hoses
.
Because
the
coolant's
anti-cor-
rosion
and
anti-freeze
additives
gradually
lose
their
effective-
ness,
replacement
of
thecoolant
every
two
years
up
to
1996
models,
and
every
three
years
from
1996
is
recommended
.
Asa
preventive
measure,
replacement
of
the
cooling
system
hos-
es
every
four
years
is
also
recommended
.
damaged,
or
that
the
connection
is
dirty
or
corroded
.
Dried
cool-
ant
has
a
chalky
appearance
.
Hoses
should
be
firm
and
springy
.
Replace
any
hose
that
is
cracked,
that
has
become
soft
and
limp,
or
has
been
contaminated
by
oil
.
See
Fig
.
19
.
Power
steering
fluid,
checking
leve¡
Check
the
power
steering
fluid
level
in
the
fluid
reservoir
.
Park
thecar
on
leve¡
ground
with
the
engine
off
.
The
level
is
cor-
rect
if
it
is
between
the
MIN
and
MAX
marks
on
the
dipstick
.
See
Fig
.
20
.
If
the
leve¡
is
below
the
MIN
mark,
start
the
engine
andadd
fluid
to
the
reservoir
to
bríng
the
leve¡
up
.
Stop
the
engine
and
recheck
the
leve¡
.
Hand-tighten
the
reservoir
cap
.
020-
1
6
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
Fuel
filter,
replacing
Oxygen
sensor
(regulating)
\
Catalytic
Oxygen
sensor
convertor
(monitoring)
Fig
.
21
.
Typical
1996
and
later
exhaust
system
showing
oxygen
sensor
locations
.
UNDER-CAR
MAINTENANCE
convertor
On
early
4-cylínder
cars,
the
fuel
filter
is
mounted
under
the
caron
the
left
front
bulkhead
.
On
early
6-cylínder
cars,
the
fuel
filter
is
mounted
to
the
front
left
motor
mount
in
theengine
com-
partment
.
See
Fig
.
22
.
0013139
Fig
.
22
.
Fuel
filter
location
(arrow)
on
bulkheadunder
left
side
of
vehi-
cle
.
Filter
for
M42
engine
shown
.
On
later
cars,
the
fuel
filter
is
located
beneath
the
centerof
the
car,
approximately
under
the
driver's
seat
.
See
Fig
.
23
.
A
protective
cover
is
installed
overthe
fuel
filter,
which
must
be
re-
moved
to
access
the
filter
.
UNDER-CAR
MAINTENANCE
Exhaust
flap
actuator
(monitoring)
NOTE-
Drain
the
fuel
filter
trom
the
inlet
side
into
a
container
and
inspect
the
drained
fuel
.
Check
for
rust,
moisture
and
contamination
.
WARNING
-
Fuel
will
be
expelled
when
the
filter
is
removed
.
Do
not
smoke
or
worknear
heaters
or'other
fire
haz-ards
.
Keep
a
tire
extinguisher
handy
.
CAUTION-
Clean
thoroughly
around
the
filter
connections
be-
fore
removing
them
.
0012726
Fig
.
23
.
Fuel
filter
location
under
center
of
car
(arrow)
.
Filter
for
M52
engine
shown
.
Catálytic
\
Oxygen
sensor
When
replacing
the
fuel
filter,
disconnect
the
battery
negative
(-)
cable
and
clamp
the
filter
inlet
and
outlet
hoses
to
lessen
fuel
spillage
.
Loosen
thecenter
clamping
bracket
and
the
two
hoseclampson
either
end
of
the
filter
.
Note
the
arrow
or
mark-
ings
indicating
direction
of
flow
on
the
new
filter
.
Install
the
filter
anduse
new
hose
clamps
.
100-6
ENGINE-GENERAL
Cylinder
compression,
checking
A
compression
tester
is
needed
to
make
a
compression
test
.
To
obtain
accurate
test
results,
the
battery
and
starter
must
be
capable
of
cranking
the
engine
at
250-300
rpm,
and
theen-
gine
should
be
at
normal
operating
temperature
.
Use
com-
pressed
air
to
clean
aroundthe
spark
plugs
before
removal
.
1
.
Disable
the
ignítion
system
by
removing
the
engine
management
system
main
relay
and
the
fuel
pump
re-
¡ay
.
See
Fig
.
6
.
WARNING
-
The
ignítion
system
produces
high
voltages
that
canbe
fatal
.
Avoid
contact
with
exposed
termínals
and
useextreme
caution
when
working
on
acar
wíth
the
ignítion
switched
on
or
the
engine
running
.
Fuel
DM
E
pump
main
re
ay
rel
ay
o
oa
ooa
.,
o00
oao
Fig
.
6
.
Engine
management
relays
in
power
distribution
box
inleft
rear
of
engine
compartment
.
CAUTION-
"
On
OBD
11
cars,
making
a
compression
test
may
causea
faultto
set
in
the
ECM
and
may
also
il-
luminate
the
Check
Engine
light
.
The
light
can
only
be
tumed
out
using
special
scan
tool
equip-
ment,using
eíther
the
BMW
specialservíce
tool
or
using
a
"generic"
OBD
11
scan
tool
.
Discon-
necting
the
battery
will
not
erase
the
fault
mem-
orynor
turn
outthe
light
.
0013034,
0012630
Fig
.
7
.
Remove
spark
plug
wires
from
spark
plugs
on
4-cylinder
en-
gine
using
special
tool
.
Tool
is
stored
under
cover
at
rear
of
cylinder
head
(arrow)
.
Fig
.
8
.
Remove
engine
cover
on
6-cylinder
engine
byprying
off
nut
covers
and
removing
nuts
(A)
.
Be
careful
not
to
let
rubber
in-
sulators
fall
off
as
cover
is
removed
(arrows)
.
4
.
On
6-cylinder
engines,
disconnect
the
harness
connec-
tors
from
the
ignítion
coils
by
lifting
the
retaining
clip
.
Remove
the
coil
mounting
nuts
andremove
the
six
coils
.
See
Fig
.
9
.
Remove
the
sparkplugs
.
"
Failure
to
remove
the
main
relay
or
attempting
to
disable
the
ignítion
system
by
other
methods
may
resultin
damage
to
the
engine
control
module
.
NOTE-
Used
sparkplugs
should
be
reinstalled
in
the
same
cyl-
2
.
On
4-cylinder
engine
:
Remove
plastic
engine
cover
from
inder
fromwhich
they
were
removed
.
top
of
cylinder
head
.
Disconnect
spark
plug
wires
and
re-
move
spark
plugs
.
See
Fig
.
7
.
5
.
Insta¡¡
the
compression
gauge
in
the
first
cylinder's
3
.
On
6-cylinder
engine
:
Remove
top
engine
coverby
pry-
spark
plug
hole,
tight
enough
to
form
a
good
seal
.
ing
off
nut
covers
and
removing
mounting
nuts
.
See
Fig
.
8
.
MECHANICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
eiioo4
Fig
.
9
.
Remove
ignition
coils
on
6-cylinder
engine
by
disconnecting
harness
connector
and
removing
mounting
bolts
(arrows)
.
NOTE-
"
The
compression
gauge
reading
shoutd
increase
with
each
compression
stroke
and
reach
near
its
maxi-
mum
reading
in
about
4-6
strokes
.
"All
cylinders
shoutdreach
maximum
compression
in
the
same
number
of
strokes
.
If
a
cylinder
needs
sig-
nificantly
more
strokes
to
reach
maximum
compres-
sion,
there
is
a
problem
.
7
.
Release
the
pressure
at
the
compression
gauge
valve,
then
remove
the
gauge
from
the
spark
plughole
.
Re-
peat
the
test
for
each
of
the
other
cylinders
and
com-
pare
the
results
with
the
values
given
below
.
ENGINE-GENERAL
1
:00-
7
Compression
Pressure
"
Minimum
..........
.
.
..
..
10-11
bar
(142-156
psi)
"
Maximum
difference
between
cylinders
..
.....
.........
0
.5
bar
(7
psi)
Reinstall
the
spark
plugs
and
spark
plug
wires
or
ignition
cofs
.
The
remainder
of
installation
is
the
reverse
of
removal
.
Be
sure
to
reihstall
al¡
wires
disconnected
during
the
test,
especial-
¡y
ground
wires
at
the
coils
and
cylinder
head
cover
(where
ap-
plicable)
.
Tightening
Torque
"
Spark
plug
to
cylinder
head
.......
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)
Low
compression
indicates
a
poorly
sealed
combustion
6
.
With
the
parking
brake
set,
the
transmission
in
Park
or
chamber
.
Relatively
even
pressures
that
are
below
specification
Neutral,
and
the
accelerator
pedal
pressed
to
the
floor,
normally
indicate
worn
piston
rings
and/or
cylinder
walls
.
Erratic
crank
the
engine
with
the
starter
.
Record
the
highest
values
tend
to
indicate
valve
leakage
.
Dramatic
differences
be
value
indicated
by
the
gauge
.
tween
cylinders
are
often
the
sign
of
a
failed
head
gasket,
bumed
valve,
or
broken
piston
ring
.
Engine
Mechanical
Troubleshooting
Table
Table
c
lists
the
symptoms
of
common
engine
mechanical
problems,
their
probable
causes
and
the
suggested
corrective
actions
.
The
bold
type
indicates
the
repair
groups
where
appli-
cable
test
and
repair
procedures
can
befound
.
MECHANICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING