1996 GMC Forward Spark Plug Replacement Guide

It is imperative that you ensure your spark plugs are in good condition. There’s a likely chance you will need to replace your old spark plugs several times during your ownership of a 1996 GMC Forward. Spark plugs are one of the most critical components inside your engine as they start the entire combustion process that starts and keeps your engine running for many thousands of miles. Similar to most engine parts and components, spark plugs experience wear over time and eventually need to be replaced, but fortunately this is a repair you can do on your own. Odds are, if you’ve found yourself here, you have no idea how to do that, or perhaps you’d just like to know what kind of spark plugs you need to buy. The entire process of changing your spark plugs should take about 20-45 minutes. This article will go over everything you will need to know about your GMC Forward’s spark plugs, whether you need some baseline information or a full, step-by-step guide to performing a spark plug change.

Correct spark plugs on a 1996 GMC Forward

For any 1996 GMC Forward, you can use CHAMPION 13 spark plugs. These will be an exact fit and will match the required specifications of your engine. As this 1996 GMC Forward features an 8 cylinder engine, ensure you purchase 8 spark plugs. We always try to recommend the best possible spark plugs for the money, and these spark plugs are either a factory recomendation or an equivalent replacement available now at a reasonable price.

How often should I change my spark plugs?

Very generally, it is advised that you replace spark plugs once every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Of course, please make sure to check your owner’s manual to determine the exact interval determined by GMC for the 1996 Forward. Of course, if you drive your vehicle more aggressively or own a Forward with some modifications, you may want to consider changing your spark plugs closer to the 20,000 miles end of that spectrum.

However, there are also telltale signs of a car that needs a spark plug replacement prematurely, such as:

• Rough idle
• Engine misfiring
• Problems starting your engine

Note that this list is of course not comprehensive, and these problems on their own do not necessarily point to the spark plugs being the solitary culprit. However, the best way to prevent any issues with your vehicle is to take care of it with routine maintenance, and you are definitely doing so with the responsible decision to replace your GMC Forward’s spark plugs on a regular basis.

Changing spark plugs on a 1996 GMC Forward

This is a process you can do on your own with some commonplace garage tools. Of course, consult your owner’s manual, as well as a factory service manual (FSM for short) or an equivalent Haynes or Chiltons manual. The video shown below does a good job of outlining the process.

Helpful Tools

As noted before, you should be able to accomplish a spark plug change with some ordinary tools you likely already have. However, there are a few tools that are specific to this job that you may not have, and we also want to recommend some general tools that you should for sure have in your toolbox if you don’t already.

• A spark plug gap tool. This allows you to check the gap of your spark plugs and change it if necessary. Most plugs will come pregapped, but if not, you should absolutely have one of these.
  • I also highly recommend you have a feeler gauge as it makes it a bit easier to check the exact gap, and it is useful for countless other jobs.
• A spark plug tester – this is definitely a niche tool, but it can save you a ton of time. Although we’ve discussed spark plug replacement being a good thing to replace regularly and not just when issues occur, you may also be replacing your spark plugs because of an issue. This tool can help you diagnose the exact problem.
• A torque wrench is a vital tool to have in your arsenal. You will want to check your factory service manual to determine the correct torque rating to use when putting in the new spark plugs for your 1996 GMC Forward to be certain they are installed properly.
• A set of spark plug sockets – These come in extremely handy because many standard sockets are not deep enough for spark plugs. Additionally, some spark plug holes are a bit smaller, so it requires a thinner wall like the one featured in the product here to fit. The linked product also features a magnet to keep a good hold of the spark plug so you do not drop it into your engine bay!

Tips for changing spark plugs on your 1996 GMC Forward

Be sure to reference the video above before you attempt to repair the spark plugs on your 1996 GMC Forward, as well as review your FSM (factory service manual). Also, see the tips included below here to help you as you do this repair.

• During this process, one of the most vital things to ensure you do is to avoid overtightening the plugs or worse, cracking them due to overtightenting. Use a torque wrench capable of lower, more precise torque ratings to be sure that you don’t make this mistake.
• Take this (unofficial advice) lightly as many spark plug manufacturers advise against the use of anti-seize. However, I have heard from numerous old-school mechanics that they always apply a light coating of anti-seize to the threads of their spark plugs, especially on older vehicles.
• Your engine should be completely cold before you replace your spark plugs. You should wait at least 30 minutes after your engine has been running before attempting to replace the spark plugs on your 1996 GMC Forward
• First, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. It is wise to disconnect the battery anytime you work on the electrical system of your GMC Forward or any other vehicle.
• It isn’t a bad idea to use dielectric grease when installing new spark plugs. You can apply a a small dab to the inside of the boot and the ceramic part of your spark plugs. It lessens the chance of voltage leak and helps avoid the misfortune of the boot fusing to the spark plug over time.