Triple_V

Please forgive me if I sound like I do not know much about my car but I don’t.
I have a 1997 Sable with a 3.0 Vulcan engine. I had a diagnostic after the check engine soon light came on and was told cylinder #5 spark plug or lead was bad and they want my first born as payment for replacing the plugs and leads. I called the local dealer to ask them if where cylinder #5 was located to which they said at the rear. After looking at the engine this morning I see the leads and unit to which they connected to are numbered.
Number 5 goes to the front.
Do the lead numbers correspond to the cylinder numbers?
If this really is the problem and the plugs and leads are replaced with the check engine soon light turn off or do I need a garage to reset the system?

I plan to replace the plugs and leads starting at the front which is easy. The rear I understand from reading this forum is a pain. If cylinder #5 is at the front at least I can see that the diagnostic I had was correct and will be happy to continue with the rear even though it’s a difficult task.

Thanks for reading and any help.

MySEL8AChevy

Keep in mind that the rear of the engine is actually on the drivers side, and the front plugs are on the left side of the engine due to it being a front wheel drive car.

Also keep in mind that if one plug/wire is worn to the point of needing replacement, that the others are most likely very similar. Do yourself a favor and replace them all now

Triple_V

Really? So the three plug I'm calling the front are actually the front and rear?

I do plan on changing all the plugs asap. Infact I would of today but the weather was bloody terrible. 70k wind with rain and snow mixed in so it was another reason for just doing the plugs nearest the front of the car (don't know what to call them now!) Anyway it was bad enough not to attempt the job at all. Tomorrow is another day.
Thanks MySEL8AChevy for the input I am really glad I found this forum.

MySEL8AChevy

No, what you are calling the front and rear is actually the left and right side of the engine :) The front of the engine is actually on the passenger side.

We just changed ours and it runs incredible. Make sure you use Motorcraft Platinum as some are reporting problems with Bosch and other brands.

Johnny Mullet

Yes! Use Motorcraft Platinum only! They are best for that model.

#5 is actually the center plug in the front (if you call the front towards the radiator or front of car) since they are like this.....................

1 2 3


4 5 6

<front of engine with belt drive