DIY Basic Car Tune Up

A DIY basic car tune up can be duplicated for the most part, just the same as would be done at a service facility with the same end result. Minimal tools are required and information relative to spark plug gap, timing and idle speed should be noted on a placard under the hood. If the placard is missing, the owner's manual will contain this information. In lieu of an owner's manual, a maintenance manual is needed.

Tools and parts needed for a DIY tune up:

• Voltmeter
• Spark plug socket and ratchet
• Extendable magnet to extract loose plugs
• Spark plugs
• Spark plug gapping tool
• Spray bottle of water
• 1 can of carburetor cleaner
• Common screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• ¼-inch drive ratchet
• Set of ¼-inch drive sockets

Remove the spark plugs using the spark plug socket. On vehicles with conventional ignition systems which use one coil and spark plug wires, twist the spark plug boot to break it loose from the spark plug. Pull the boot off and extract the spark plug. Just do one at a time so there is no confusion with the firing order.

Ignition systems on the newer vehicles that use a coil on each spark plug are somewhat different. Use a 10mm socket and the ¼-inch drive ratchet and remove the two bolts securing the coil to the valve cover. Disconnect the electrical connector on the coil and lift the coil off the plug.

Gap each of the spark plugs using the specifications found on the placard under the hood or in the owner's manual. Install the spark plugs and the coils in reverse order of removal.

On those vehicles having spark plug wires, spray water on the spark plug wires and watch closely for arcing, indicating shorting plug wires. If evident, replace the plug wires.

Check the air cleaner element and replace if necessary. Pull the PCV valve out of the intake manifold or valve cover and shake it, listening for a rattle indicating that it is free of carbon and operating. If you cannot hear it rattle, replace it.

Inspect all vacuum lines from one end to the other looking for cracks, holes, melting, collapsing or brittleness. Replace as necessary.

Check all fluids for discoloration indicating contamination. Top off fluids that are low. Oil should be light brown to opaque, transmission should be red, power steering clear and the brake fluid clear as well. Change any fluids that look contaminated.

Remove the air duct at the throttle body. Hold the throttle open by the throttle linkage and spray carburetor cleaner on both sides of the throttle plate at the pivot points. Spray cleaner in the idle air control air intake port, which is a hole just forward of the throttle plate. Replace the air duct.

Start the engine and loosen the air intake duct at the throttle body or find a vacuum line directly behind the throttle plate. Insert the carburetor plastic nozzle into the vacuum port or just crack the air duct open enough to get the plastic nozzle in front of the throttle body and spray. The carburetor cleaner will pass through the throttle body cleaning the plates better and the idle air and inside of the manifold. Restore the air duct or vacuum line to its position.