Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first, you should replace the spark plugs in your 2001 Buick Regal, according to GM. The spark plugs are located on the front side of the engine on 2.2L and 2.5L four-cylinder models. The spark plugs on Quad-4 engines are located under the cover on top of the engine, in the valley between the camshaft covers. On 3.4L V6 engines, the spark plugs are located in the valleys between the camshafts, three on each cylinder head. On other V6 engines, three plugs are located at the front, and three at the rear side, of the engine.
Allow the engine to cool completely before attempting to remove any of the plugs. While you are waiting for the engine to cool, check the new plugs for defects and adjust the gaps.
Gap the new plugs using a spark plug gap gauge. Position the gauge between the electrodes at the tip of the plug. The gap between the electrodes should be the same as the ones specified on the specifications chart at the automotive store, or on the emission control information found under the hood of your vehicle. The wire should slide between the electrodes with a slight amount of drag. If the gap is incorrect, use the adjuster on the gauge body to bend the curved side of the electrode slightly until the proper gap is obtained. If the side electrode is not exactly over the center electrode, bend it with the adjuster until it is. Check for cracks in the porcelain insulator after gauging; if it has been accidentally cracked during the gapping procedure, do not use the spark plug.
Unplug the electrical connector if you have a Quad-4 engine. Remove the cover to access the spark plugs.
Remove the spark plug wire from one spark plug. Using a twisting motion on the boot, pull only on the boot at the end of the wire; do not pull on the wire. Use a plug wire removal tool if available.
Use compressed air to blow dirt out of the spark plug hole. This will eliminate the possibility of debris falling into the cylinder as the spark plug is removed.
Place the spark plug socket over the plug. Remove the plug from the engine by turning in a counterclockwise direction.
Thread one of the new plugs into the hole until you can no longer turn it with your fingers. Tighten it with a torque wrench to 11 foot-pounds for a 2.2L engine, 15 foot-pounds for a 2.3L or 2.5L engine, 20 foot-pounds for a 2.8 or 3.1L engine and 15 foot-pounds for a 3100, 3.4L or 3800 engine.
Push the spark plug wire onto the end of the plug. Attach the plug wire to the new spark plug using a twisting motion on the boot until it is seated on the spark plug.
Repeat the procedure for the remaining spark plugs. Replace them one at a time to prevent mixing up the spark plug wires.
