In the 2000 model year, Ford redesigned the Taurus for the third time in its 14-year history, dropping the excessively oval-shaped body in favor of a far more conservative look. The 2004 Taurus, still bearing the 2000 body style, had three 3.0-liter engines available. The base-level engine in the 2000 Taurus was a 3.0-liter overhead valve configuration, which Ford named the “Vulcan” engine. Replacing the spark plugs in the 155-horsepower Vulcan engine is a task that Ford recommends performing every 60,000 miles. Overall, the task is a simple one, but accessing the rear plug can be a tight squeeze for some people.
Verify that the gap on all six new Motorcraft AGSF-32PP, or equivalent, spark plugs is between 0.042 and 0.046 inches, using a spark plug gap tool. Widen or narrow the gap on any incorrectly gapped spark plugs using the spark plug tool, as needed.
Park the Taurus and allow it to cool until the engine feels cool to the touch. Open the hood and find the ignition coil mounted to the front valve cover, next to the oil filler cap.
Trace the six ignition wires from the coil pack to the front and rear of the engine – three wires go to the front and three go to the back – until you reach the thick rubber boot at the end of the wires. This boot is the connection point between the wires and the spark plugs.
Grab the ignition wire boot – not the wire itself – on the front passenger’s side of the engine and pull up with a slight twisting motion to unplug it from the spark plug. Blow compressed air around the spark plug’s base to remove any debris that could potentially fall into the engine.
Remove the spark plug, using a ratchet, 6-inch extension and spark plug socket. Pull the spark plug from the spark plug socket; the socket has an insert that holds the plug inside.
Thread a new spark plug into the engine by hand, feeling for any resistance as you hand-tighten it. If you feel resistance, immediately remove the plug and attempt to thread it again. Tighten the spark plug to 11 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench, 6-inch extension and spark plug socket.
Inspect the disconnected ignition wire for any defects, including brittleness, chips, cracks, splits and burns. If defects exist, replace all six ignition wires one by one, along with their respective spark plugs. When replacing the spark plugs, always transfer any conduit from the old wires to the new ones and always route the replacement wires in the exact same manner as the old wires were routed.
Repeat steps 4 through 7 to replace the remaining five spark plugs. When replacing the rear spark plugs, you must reach underneath the upper intake manifold to access them. This may be a tight squeeze for those with large arms.
