This Weekend's Lessons (Antenna, Hard Start, Spark Plugs)

[davew833]

Well, I learned some great SVX lessons over the weekend. The school of hard knocks was in session. Here they are in no particular order of importance:

1. If your SVX is hard to start when cold (cranks forever, backfires, etc.) for heaven's sake, check/replace the coolant temp sensor (about 5 minutes' work and $20-30 cost) before yanking out all of your spark plugs to see which ones are soaked with fuel from leaking fuel injectors and/or yanking out your fuel injectors. I believe a bad temp sensor MAY or MAY NOT throw a 'code 21' (I didn't check my codes.)

2. Coil packs and spark plugs CAN be removed without using the wheelwell access holes which require jacking up the car and/or removing the wheels. Removing the battery and the air filter BOX is a must, though. (Yes, I removed all of the spark plugs and they were all clean and dry) I used a cheap stubby flex-head 3/8" ratchet from Harbor Freight Tools, a 5/8 spark plug socket, and a 3" extension.

3. the long plastic 'tail' on the antenna can (and did) break off inside the antenna motor/reel requiring me to remove and disassemble it to get out the broken piece. The antenna was crimped in one spot and I suspect this is where the 'tail' broke.