changing spark plugs on 2003 Dodge Neon SXT

What precautions should I take when removing spark plugs on my Dodge Neon?
Is it necessary to disconnect the battery before doing so? (I don't want to
disconnect the battery if I don't have to) I know I will need to buy some
special tools, since the plugs are recessed down into the engine; can any
one give me the correct description of the socket and extension I will need
to buy to do this?

My engine has over 150K on it, and I suspect one of the plugs is fouling,
evident in some hesitation at low RPM (1K to 2K RPM).

During the winter, my check engine light was on most of the time (I forget
exactly what the code was, but they suggested I get a new gas cap first; it
is the same code you would get if you ran your car without a gas cap) but
since the nice weather came, it goes off & comes on sproadically. Usually
it goes out after some highway driving at higher speeds. This is what makes
me suspect a fouling spark plug.

Thanks to all for any help/advise you can offer.

Doug

"news.verizon.net" wrote in message

> What precautions should I take when removing spark plugs on my Dodge Neon?
> Is it necessary to disconnect the battery before doing so? (I don't want
to
> disconnect the battery if I don't have to) I know I will need to buy some
> special tools, since the plugs are recessed down into the engine; can any
> one give me the correct description of the socket and extension I will
need
> to buy to do this?
>
> My engine has over 150K on it, and I suspect one of the plugs is fouling,
> evident in some hesitation at low RPM (1K to 2K RPM).
>
> During the winter, my check engine light was on most of the time (I forget
> exactly what the code was, but they suggested I get a new gas cap first;
it
> is the same code you would get if you ran your car without a gas cap) but
> since the nice weather came, it goes off & comes on sproadically. Usually
> it goes out after some highway driving at higher speeds. This is what
makes
> me suspect a fouling spark plug.
>
> Thanks to all for any help/advise you can offer.
>
> Doug
>
>
What, no help? I am surprised I was unable to get even one drop of wisdom
from this whole collective group. Surely the questions posed were not so
difficult that everyone was stumped! This group was what I considered a
possible resource, but that was a mistake; I guess I should have written in
poor grammer and incomplete sentences, then I might have had a few hits.

Using my own intuitive abilities, I suspect MAYBE my exhaust may have a
slightly higher level of emissions due to the number of miles on it, thus
causing the carbon canister becoming saturated quicker when it is cold out
(since the car does have a lot of miles on it, it's entirely possible that
the cannister needs to be refurbished or replaced). With the warmer
weather, the check engine light rarely comes on. I do need to change or
clean a plug or two though, and my mechanic (in my opinion one of the best
in central NY) will be more than happy to advise me on the tools necessary,
whether I need to disconnect the battery, & what to gap the plugs at, and
all at no charge. I just figured that the drive is about 15 miles, he is
very busy and quite in demand so I hate to bother him when he is working OR
relaxing. Besides, I thought I could sit in my own home and click away and
get some advice, maybe even a couple of suggestions that would help me avoid
some pitfalls. You know, your two cents worth...

Doug