97 golf plugs and wires

[dutchman]

I recently had my golf tuned up and the shop told me that I would be better off changing the plugs and wires myself because they would have to charge me about $250 to do it. I bought the plugs and wires and have noticed that changing them out may not be as simple as I thought. It is a 2.0, 4 cyl. Do I need to remove manifold and do I need a special tool to remove the wires from plugs?
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"80% of life is just showing up" Woody Allen
65 beetle

[Elciteeve]

No tools are needed to pull the wires off the plugs, but using hose pliers sure makes it easier for the # 2 and 3 cylinders.

You don't need to remove the intake, just use sockets with a U-joint extension to reach the # 2 and 3 plugs.

[ps2375]

The plug wire tool makes it easy to pull and install the boots, but only if dielectric grease was used on them to prevent them from sticking to plug, otherwise you stand a very good chance of ruining one or more wires. And the plugs should go in at a straight shot w/o a universal joint, you may need to unplug one or two of the injector plugs to make it easier.

If you don't have the tool or have trouble with a boot, removing the upper manifold is pretty easy and gives you better access.