how do i change heater plugs?

You'll need a small (quarter drive) socket set & a 10mm socket - preferably with half inch drive as they can be tight). Remove the small nuts on the top of the plugs with the small socket - they are 7 or 8mm - be very carful not to drop them behind the engine, although you usually get new ones with the new plugs - lift the wire out of the way a little so that you can get the 10mm socket on the body of the plug & they should come out without too much trouble. Sometimes the one which is not working is sooty & this can make it a bit tight to pull out, but a pair of pliers on the end should give enough grip to pull it out. Check the plugs across a battery. Jump leads are handy - one to the body of the plug & the other to the screw. If it is OK the end will quickly get red hot (don't touch!), if it is duff nothing will happen. Usually two have gone, as the engine will normally start with three but when only two are working & the weather gets cold that is it.

Refitting it basically the reverse of removal, again being very care full not to drop bits as you put them back.

If you think that this is fiddly try the 1.9 Peugeot engine!

Chris
November 2006