2007 suburban, I want to attempt to replace the plugs and wires myself. Cant understand why the dealer wants $500 to do this. So i am going to give it a go. Is there anything out of the ordinary for doing this> or is it pretty cut and dry?
Thanks,

 

Should be able to do it w/ basic tools. To understand the $500, you should price the OEM parts.

Be sure to put some silicone grease inside the boot before putting it on the plug to prevent it from sticking.

 

And anti-seize on the spark plug treads....

 

Sparingly cuz if you get it close to electrodes, I've heard that it'll short/misfire.

 

keep us updated on how it goes for you and what wires/plugs you end up with.

 

i did plugs and wires on my '95 no problem...

 

I found nothing in the owners manual about it and no recommendations in the service manual but was wondering if there is any benefit in replacing all the coil packs at say 100K or 150K miles when you are doing the wires and plugs....

I'm wondering if that is why the dealer cost was higher, as plugs and short stubby coil pack wires can't be that much and replacement time for the wires and plugs has to be under an hour...

 

Ignition System Specifications
Application Specification

Firing Order
1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3

Spark Plug Wire Resistance
397-1,337 ohms

Spark Plug Torque
15 N·m Metric
11 lb ft English

Spark Plug Gap
1.02 mm Metric
0.040 in English

Spark Plug Type
GM P/N 12571164
AC Spark Plug P/N 41-985



Service Information
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1707522
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spark Plug Wire Replacement
Removal Procedure

Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
1.1. Twist the spark plug wire boot a 1/2 turn.

1.2. Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the spark plug.

Remove the spark plug wire from the ignition coil.
2.1. Twist the spark plug wire boot a 1/2 turn.

2.2. Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the ignition coil.

Installation Procedure

Install the spark plug wire to the ignition coil.
Install the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Inspect the spark plug wire for proper installation:
3.1. Push sideways on each boot in order to inspect the seating.

3.2. Reinstall any loose boot.


Service Information
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1707539
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spark Plug Replacement
Removal Procedure


Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
1.1. Twist the spark plug wire boot a 1/2 turn.

1.2. Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the spark plug.

Brush or using compressed air, blow away any dirt from around the spark plug.
Remove the spark plug.
If removing more than one plug, place each plug in a tray marked with the corresponding cylinder number.

Installation Procedure


Correctly position the spark plug washer.
Inspect the spark plug gap. Adjust the gap as needed. Refer to Ignition System Specifications
Hand start the spark plug in the corresponding cylinder.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Tighten the spark plug.
Tighten
Tighten the plug to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).


Install the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Inspect the spark plug wire for proper installation:
6.1. Push sideways on each boot in order to inspect the seating.

6.2. Reinstall any loose boot.

Service Information
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1707518
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ignition Coil Replacement
Removal Procedure

Remove the intake manifold sight shield. Refer to Upper Intake Manifold Sight Shield Replacement .
Disconnect the ignition coil wiring harness electrical connector (1) from the ignition coil.

Remove the spark plug wire from the ignition coil.
• Twist the spark plug wire boot a 1/2 turn.

• Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the ignition coil.

Remove the ignition coil bolts.
Remove the ignition coil from the bracket. (left side shown, right side similar).
There are 2 different manufacturers for the ignition coils and coil brackets. They are as follows:

The Melco® (1) ignition coil is a square design.
The Delphi® (2) ignition coil is a round design.

The Melco® ignition coil bracket (1) is a square design.
The Delphi® ignition coil bracket (2) is a round design.
Installation Procedure


Position the ignition coil to the ignition coil bracket. (left side shown, right side similar).
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Install the ignition coil bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

Install the spark plug wire to the ignition coil.
Inspect the spark plug wire for proper installation:
• Push sideways on each boot in order the inspect the seating.

• Reinstall any loose boot.

Connect the ignition coil wiring harness electrical connector (1) to the ignition coil.
Install the intake manifold sight shield. Refer to Upper Intake Manifold Sight Shield Replacement .

© 2011 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

regarding the coil packs I would think only to replace if you are having a problem with 1. I have 175000 miles on my Acura TL and have not changed the coil packs. They are directly on the plug vs a short wire like the Tahoe.
I am sure the dealer quoted at least 1.5 or 2 hours of labor ($90/hour), but I can't see where the $500 came from.

 

I suspect a bad coil pack would give you a DTC(s).