Where I number sparkplug on a 2001 chevy 3.4 - Cars & Trucks

1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 GM motors are numbered on the driver side as 1-3-5-7 and on the passenger side as 2-4-6-8. These numbered cylinder go from the front of the motor toward the back. Hope this helps.

There were a number of problems with V=8 engines in this Series. Some of the sparkplugs would try to leave the engine on their own. You need more testing to know what is wrong.

I will try to explain. The trouble Codes generated by your Onboard computer can be too general to identify a specific part for some problems.

There are 3 causes for a misfire. Fuel, spark, and compression. You can have fuel injectors which are dirty or have bad connections or coils and fail to open consistently. Spark issues are more complicated to diagnose as coils are now attached to individual sparkplugs(some models) and are triggered by Crankshaft and Camshaft sensors. A bad coil-pack feeding each bank of sparkplugs can short out adjacent plugs like #3 and #4.

Compression problems between #3 and #4 cylinders from a bad head gasket can cause misfires.

You can get a loaner test kit for the fuel injectors or use a test light or multi-tester. This will eliminate or confirm the fuel injector circuit as the problem.

There are cylinder balance tests that are non invasive when done with a good scanner. Otherwise removing the sparkplugs will be required to do a compression test.

Sparkplugs leaving the engine: They either unscrew or rip out the sparkplug hole. Loose plugs will misfire. BUT there is a problem with removing sparkplugs on these Series of motors. The factory plugs are 2 pieces welded together. Carbon buildup causes the sparkplugs to come apart as they are removed. Use solvent every 1/4 turn, let set for first 2 twists.

There was a Recall on these motors, but a Mileage limit and a time limit of about 7 Years was imposed. Check Internet for articles about all of these subjects, photos, etc.

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That means that number 3 cylinder is misfiring.I would start with replacing the sparkplugs and sparkplug wires first if they have not been changed in the last 50,000 miles or so.If that does not help then you will need to check the # 3 injector for pulse.

Could be 1 of 3 things sparkplug fouled,sparkplug wire or a faulty injector or injector wire connector has a poor connection.Also if this engine has 1 coil per cylinder then the coil for that cylinder could be faulty.

I have the exact same engine. The firing order listed in my Chilton's manual is:
1-6-5-4-3-2

2001 cavalier is getting no fire to sparkplug

Check your sparkplugs and firing system. Does it turn over?

The odd numbers are on the driver's side (1, 3, 5, 7) and numbered front to back.

The best possible way to replace the center spark plug or number 3 plug is to jack the front end up so the wheel's are off the ground and go through the l/f wheel well splash shield to gain access to plug and wire. You will most definately need a double jointed 5/8 spark plug socket which can be purchased at autozone, pepboy's, etc. for about 8 dollars. To aide in installing it I suggest you use a piece of 3/8th's fuel line to start the spark plug by shoving the end of the plug into the fuel hose and twisting it into the cylinder head. I suggest you turn plug into cylinder head as far as you can go until you can put the socket back on it.

It should say on the intake if noti think the right side is 1 3 5 7 left is 2 4 6 8 if it back fires or dont start switch it around .