Trouble after Header Install!!!! HELP!

[Cooper2010]

Ok so last night I finish up my DT Shorty header install (Not a product bash). Now i start taking it home and I think I may need to tighten up the spark plug wire cause it sounds/feels like its misfiring, kind of running choppy.

Also is it ok for the sparkplug wires to be so close? They arent touching but a couple are very close.

Here's the strangest part I have a message that comes up saying "SERVICE STABILITRACK".....any ideas?

I did the install myself, if I have to take it to the dealership for servicing right after are they going to crucify me?

Need help fast as I hate seeing my baby in this shape.

[Epitaph]

You may need to re-gap the spark plug(s).(likely)
If you damaged it, it may need to be replaced (unlikely)

Also is it ok for the sparkplug wires to be so close? They arent touching but a couple are very close.

I assume you're saying they are close to the Header(s)? How close are they? There may not be any short-term damage, but long-term damage is possible. The only way to find out is to get a mechanic to look at it. Pictures on here probably won't do justice. One fix is to get something that will hold them away from the Header(s) as much as possible. I can't remember the name of it, but I saw something on SummitRacing.com one time.

**Spark Plug Wire Loom** Is the name of it. Try and rig one of these so it keeps the SPW's as far away as possible & you should be in good shape.

[Camar0wn3d]

If you're worried about the plug wires shorting to the headers the best way to check for it is to open your hood and start your car in the dark - you will see the spark where the problem is. Usually this leaves a white burn mark on your wires. (I had this problem when I put headers on my 4th Gen). Got any pics to show how close the wires are?

Also, I would double check to make sure all of your wires are on tight - remember two *clicks* on the connection to the coil pack and one *click* on the spark plug. If one or two of these wires is loose it would definitely misfire.

I can't really explain the "service stabilitrack" message though...?

[Cooper2010]

Well this morning while it was still dark I started the car and couldnt see any arcing or anything. Turn the car off and re-tightened all the spark plug wires (a few of them still had one click to go on the coil pack side). Then fired it up again and no luck still running choppy. I did not remove the plugs for the install but they were showing, is it possible i damaged them? With as much banging around as the headers were doing I wouldn't be surprised if the ceramic on some were cracked.

Still hoping to see some answers on my "SERVICE STABILITRAC" problem. Heres some more history on my install....

When removing my Driver side manifold + catalytic converters the top 02 sensor wires were pulled out of the wiring harness, once i had both passenger and driver side out I cut the wrap off of both of the top 02 sensors and double checked as I put the wires(which still had their metal connections) back into the harness. Once everything looked ok I put new heat wrap and a layer of electrical tape on both. I'm positive that the one that got the wires pulled out looked exactly like the one that came out fine, and it snapped in fine during installation.

Should I keep trying to trouble shoot this or should I take it to the dealer and have their mechanic look at it?

Thank you for any help this is a great forum!

[GMRULZ]

What the others said, and for the "service stabilitrack" stabilitrack uses info from your wheel speed sensors which are on the hub. If a wire running down to one of your wheel speed sensors got to close to the header and burned through the insulation it would then ground out and would recieve no data from that wheel and would give you the "service stabilitrack" message. I`m willing to bet dollars to donuts thas what happened. Look for a wire near your headers.

[69Bird]

I think your on track with the cracked plug causing the misfire. As for the stabil-track that's odd. See of you can get the code looked up.

[wrek]

If you were banging the headers around, yeah you totally could've broken a plug, cracked it or something. Check the plugs before getting too worried. It's likely broken plugs or worst case, a broken wire. It doesn't sound like more than one, MAYBE two.

No idea on Stabillitrack

[Cooper2010]

Will do guys thanks! I'm off to work (In my wife's SUV ) hopefully I can look more into after work 4 pm (cst). I'm pretty tight with the dealership here so maybe they wouldnt mind looking into it, but im going to try everything mentioned first.

Thanks again.

[Davis]

I'd be willing to bet you cracked a plug.
GM has a new part number out for the spark plugs in our car.
Don't ask how I know..

Anyway, it will be much cheaper to change the plugs yourself than to take it to the dealer and have them find the cracked plug for you. You may have cracked more than one, so just replace them all.

As far as the "Service Stabilitrak".. yeah mine did the same thing too.
Must have something to do with the misfire.

[2SSRS@Gen5diy]

If you can see, If the wires on the spark plugs side are all the way on ,This happened to me when i put on my MSD wires, As one was not on all the way.

[J-Rod6410]

I fix cars for a living (20 yrs. exp.) and I agree with the rest of the guys that you broke 1 or more plugs. It doesn't take much of a hit to break one. Easiest thing to do is take it to Auto Zone to pull the codes, they do this free and it should tell you which plug is misfiring. As far as the "service stabilitrak" message, most cars automatically disable the traction control and stabilitrak systems when there is an engine problem. Once you repair that misfire, then the stabilitrak should go back to normal. It would also be a good idea like somebody else mentioned to go through all your wiring in the area and make sure nothing is disconnected or touching any part of the exhaust. Hope this helps and congrats on doing your own install


You can also get wire protectors that look like little boots made of kevlar that cover the spw boots. Probably some vendors here that have them or you can try Jegs or Summit and maybe even Ebay.

[camaro1]

the service stabil-track light will come on if you have misfire codes in the ecm, i bet you cracked a spark plug when banging around the manifolds or headers

[ZZcamaro]

Originally Posted by camaro1

the service stabil-track light will come on if you have misfire codes in the ecm, i bet you cracked a spark plug when banging around the manifolds or headers

Yes...I agree, this is the most likely culprit.

[GMRULZ]

Originally Posted by camaro1

the service stabil-track light will come on if you have misfire codes in the ecm, i bet you cracked a spark plug when banging around the manifolds or headers

Good info , I was unaware that a misfire would disable stabilitrak, I have had a header burn an abs wire on my 2006 Vette I used to have and got the service stabilitrack and abs light. So one would assume if he would have no ABS light too then it must be a misfire, hopefully. If so easy fix.