I was checking my plug wires and when I pulled one off, the metal piece that actually connects to the spark plug came off on the plug.

I was camping, so I cut the boot and reseated the metal bit and ducked taped.

With the engine running, I was pushing it in and holding the hood up, and electricity shot through my body.

Please don't ridicule me for the stupidity of that move... OK, only a little ridicule... :P

Is that normal/expected?

I am replacing the plugs/wires today. Could that help with our ongoing electrical problems?

 

The terminals should NOT pull off the wire (they were not terminated correctly is my guess). Replacing them is a good idea, unless you have the tools to recrimp them (most dont). I make it a point to NEVER grab plug wires with the engine running, especially if the boot is missing. Electricty takes the path of least resistance. In this case, that path was you. As far as solving your ongoing electrical problems, be more specific. You didnt say what those problems were. Its a Jeep, so that could be anything.

 

Yes.

Most of the car's electrical system is 12 volts DC, which usually isn't enough to shock you at all. Even though you can weld metal with a car battery, you can usually even touch the battery terminals with your fingers without feeling a thing.

However, 12 volts of direct current won't jump the spark plug gap, so you have a coil that increases the voltage to make that spark. Then there's enough voltage to give you a shock. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone actually being injured by it though.

AC is not as forgiving. It only takes 100 milliamps of AC current to stop your heart. This is why you can be killed by a hair dryer falling into the bathtub but not by your car's electrical system when you make a water crossing.

 

Hey, Sparky:

Spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor are due for replacement every 30,000 miles.

I use NGK ZFR5N plugs, good quality wires and only dizzy caps with brass terminals.



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