Spark Plug Repair Procedures

Inspection

[When Inspecting the Vehicle]

1. 1
   Race the engine to approximately 3000 rpm 3 or more times.
2. 2
   Remove the spark plug.
3. 3
   Visually inspect the spark plug. If the electrode is dry, the spark plug is good. If the electrode is wet, check for damage and electrode gap as shown below.

[Component Inspection]

1. 1
   Check the spark plug for thread and insulator damage. If damaged, replace the spark plug.
2. 2
   Check the electrode. Measure the insulation resistance with an ohmmeter. If the resistance is less than the specified value, adjust the electrode gap.

   Specification: 10 MΩ or more

   

3. 3
   Check the spark plug electrode gap. If the gap is greater than the maximum, replace the spark plug.

   Specification: 0.7 ~ 0.8 mm (0.0275 ~ 0.0314 in.)

   When adjusting the gap of a new spark plug, bend only the base of the side electrode. Do not touch the tip. Never attempt to adjust the gap on a used spark plug.

   

Cleaning

[Method 1]

1. 1
   Start the engine and let it idle for 2 minutes.
2. 2
   Depress the accelerator pedal and hold the engine at 4500 rpm with the shift lever in N, until the engine coolant temperature reaches 80 °C.
3. 3
   Run the engine at 2500–3000 rpm in N for 15 minutes.

   

[Method 2]

Perform Method 2 only if Method 1 does not work (misfire-related codes recur).

1. 1
   Start the engine and let it idle for 2 minutes.
2. 2
   Drive the vehicle for more than 20 minutes while keeping engine speed above 3500 rpm.

   If the vehicle has a manual transmission, shift gears properly to keep engine speed above 3500 rpm.

   

Removal

1. 1
   Remove the ignition coil. (Refer to Ignition System – Ignition Coil)
2. 2
   Using a spark plug socket, remove the spark plug (A).

   Make sure no foreign material enters the spark plug holes.

   

Installation

1. Install in the reverse order of removal.

   Tightening Torque: 14.7 – 24 N·m