Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Spark Plug Inspection
- Remove the ignition coils (see IGNITION COIL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION )
- Remove the spark plugs, then inspect the electrodes and the ceramic insulator
- Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by these conditions
- Advanced ignition timing
- Loose spark plug
- Plug heat range too hot
- Insufficient cooling
- Fouled plugs may be caused by these conditions
- Retarded ignition timing
- Oil in combustion chamber
- Incorrect spark plug gap
- Plug heat range too cold
- Excessive idling/low speed running
- Clogged air cleaner element
- Deteriorated ignition coils
- Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by these conditions
- If the spark plug electrode is dirty or contaminated, clean the electrode with a plug cleanerNOTE:
- Do not use a win? brush or scrape the indium electrode since this will damage the electrode
- When using a sand blaster spark plug cleaner, do not clean for more than 20 seconds to avoid damaging the electrode
- Replace the plug at the specified interval, or if the center electrode is rounded (A), or if the spark plug gap (B) is out of specification Use only the spark plugs listedNOTE: Do not adjust the gap of indium tip plugs
J35Z6 engine
Spark Plug
NGK ILZKR7B11
Electrode Gap
Standard (New) 1./0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in)
J37A4 engine
Spark Plug
DENSO SXU22HCR11S
Electrode Gap
Standard (New) 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in)
- Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head, finger-tight Torque them to 22 Nm (2.2 kgf.m, 16 lb.ft)
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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