2022 Chevrolet Equinox Spark Plug Specifications and Replacement Guide

Quick Reference

Why the right plug matters

Choosing the correct spark plug for your 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is crucial for optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. Spark plugs are a vital component of the ignition system, responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chambers. Using the wrong type, heat range, or an improperly gapped plug can lead to a host of problems.

Heat Range: Spark plugs are designed with a specific heat range, indicating their ability to dissipate heat from the combustion chamber. A plug that's too "hot" (dissipates heat slowly) can lead to pre-ignition or engine knocking, while a plug that's too "cold" (dissipates heat too quickly) can result in carbon fouling and misfires. The OEM plugs for your Equinox are carefully selected for the optimal heat range for your specific engine.

Electrode Metal: Modern vehicles, including your 2022 Equinox, typically use long-life spark plugs with precious metal electrodes. These include:

• Iridium: Extremely hard and durable, iridium plugs offer exceptional longevity and a very fine electrode tip for a consistent, powerful spark. This is the most common type for modern vehicles like the Equinox.
• Platinum: While not as long-lasting as iridium, platinum plugs still provide significantly longer service life than traditional copper plugs and are often used as OEM in many applications.
• Copper: Though offering excellent conductivity, copper plugs have a soft electrode material that wears quickly. They require much more frequent replacement and are generally not suitable for modern engines that demand long service intervals.

Using an iridium or platinum plug when the manufacturer specifies it ensures you get the full expected service life and performance from your ignition system. Substituting with copper plugs will result in premature wear and require far more frequent replacement.

How to gap a spark plug

The gap between the center and ground electrodes of a spark plug is critical for proper ignition. Too wide, and the spark may be weak or inconsistent; too narrow, and the spark may be too small or cause misfires. Always verify the gap on new spark plugs, as they can sometimes be mis-gapped from the factory or get bumped during shipping. For the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, the recommended gap for the 1.5L engine is 0.030 inches (0.75 mm).

To gap a spark plug, you'll need a spark plug gapping tool. There are several types, including coin-style, wire-gauge, and ramp-style tools. A wire-gauge tool is generally preferred for iridium and platinum plugs to avoid damaging the fine electrode tip.

1. Measure: Carefully insert the correct feeler gauge or wire into the spark plug gap.
2. Adjust (Lightly): If the gap needs adjustment, gently bend the ground electrode. For widening the gap, use the gapping tool's bending lever. To narrow it, carefully tap the ground electrode on a clean, solid surface. Never pry or bend the center electrode, especially on iridium or platinum plugs, as this can easily damage the delicate tip.
3. Re-measure: Verify the gap is correct before installation.

Replacement procedure tips for the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox (1.5L I4)

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox with the 1.5L engine utilizes a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system, meaning each spark plug has its own ignition coil directly mounted on top of it. This eliminates the need for spark plug wires.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool before starting. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental electrical shorts.
2. Access: You will need to remove the engine cover to access the ignition coils.
3. Coil-on-Plug Removal: Carefully disconnect the electrical connector from each ignition coil. Then, unbolt the coil (typically a single bolt) and gently pull it straight up to remove it from the spark plug well. Be gentle to avoid damaging the coil boot or the spark plug itself.
4. Spark Plug Removal: Use a spark plug socket (typically 5/8" or 16mm, deep well, with a rubber insert to hold the plug) and a ratchet to loosen and remove the old spark plugs. Turn counter-clockwise. Ensure the socket is fully seated to prevent stripping the spark plug hex.
5. Anti-Seize Debate: There is ongoing debate regarding the use of anti-seize on spark plug threads. Most modern spark plug manufacturers, including AC Delco, recommend against using anti-seize on nickel-plated spark plug shells. The plating itself provides adequate anti-seize properties, and adding more can alter the torque readings, leading to over-tightening and potential spark plug or cylinder head damage. Follow the spark plug manufacturer's recommendation.
6. Installation: Hand-thread the new spark plugs into the cylinder head to prevent cross-threading. Once finger-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the specified torque of 18 lb-ft (24 Nm). Adhering to the correct torque spec is critical to prevent plugs from coming loose or from being over-tightened, which can damage the cylinder head threads or the plug itself.
7. Dielectric Grease: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil boots before re-installing them. This helps to seal out moisture, prevent corrosion, and makes future removal easier.
8. Reassembly: Reinstall the ignition coils, secure their bolts, and reconnect the electrical connectors. Reinstall the engine cover. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Known Issues

For the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox with the 1.5L LYX engine, there are no widespread or notorious spark plug-related issues like the Ford 3-valve 2-piece plug breakage or GM 5.3L ionization-sensing coil problems. As long as the correct OEM or equivalent spark plugs are used and replaced at the factory-recommended interval (97,500 miles / 156,000 km), you should expect reliable performance.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.