2024 Chevrolet Equinox Spark Plug Type & Gap

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

Choosing the correct spark plug for your 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is paramount for optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. The spark plug is responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, and a plug that's not up to spec 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 and detonation, damaging engine components. Conversely, a plug that's too "cold" (dissipates heat too quickly) can lead to carbon fouling and misfires. The factory-specified plug ensures the correct heat range for your Equinox's engine.

Electrode Metal: The material of the electrode plays a significant role in a spark plug's lifespan and performance.

• Iridium: This is the most common and recommended material for modern vehicles like your Equinox. Iridium is incredibly durable and boasts a high melting point, allowing for a finer wire center electrode. This results in a more focused spark, improved ignitability, and significantly longer service intervals (often 100,000 miles or more). ACDelco, NGK, and Denso iridium plugs are excellent choices.
• Platinum: Platinum plugs offer a good balance of performance and durability, typically lasting longer than copper plugs. They are often used as an OEM alternative to iridium in some applications but are not typically specified for the 2024 Equinox.
• Copper: Copper plugs have a large center electrode which conducts electricity well but wears down relatively quickly. While they might provide a strong spark initially, their short lifespan makes them less suitable for modern engines with longer service intervals and are not recommended for your Equinox.

How to gap a spark plug

While most iridium spark plugs come pre-gapped from the factory, it's always a good practice to verify the gap before installation, especially with aftermarket options. The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox with the 1.5L L4 Turbo engine requires a gap of 0.030-0.032 inches (0.76-0.81 mm).

To gap a spark plug, you'll need a wire-type spark plug gapping tool. Avoid using disc-style gapping tools on iridium plugs, as they can damage the delicate fine-wire electrode.

1. Measure: Gently slide the appropriate wire gauge from your gapping tool between the center and ground electrodes. It should have a slight drag.
2. Adjust (if necessary): If the gap is too small, use the gapping tool's adjustment lever to gently bend the ground electrode outwards. If the gap is too wide, gently tap the ground electrode on a clean, hard surface to close the gap slightly. Be extremely careful not to bend or damage the delicate iridium center electrode.
3. Re-measure: Always re-measure after any adjustment to ensure the gap is within the specified range.

Replacement procedure tips

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox uses a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system, meaning each spark plug has its own individual ignition coil directly mounted on top of it. This eliminates the need for spark plug wires.

1. Safety First: Always ensure the engine is cool and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before starting any work.
2. Access: You'll need to remove any engine covers or air intake components that obstruct access to the ignition coils.
3. Coil Removal: Disconnect the electrical connector from each ignition coil. Then, carefully pull straight up on the ignition coil to remove it from the spark plug well. They can be snug, so a gentle twisting motion might help.
4. Spark Plug Removal: Use a spark plug socket (typically 5/8" or 9/16" and magnetic) with an extension and ratchet to remove the old spark plugs. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen.
5. Anti-Seize Debate: There's an ongoing debate about using anti-seize on spark plug threads. For modern spark plugs with nickel-plated shells, manufacturers like NGK and Denso generally advise against using anti-seize. The nickel plating provides sufficient anti-seize properties, and adding more can alter the torque specification, leading to over-tightening and potential damage to the cylinder head threads. Follow the spark plug manufacturer's recommendation.
6. Installation: Hand-thread the new spark plugs into the cylinder head to avoid cross-threading. Once finger-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the specified 18 lb-ft (24 Nm).
7. Dielectric Grease: Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot of each ignition coil before reinstalling them. This helps prevent moisture intrusion, ensures a good electrical connection, and makes future removal easier.
8. Reassembly: Reinstall the ignition coils, ensuring they seat properly over the spark plugs. Reconnect the electrical connectors and then reinstall any removed engine covers or air intake components. Reconnect the battery.

Known issues

Fortunately, there aren't any widespread or notorious spark plug related issues specific to the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox at this time. Earlier generation Ford 3-valve engines and some other specific vehicle applications had known issues with spark plug breakage or difficult removal, but these are not applicable to your Equinox.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.