2022 Ford Explorer Spark Plug Type & Gap

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

Choosing the correct spark plug for your 2022 Ford Explorer is crucial for optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. Using the wrong spark plug can lead to misfires, reduced power, increased emissions, and even engine damage. The key factors to consider are heat range, electrode material, and gap.

Heat Range: Spark plugs are designed with a specific heat range, indicating their ability to dissipate heat from the combustion chamber. A "hotter" plug dissipates heat more slowly, while a "colder" plug dissipates heat more quickly. Using a plug that's too hot can lead to pre-ignition and engine knock, while a plug that's too cold can cause carbon fouling. Your Explorer's engine is meticulously engineered, and the OEM-specified heat range is vital for its proper operation.

Electrode Metal: The material of the spark plug electrode significantly impacts its lifespan and performance:

• Iridium: This is the most common and recommended choice for late-model vehicles like the 2022 Explorer. Iridium is incredibly durable and resistant to wear, allowing for very fine electrodes that produce a strong, consistent spark. This translates to excellent ignition, improved fuel efficiency, and extended service intervals (typically 60,000 miles or more).
• Platinum: Platinum plugs offer good durability and performance, often found as a dual-platinum design where both the center and ground electrodes have platinum pads. They provide a longer lifespan than copper plugs but not as long as iridium. Most modern vehicles benefit more from iridium.
• Copper: While copper is an excellent conductor, it's a softer metal and wears down more quickly. Copper plugs are typically much cheaper but require more frequent replacement. They are generally not recommended for modern engines like those in the 2022 Explorer, which are designed for longer-lasting iridium plugs.

How to gap a spark plug

While many modern iridium spark plugs come pre-gapped from the factory, it's always a good practice to double-check the gap before installation, especially if you're not using Motorcraft OEM plugs. The gap is the distance between the center and ground electrodes. An incorrect gap can lead to misfires or inefficient combustion.

To gap a spark plug, you'll need a spark plug gapping tool. A wire-style gap tool is generally preferred over a ramp-style tool for iridium and platinum plugs to avoid damaging the delicate electrode tip.

1. Identify the correct gap: Refer to the "Quick reference" table above for your specific engine.
2. Insert the gauge: Carefully insert the appropriate wire gauge from your tool between the electrodes. It should slide in with a slight drag.
3. Adjust if necessary: If the gap is too small, gently pry the ground electrode very slightly with the gapping tool until the correct gauge fits. If the gap is too large, gently tap the ground electrode on a hard, non-abrasive surface (like wood) until it closes slightly. Be extremely careful not to bend the center electrode or damage the insulator.

Always re-check the gap after any adjustment.

Replacement procedure tips

Replacing spark plugs on your 2022 Ford Explorer involves working with a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system. Here are some key tips:

• Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work to prevent accidental electrical shorts.
• Cool Engine: Always work on a cool engine. Attempting to remove spark plugs from a hot engine can damage the cylinder head threads.
• Coil-on-Plug Removal: Each spark plug has an individual ignition coil sitting directly on top of it. Carefully disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling. Then, gently twist and pull the coil straight up to remove it from the spark plug well. Avoid yanking on the wires.
• Clean the Area: Before removing the old plugs, use compressed air to blow out any debris around the spark plug wells. This prevents dirt and grime from falling into the combustion chamber once the plug is removed.
• Anti-Seize Debate: There's an ongoing debate about using anti-seize on spark plug threads. Most modern spark plugs have a special coating from the factory that makes anti-seize unnecessary and can even lead to over-torquing. Ford generally recommends not using anti-seize on their spark plugs. If you choose to use it, apply a very thin layer to the threads only, and reduce the specified torque by about 10-20% to account for the lubricant effect.
• Dielectric Grease: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the spark plug boot (the bottom opening of the ignition coil where it meets the spark plug). This helps seal out moisture, prevents corrosion, and makes future removal easier. However, avoid getting grease on the electrodes themselves.
• Torque Wrench: Always use a torque wrench to tighten the new spark plugs to the manufacturer's specifications. Over-tightening can strip cylinder head threads or crack the spark plug insulator, while under-tightening can lead to combustion gas leakage and plug damage. Refer to the "Quick reference" table for the correct torque values.

Known issues

Fortunately, the 2022 Ford Explorer and its current engine lineup do not have widespread or notorious spark plug issues like some older Ford engines (e.g., the problematic 2-piece spark plugs in some 3-valve V8s from the mid-2000s). For the 2022 models, adherence to the correct spark plug specifications and replacement procedures will ensure trouble-free operation.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.