2015 Honda CR-V Spark Plug Type & Gap

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

Choosing the correct spark plug for your 2015 Honda CR-V is crucial for optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. Spark plugs are designed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine's combustion chambers, and an unsuitable plug can lead to misfires, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and even engine damage.

Several factors differentiate spark plugs, including heat range, electrode material, and design. The heat range refers to a plug's ability to dissipate heat. A "cold" plug dissipates heat quickly and is suitable for high-performance engines, while a "hot" plug retains more heat and is better for standard engines to prevent fouling. Using a plug with the wrong heat range can cause pre-ignition or excessive fouling.

Electrode material is another significant differentiator:

• Iridium: These are standard for your 2015 CR-V's 2.4L engine. Iridium is an extremely durable metal, allowing for very fine electrodes that produce a strong, consistent spark. Iridium plugs offer excellent longevity (often 100,000 miles or more) and improved ignition efficiency.
• Platinum: Platinum plugs are also durable and can last longer than copper plugs, typically offering service intervals of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. They perform well but generally don't match the extreme longevity or fine-wire performance of iridium.
• Copper: Copper plugs have a softer electrode material, meaning they wear faster. While they offer excellent conductivity, their shorter lifespan (typically 20,000-30,000 miles) makes them less suitable for modern engines unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

Your 2015 Honda CR-V with the 2.4L K24W engine requires iridium spark plugs. Sticking to the OEM-specified NGK DILKAR7G11GS or Denso FK20HBR11 (or their aftermarket equivalents) ensures your engine runs as intended.

How to gap a spark plug

While many modern iridium spark plugs come pre-gapped from the factory, it's always good practice to check the gap before installation, especially if you're not using an OEM plug. The correct gap for your 2015 Honda CR-V is 0.044 inches (1.1 mm).

To check and adjust the gap, you'll need a spark plug gapping tool, typically a wire-type gauge for iridium plugs. The flattened ramp-style gapping tools can damage the fine iridium tip.

1. Check: Carefully insert the appropriate wire gauge into the spark plug gap. There should be a slight drag as it passes through.
2. Adjust: If the gap is too small, gently pry the ground electrode outwards using the gapping tool's adjuster (usually a small notch). If the gap is too large, gently tap the ground electrode on a hard, non-abrasive surface to close the gap. Avoid bending the center electrode.
3. Re-check: Verify the gap again until it matches the specification.

Replacement procedure tips

The 2015 Honda CR-V's 2.4L engine utilizes a coil-on-plug ignition system, meaning each spark plug has its own ignition coil directly mounted above it. This simplifies the replacement process compared to older distributor-based systems.

1. Preparation: Ensure the engine is cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of your battery as a safety precaution.
2. Access: Remove any engine covers that obstruct access to the ignition coils. Usually, a few bolts hold each coil in place.
3. Coil-on-Plug Removal: Disconnect the electrical connector from each ignition coil by pressing the release tab and pulling. Then, unbolt the coil and carefully pull it straight up and off the spark plug. Avoid twisting or prying, which could damage the coil boot.
4. Spark Plug Removal: Use a dedicated spark plug socket (typically 14mm for these OEM plugs, but confirm with your socket set) with an extension and ratchet. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen and remove the old plugs.
5. Anti-Seize Debate: The manufacturer generally does not recommend anti-seize for modern spark plugs with nickel-plated shells, like the ones specified for your CR-V. Applying anti-seize can alter the torque readings, potentially leading to over-tightening and damage, or under-tightening and loosening. Follow the 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 11 lb-ft (15 Nm). Proper torque is critical for heat transfer and preventing damage.
7. Dielectric Grease: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil boots before reinstalling them. This helps prevent moisture entry, reduces misfires, and makes future removal easier.
8. Reassembly: Reinstall the ignition coils, ensuring they are seated properly over the plugs. Reconnect the electrical connectors (listen for a "click"). Replace any engine covers.
9. Final Steps: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Known issues (not applicable)

The 2015 Honda CR-V's 2.4L K24W engine does not have widespread or common specific spark plug-related issues like the Ford 3-valve engine's notorious two-piece plug breakage or GM's delicate ionization-sensing coils. Sticking to the recommended iridium plugs and following proper maintenance procedures will ensure reliable performance.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.