2017 Honda CR-V Spark Plug Guide

Quick Reference

Why the Right Plug Matters

The spark plug is a small but critical component in your CR-V's engine. It delivers the high-voltage spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture, creating the combustion that powers the engine. Using the correct spark plug is essential for performance, fuel economy, and engine longevity.

Key factors include:

• Heat Range: This determines how quickly the plug dissipates heat from its firing tip. A plug that is too "hot" (dissipates heat slowly) can lead to pre-ignition or detonation, which can cause severe engine damage. A plug that is too "cold" (dissipates heat too quickly) can develop carbon fouling, leading to misfires. The factory-specified plugs are designed for the specific thermal characteristics of your engine.
• Electrode Material: The 2017 CR-V, like most modern vehicles, uses iridium-tipped spark plugs from the factory. Iridium is an extremely hard and durable precious metal with a very high melting point. This allows for a very fine center electrode, which requires less voltage to create a spark, while also being incredibly resistant to wear. While older vehicles often used copper or platinum plugs, iridium plugs offer a significantly longer service life—often up to 100,000 miles—and more consistent performance over that lifespan.

How to Gap a Spark Plug

Although factory-gapped iridium plugs are generally accurate out of the box, it's always wise to verify the gap before installation. The gap is the precise distance between the center and ground electrodes.

1. Use the Right Tool: Use a feeler gauge or a dedicated wire-style spark plug gapper. Avoid the old "coin-style" gappers, as they can put pressure on the fine iridium tip and damage it.
2. Check the Gap: Slide the correct gauge wire between the electrodes. It should slide through with a slight drag. For the 1.5L Turbo, this is 0.028 inches; for the 2.4L, it's 0.044 inches.
3. Adjust Carefully: If adjustment is needed, do not pry against the center electrode. Instead, gently bend the ground strap (the L-shaped electrode) up or down to open or close the gap. Re-check the measurement until it is correct.

Replacement Procedure Tips

Both the 1.5L and 2.4L engines in the 2017 CR-V use a modern coil-on-plug ignition system, which simplifies the replacement process compared to older distributor-based systems.

1. Engine Cold: Always work on a cool engine to prevent burns and to reduce the risk of stripping the spark plug threads in the aluminum cylinder head.
2. Coil-on-Plug Removal: Each spark plug has its own ignition coil sitting directly on top of it. Disconnect the electrical connector, then remove the single hold-down bolt (typically 10mm). Gently twist and pull the coil straight up to remove it.
3. Clean the Wells: Before removing the old plugs, use compressed air to blow any dirt or debris out of the spark plug wells. This prevents contaminants from falling into the combustion chamber.
4. Anti-Seize Debate: The use of anti-seize compound on spark plug threads is a topic of much debate. Honda and NGK officially recommend against using it on their modern plugs. The plugs have a special trivalent plating that acts as an anti-seize and provides accurate torque readings. If you use anti-seize, you risk over-torquing the plug, which can stretch the threads or even break the plug.
5. Torque is Critical: Use a torque wrench. Over-tightening can damage the cylinder head, while under-tightening can allow the plug to work itself loose, causing poor heat transfer and potential misfires. The torque spec for the 1.5L is 13 lb-ft (18 Nm) and 16 lb-ft (22 Nm) for the 2.4L.
6. Dielectric Grease: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil boot before reinstalling it. This prevents the boot from sticking to the spark plug porcelain and makes future removal easier. It also helps seal out moisture.

Known Issues

The 2017 Honda CR-V and its engines are not known for widespread, systemic spark plug-related issues like the breakage problems seen on some older Ford 3-valve engines. The design is robust and reliable when serviced with the correct parts and procedures. Following the manufacturer's recommended service intervals and torque specifications is the best way to ensure a trouble-free ignition system.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.