2019 Honda CR-V Spark Plug Guide

Quick Reference

Why The Right Plug Matters

The spark plugs in your CR-V's engine are small, but they play a huge role in engine performance, efficiency, and longevity. The right plug ensures a strong, consistent spark, which is essential for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. The two most important factors in choosing a spark plug are heat range and electrode material.

• Heat Range: This determines how quickly the plug dissipates heat. A plug that is too "hot" can cause pre-ignition, while a "cold" plug can lead to fouling. It's crucial to stick with the "heat range" specified by the manufacturer.

• Electrode Material:

  • Iridium: The 2019 CR-V comes from the factory with iridium spark plugs. Iridium is an extremely hard and durable precious metal, which allows for a very fine center electrode. This creates a more focused and powerful spark, leading to better fuel efficiency and a longer lifespan (often 100,000 miles or more). Both the 1.5L Turbo and 2.4L engines in the 2019 CR-V use iridium plugs.
  • Platinum: Platinum plugs offer a good balance of performance and longevity, typically lasting up to 60,000 miles. They are a good alternative to iridium if you're looking for a slightly more affordable option.
  • Copper: Copper plugs have a large center electrode and are excellent conductors of electricity. However, they wear out much faster than iridium or platinum plugs, often needing replacement every 20,000-30,000 miles. They are generally not recommended for modern engines like the one in your CR-V.

How to Gap a Spark Plug

Most spark plugs come pre-gapped from the factory, but it's always a good idea to double-check the gap before installation. A spark plug gap tool is essential for this. If the gap is incorrect, you can adjust it by gently bending the ground electrode with the tool. Never pry against the center electrode, as this can damage the plug.

Replacement Procedure Tips

The 2019 CR-V uses a coil-on-plug ignition system, which means each spark plug has its own ignition coil. This makes replacement relatively straightforward. Here are a few tips:

• Coil-on-Plug Removal: To access the spark plugs, you'll need to remove the ignition coils. This is usually done by removing a single bolt and then gently pulling the coil straight up and out of the spark plug well.
• Anti-Seize: There is some debate in the automotive community about the use of anti-seize on spark plug threads. Some manufacturers, like NGK, advise against it, as their plugs are coated with a special anti-seize plating. If you do use anti-seize, use it sparingly and be sure to adjust the torque spec accordingly (usually by about 10-15%).
• Dielectric Grease: It's a good idea to apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the spark plug boot before reinstalling the ignition coil. This helps to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion.

Known Issues

Fortunately, the 2019 Honda CR-V is not known for any widespread issues with its spark plugs, such as the cracked porcelain seen on some Ford 3-valve engines or the broken plug shells that have plagued other manufacturers. The OEM NGK and Denso plugs are high-quality and generally last for the entire recommended service interval without any problems.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.