2022 Jeep Cherokee Spark Plug Spec Guide: Type, Gap & Torque

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve seen my fair share of misfires, rough idles, and diminished fuel economy simply because a vehicle was running the wrong spark plugs. If you are servicing a 2022 Jeep Cherokee, getting the spark plug type, gap, and torque exact is critical for keeping its powertrain running smoothly.

Depending on your trim, your 2022 Cherokee is equipped with one of three engines: the 2.0L Turbo, the 2.4L Tigershark, or the 3.2L Pentastar V6. All utilize modern coil-on-plug ignition systems and demand high-quality iridium spark plugs to meet factory emissions and performance standards.

Here is your master guide to the 2022 Jeep Cherokee spark plugs.

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

Modern engines like those in the 2022 Cherokee are incredibly sensitive to combustion parameters. Using the correct heat range ensures the spark plug dissipates heat fast enough to prevent pre-ignition (pinging) while staying hot enough to burn off carbon deposits.

The electrode metal is equally important. Never downgrade to copper or standard platinum plugs in a 2022 Cherokee. These engines require iridium spark plugs. Iridium is significantly harder and more durable than platinum or copper, allowing for a fine-wire center electrode that concentrates the spark for better combustion efficiency while lasting up to 100,000 miles (or 60,000 for the higher-stressed 2.0L Turbo).

How to gap a spark plug

While most premium iridium plugs come pre-gapped from the factory, an ASE tech never installs a plug without verifying the gap. A plug could have been dropped in transit, closing the gap.

To check the gap, use a wire-style gap gauge rather than a coin-style ramp gauge. Slide the correct wire size through the gap; it should pass through with a slight "drag." If adjustments are needed, use the bending tool on the gauge to slightly bend the ground strap up or down. Never pry against the center iridium electrode. The iridium tip is extremely brittle and can easily snap off, ruining the plug instantly.

Replacement procedure tips

All 2022 Cherokee engines use a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system, meaning there are no spark plug wires or distributors to worry about. You will simply unbolt the ignition coil (usually a 10mm bolt), disconnect the electrical connector, and pull the coil straight up.

• 3.2L V6 Tip: Accessing the spark plugs on the 3.2L Pentastar V6 requires removing the upper intake manifold (plenum) to reach the rear bank of cylinders. Make sure you purchase replacement upper intake manifold gaskets before starting this job—never reuse the old crushed gaskets, or you'll create a vacuum leak.
• The Anti-Seize Debate: Most modern NGK and Denso plugs feature a special trivalent metal plating on the threads. If you are using these plated plugs, do not use anti-seize. Anti-seize acts as a lubricant and will cause you to over-torque the plugs by up to 20%, potentially stripping the aluminum cylinder head. If using unplated black-thread plugs, a tiny drop of anti-seize is acceptable, but reduce your torque slightly.
• Dielectric Grease: Apply a small dab of dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil boot before reinstalling. This prevents moisture intrusion, stops high-voltage tracking, and ensures the rubber boot doesn't bake onto the ceramic portion of the new spark plug over the next 100k miles.

Known issues

While you don't have to worry about the notorious two-piece spark plug breakage associated with older Ford 3-valve engines, the Jeep Cherokee has its own quirks to watch for:

• 2.4L Tigershark Oil Consumption: The 2.4L Tigershark engine is known for occasionally consuming oil. If your Cherokee burns oil, you may find heavy carbon buildup or oil ash fouling on the spark plugs prematurely. Check the plugs at 50,000 miles rather than waiting for the 100k interval if you frequently top off your oil.
• Coil Boot Tearing: Because the COP boots sit deep in the cylinder head wells, they can sometimes tear during removal. Always twist the coil side-to-side to break the seal before pulling up.

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