2023 Jeep Cherokee Spark Plug Type & Gap

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

Choosing the correct spark plugs for your 2023 Jeep Cherokee is crucial for optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine's cylinders, and an incorrect plug can lead to misfires, reduced power, and even engine damage.

There are several factors that differentiate spark plugs, including heat range and electrode material:

• Heat Range: This refers to the plug's ability to dissipate heat. A "hot" plug retains more heat, while a "cold" plug dissipates it more quickly. Using a plug that's too hot can lead to pre-ignition and engine damage, while a plug that's too cold can cause fouling and misfires. Your Cherokee's engine is designed for a specific heat range, so always stick to the recommended OEM or equivalent aftermarket plugs.
• Electrode Material:
  • Iridium: These plugs are the most common for modern vehicles like your Cherokee. They feature a fine-wire iridium center electrode and often an iridium-tipped ground electrode, offering superior durability, a long lifespan (typically 100,000 miles), and consistent performance.
  • Platinum: Platinum plugs are also long-lasting (around 60,000-80,000 miles) and offer good performance. They are often a step up from traditional copper plugs.
  • Copper: While excellent conductors, copper plugs have a shorter lifespan (around 30,000 miles) due to their softer electrode material. They are rarely recommended for modern engines that require extended service intervals.

How to gap a spark plug

The gap between the center and ground electrodes of a spark plug is critical for proper ignition. While most modern iridium plugs often come "pre-gapped" from the factory, it's always a good idea to double-check the gap before installation, especially if you're using a non-OEM brand. For your 2023 Jeep Cherokee, the gap should be 0.043 inches (1.1 mm) for both the 2.0L and 3.2L engines.

To gap a spark plug:

1. Use a wire gauge tool: A wire-type feeler gauge is the most accurate tool for measuring spark plug gap. Avoid using ramp-style gapping tools, as they can damage the fine-wire electrodes of iridium plugs.
2. Measure the gap: Carefully slide the correct thickness wire gauge between the electrodes. There should be a slight drag.
3. Adjust if necessary: If the gap is too small, gently bend the ground electrode outwards with the gapping tool's adjuster. If the gap is too wide, gently tap the ground electrode on a hard, non-abrasive surface to close it. Be extremely careful not to put pressure on or damage the center electrode.

Replacement procedure tips

Replacing spark plugs on your 2023 Jeep Cherokee involves working with a coil-on-plug ignition system. Here are some tips for a smooth replacement:

• Coil-on-plug removal: Each spark plug has its own ignition coil mounted directly on top. To access the spark plugs, you'll need to disconnect the electrical connector from each coil and then unbolt and remove the coil. Be gentle when disconnecting the electrical connectors, as they can become brittle over time.
• Anti-seize debate: There's ongoing debate about using anti-seize compound on spark plug threads. Mopar generally advises against it for plugs with a special coating, as it can affect torque readings and potentially lead to over-tightening or under-tightening. If the plug manufacturer recommends it, use a very small amount on the threads, avoiding contact with the electrodes.
• Dielectric grease on boots: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the spark plug boot (the rubber part of the coil that connects to the plug). This helps to seal out moisture, prevents corrosion, and makes it easier to remove the coil and boot in the future.
• Torque values: Always use a torque wrench to tighten spark plugs to the manufacturer's specifications. Over-tightening can damage the plug or cylinder head threads, while under-tightening can lead to compression leaks and misfires. For the 2.0L, torque to 11 lb-ft (15 Nm), and for the 3.2L, torque to 13 lb-ft (18 Nm).
• One at a time: It's often best practice to replace spark plugs one at a time to avoid accidentally dropping debris into an open cylinder or mixing up coil pack locations.

Known issues

Fortunately, there are no widespread or notorious spark plug-related issues specific to the 2023 Jeep Cherokee's 2.0L Hurricane I4 or 3.2L Pentastar V6 engines, unlike some past engine designs (e.g., Ford's problematic 3-valve 2-piece spark plugs).

The biggest "issue" is often simply neglecting the recommended replacement interval. While iridium plugs are designed for longevity, they will eventually wear out, leading to reduced fuel economy, misfires, and potential catalytic converter damage if left unattended.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.