2014 Ram 1500 Spark Plug Guide

Quick Reference: 2014 Ram 1500 Spark Plugs

Note: The 5.7L HEMI uses 16 spark plugs (two per cylinder). Early models used copper plugs with a shorter interval, while later models and those equipped with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) often use iridium plugs for a longer life. Always verify the correct plug for your specific VIN.

Why the Right Spark Plug Matters

Choosing the correct spark plug is critical for engine performance, fuel economy, and longevity. It's not just about finding a plug that screws in; it's about thermal performance and electrical conductivity.

• Heat Range: This is the plug's ability to dissipate heat. A "hot" plug has a longer insulator nose and retains more heat, which can help burn off carbon deposits in a low-speed engine. A "cold" plug has a shorter insulator nose, transferring heat more quickly to the cylinder head, which is necessary for high-performance, high-temperature engines to prevent pre-ignition (or "knock"). Using a plug with the wrong heat range can lead to fouling (if too cold) or engine damage (if too hot).

• Electrode Material:

  • Copper: These are the old standard. They have excellent conductivity but wear out the fastest, typically needing replacement every 30,000 miles, as seen in some 5.7L HEMI engines. They are affordable and a good choice for standard engines.
  • Platinum: A step up from copper, platinum plugs have a platinum disc welded to the center electrode, offering greater durability and a service life of up to 60,000 miles.
  • Iridium: The modern standard for most engines, including the 3.6L Pentastar. Iridium is extremely hard and has a very high melting point, allowing for a very fine center electrode. This design provides a more focused and consistent spark, improving efficiency and extending the service life to 100,000 miles or more.

How to Gap a Spark Plug

Most modern iridium and platinum plugs come pre-gapped. While you should always verify the gap, be extremely careful not to damage the fine-wire tip.

1. Use the Right Tool: Use a feeler gauge or a dedicated wire-loop gapping tool. Avoid the old "coin-style" gappers, as they can put too much pressure on the fine electrode and break it.
2. Check the Gap: Slide the correct wire gauge between the center and ground electrodes. It should have a slight drag but not be forced. For the 2014 Ram, this will be around 0.043-0.044 inches.
3. Adjust Carefully: If adjustment is needed, only bend the ground strap (the L-shaped electrode). Never put pressure on the center electrode or its insulator. Use the tool to make a very slight bend and re-measure until it's correct.

Replacement Procedure Tips for the 2014 Ram 1500

The 2014 Ram 1500 uses a modern coil-on-plug ignition system, which simplifies the process by eliminating distributor caps, rotors, and spark plug wires.

• Coil-on-Plug Removal: Each spark plug has its own ignition coil bolted directly on top of it. To access the plug, first disconnect the low-voltage electrical connector from the coil. Then, remove the small bolt (typically 8mm or 10mm) holding the coil to the engine. The coil can then be gently twisted and pulled straight up to remove it. A stubborn boot may require a slight twisting motion to break the seal.
• The Anti-Seize Debate: For decades, technicians applied anti-seize compound to spark plug threads to prevent them from getting stuck (seizing) in the aluminum cylinder heads. However, major plug manufacturers like NGK now apply a special trivalent plating to their plug threads that serves the same purpose. This plating also provides a more accurate torque reading. Applying additional anti-seize can act as a lubricant, leading you to over-torque the plug, which can damage the threads in the cylinder head or even break the plug. It's generally recommended to install modern plated plugs dry.
• Dielectric Grease: While anti-seize is often discouraged on the threads, applying a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil boot is highly recommended. This grease is non-conductive; it seals the boot, preventing moisture from causing a misfire and keeping the boot from sticking to the spark plug's ceramic insulator, making future removal much easier.

Known Issues

While the 2014 Ram 1500 engines are generally robust, the 5.7L HEMI has a known potential issue often called the "HEMI tick," which is sometimes related to lifter and camshaft wear. However, this is not directly caused by the spark plugs themselves. Unlike some earlier Ford 3-valve modular engines, the plugs used in the Ram do not have the same reputation for breaking off in the cylinder head during removal, making the job much less risky for the DIY mechanic.

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