2017 Ram 1500 Spark Plug Type, Gap & Torque Specs

Quick Reference: 2017 Ram 1500 Spark Plugs

Note: The 5.7L HEMI uses two plugs per cylinder for a total of 16. The EcoDiesel uses glow plugs, not spark plugs; the information is provided for reference.

Why the Right Plug Matters

Choosing the correct spark plug is crucial for engine performance, fuel economy, and longevity. It's not just about finding a plug that fits; the engineering behind it matters.

• Heat Range: This is a plug's ability to dissipate heat. A "hot" plug retains more heat to burn off carbon deposits in a low-speed engine, while a "cold" plug dissipates heat quickly to prevent pre-ignition (knock) in a high-performance, high-temperature engine. Using the wrong heat range can lead to fouling or, in severe cases, engine damage. For the 2017 Ram 1500, the factory heat range is designed for optimal performance across all expected operating conditions.
• Electrode Material: The center and ground electrodes are where the spark happens. The material used dictates the plug's lifespan and performance.
  • Iridium: Used in the 3.6L Pentastar, iridium is an extremely hard, precious metal with a high melting point. This allows for a very fine-wire center electrode, which requires less voltage to create a spark. The result is a more consistent spark, better ignitability, and a very long service life, often up to 100,000 miles.
  • Copper: The 5.7L HEMI uses conventional nickel-copper spark plugs. Copper is an excellent conductor, which provides great performance. However, copper erodes much faster than platinum or iridium. This is why the HEMI has a much shorter replacement interval of just 30,000 miles. While you can upgrade to iridium plugs, many HEMI enthusiasts prefer to stick with the OEM copper plugs, believing they provide the best performance, even if it means more frequent changes.

How to Gap a Spark Plug

Most modern iridium and platinum plugs come pre-gapped from the factory. It's still wise to verify the gap, but be extremely careful. The fine-wire electrodes are fragile.

1. Use the Right Tool: Use a wire-loop or feeler gauge gapping tool. Do not use the cheap "coin-style" gap tool, as it can put pressure on the center electrode and damage it.
2. Check the Gap: Slide the correct wire gauge (e.g., 0.043" for the gas engines) between the center and ground electrodes. It should slide through with very light drag, like pulling a knife through cold butter.
3. Adjust Carefully: If adjustment is needed, only bend the ground strap (the outer L-shaped piece). Never pry against or touch the center electrode. Use the leverage slot on your gapping tool to make tiny, gentle bends until the gap is correct.

Replacement Procedure Tips for 2017 Ram 1500

All gasoline engines in the 2017 Ram 1500 use a modern coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system. This means each spark plug has its own ignition coil sitting directly on top of it, eliminating the need for a distributor and spark plug wires.

• Coil-on-Plug Removal: To access the plugs, you must first remove the ignition coils. This is typically done by disconnecting the electrical connector and removing a single small bolt (often 10mm). Gently twist and pull the coil straight up and out of the spark plug tube. The rubber boot can sometimes stick to the porcelain of the spark plug, so a firm, steady pull is key.
• The Anti-Seize Debate: Historically, technicians applied a light coat of anti-seize lubricant to the spark plug threads to prevent them from seizing in the aluminum cylinder heads. However, many modern plug manufacturers (including NGK) apply a special anti-corrosive plating to their plug threads and recommend against using additional anti-seize. This is because the lubricant can alter the torque reading, leading you to inadvertently over-tighten the plug, which can stretch the threads or damage the plug. The best practice is to follow the recommendation of the plug manufacturer. If you do use it, use it extremely sparingly.
• Dielectric Grease: It is highly recommended to apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil boot before reinstalling it. This grease does not conduct electricity; its purpose is to seal the boot, prevent voltage leaks, and keep out moisture and dirt. It also makes removing the coils much easier for the next plug change.

Known Issues

While the 2017 Ram 1500 is generally robust, it's important to note it does not suffer from the infamous Ford 3-valve Triton engine issue where two-piece spark plugs would break off in the cylinder head. The Ram engines use a conventional, solid one-piece plug design, making the replacement process much more straightforward and less risky.

There are no widespread known issues related to the spark plug or coil design on this specific model year, making the job a standard and predictable piece of maintenance.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.