2024 Ram 1500 — Spark Plug Type, Gap & Torque

Quick reference

Note: Ram/ Mopar supersede part numbers regularly. Always confirm the exact OEM spark plug part number by VIN in a Mopar catalog or the under-hood emissions label. Never mix heat ranges or electrode materials within the same engine.

Why the right plug matters

• Heat range: The HEMI engines (especially the supercharged 6.2) are sensitive to heat range. Too hot can cause pre-ignition; too cold can foul. Use the exact range specified for your VIN.
• Electrode metal:
  • Iridium: Best longevity and stable spark under lean/boost conditions. Typical 100,000-mile service life on naturally aspirated engines.
  • Platinum/double platinum: Good life; common OE on some model years. Expect shorter intervals than iridium.
  • Copper/nickel: Excellent conductivity but short life. Some HEMI applications historically used copper with ~30–40k intervals. Follow your service schedule.
• Dual-plug HEMI: The 5.7L and 6.2L use two plugs per cylinder for more complete combustion. All 16 must match in type and gap.

How to gap a spark plug

1. Verify the required gap above (and with the service manual/VIN lookup).
2. Use a wire-style gap gauge. Avoid coin/knife gauges that can damage fine-wire electrodes.
3. Check out of the box. Iridium/platinum plugs are pre-gapped but can be altered in shipping.
4. Adjust with a light bend of the ground strap only. Do not pry against the fragile iridium center electrode.
5. Re-check in multiple spots to ensure a consistent gap.

Replacement procedure tips (2024 Ram 1500)

All 2024 Ram 1500 gasoline engines are coil-on-plug (no distributor).

General steps:

• Work on a cold engine. Disconnect the negative battery cable if desired.
• Blow debris out of the plug wells with compressed air before removing any plugs.
• Unplug the coil connectors and remove coils. On HEMI engines, some cylinders use a coil with a short secondary lead to the paired plug—label positions to avoid mix-ups.
• Use a 5/8 in spark plug socket with magnet or rubber insert and a wobble extension where needed.
• Thread new plugs by hand to avoid cross-threading. Then torque to 13 lb-ft (18 Nm) on clean, dry threads.
• Anti-seize: Not recommended. Mopar/NGK/Denso plugs typically have nickel-plated shells. Anti-seize can cause over-torque and thread damage. If you must use it (field repair only), reduce torque ~20–30%—but OEM guidance is dry install.
• Dielectric grease: A small smear inside each boot helps seal out moisture and eases future removal. Do not coat the terminal.

Engine-specific notes:

• 3.6L Pentastar: Access is straightforward. Inspect coil boots for oil or coolant contamination (address any leaks). Replace all six plugs as a set.
• 5.7L HEMI (16 plugs): Plan extra time. Bank-to-firewall plugs often require swivel extensions. Replace all 16 plugs and inspect coil boots and short leads. Do not mix plug types across cylinders.
• 6.2L Supercharged HEMI: Use the exact colder heat range and the tighter 0.028–0.030 in gap. Misfire under boost commonly traces to an over-wide gap or worn plugs. Torque carefully—aluminum heads are unforgiving.

Known issues and cautions

• Ford 3-valve two-piece plug breakage: Not applicable to Ram engines listed here. Your 2024 Ram uses conventional one-piece plugs.
• Broken porcelain during gapping/installation: Common across all makes if the center electrode is pried on. Always bend the ground strap only and use a wire gauge.
• Cross-threading in aluminum heads: Start every plug by hand for several turns. Never use an impact driver on spark plugs.
• HEMI coil connector tabs: Can become brittle with age/heat. Depress the lock fully; don’t pry.
• TRX/6.2L misfire under load: Often solved with fresh, correctly gapped colder-range plugs. Verify there are no intake or boost leaks.
• MDS-equipped 5.7L: Cylinder deactivation calibrations assume the specified heat range. Avoid “hotter” or “colder” plugs unless directed by OEM service information.

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