2017 Subaru Crosstrek Spark Plug Type and Gap

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

The spark plug is one of the most critical components in your engine. It's responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture, and its design has a significant impact on engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions. The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek uses an iridium-tipped spark plug from the factory, which is a significant upgrade over the copper and platinum plugs of the past.

• Iridium vs. Platinum vs. Copper: Iridium is a very hard and dense metal, which makes it ideal for use in spark plugs. It has a high melting point and is very resistant to wear, which means that iridium plugs can last for a very long time. Platinum plugs are also a good option, but they don't last as long as iridium plugs. Copper plugs are the cheapest option, but they also have the shortest lifespan.

• Heat Range: The heat range of a spark plug is a measure of its ability to dissipate heat. It's important to choose a spark plug with the correct heat range for your engine. If you use a plug that's too "hot," it can cause pre-ignition and damage your engine. If you use a plug that's too "cold," it can foul and cause misfires.

How to gap a spark plug

The gap of a spark plug is the distance between the center electrode and the ground electrode. It's important to set the gap to the correct specification for your engine. If the gap is too small, it can cause a weak spark and misfires. If the gap is too large, it can cause a no-spark condition.

To gap a spark plug, you'll need a feeler gauge. A feeler gauge is a tool that has a series of thin blades of different thicknesses. To use a feeler gauge, you'll insert the blade of the correct thickness into the gap of the spark plug. If the blade is a loose fit, you'll need to bend the ground electrode down slightly. If the blade is a tight fit, you'll need to bend the ground electrode up slightly.

Replacement procedure tips

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek has a coil-on-plug ignition system, which means that each spark plug has its own ignition coil. This makes changing the spark plugs a relatively easy job.

• Coil-on-plug removal: To remove the ignition coil, you'll need to disconnect the electrical connector and then remove the two bolts that hold the coil in place. Once the coil is removed, you can use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plug.

• Anti-seize debate: There is some debate over whether or not to use anti-seize on spark plugs. Some people say that it's not necessary, while others say that it helps to prevent the spark plugs from seizing in the cylinder head. If you do decide to use anti-seize, be sure to use a very small amount. Too much anti-seize can cause a misfire.

• Dielectric grease on boots: It's a good idea to apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the spark plug boots before you install them. This will help to prevent the boots from sticking to the spark plugs and will also help to keep moisture out of the ignition system.

Known issues

There are no known issues with the spark plugs on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. However, it's always a good idea to inspect the spark plugs for any signs of damage, such as cracked porcelain or a broken shell.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.