2020 Tesla Model X Spark Plug Type, Gap, and Torque Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I see a lot of interesting questions roll into the shop. Every now and then, a customer will ask about doing a tune-up on their electric vehicle. If you are looking for the spark plug specifications for a 2020 Tesla Model X, you have come to the right place for a definitive answer.

Before you pop the frunk looking for a set of ignition coils, let's clear the air: The 2020 Tesla Model X is a fully electric vehicle (EV) and does not have an internal combustion engine (ICE). Therefore, it does not use spark plugs, ignition coils, or spark plug wires.

However, since you're here to learn about spark plug maintenance, let's use this opportunity to discuss what you would need to know if you were working on a traditional gas-powered vehicle parked next to your Tesla in the garage.

Quick reference

For a standard combustion engine vehicle, this is what a spark plug specification chart looks like. For your 2020 Tesla Model X, it looks like this:

Note: Since the Tesla Model X utilizes an electric powertrain driven by a high-voltage battery pack and electric traction motors, no combustion takes place. There is zero need to ignite an air-fuel mixture.

Why the right plug matters (For your gas-powered cars)

While your Tesla doesn't need them, choosing the right spark plug is critical for any internal combustion engine. Spark plugs act as the catalyst for combustion, and their design dictates engine efficiency, power, and emissions.

Two massive factors are heat range and electrode metal. The heat range determines how fast the plug transfers heat away from the firing tip into the cylinder head. Too hot, and you risk pre-ignition and engine damage; too cold, and the plug will foul with carbon.

The electrode material (iridium vs. platinum vs. copper) dictates longevity. Copper conducts electricity best but wears out in 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Platinum can last up to 60,000 miles, while iridium—an incredibly hard and durable metal—routinely lasts 100,000 to 120,000 miles. Modern coil-on-plug systems are highly calibrated, and stepping down from an OEM iridium plug to a cheaper copper alternative will almost certainly trigger misfires and a Check Engine Light.

How to gap a spark plug

If you are working on a gas-powered car, setting the correct spark plug gap is a fundamental skill. The gap is the distance between the center and ground electrodes.

To properly gap a plug, you need a feeler gauge or a wire-style gap tool (avoid the cheap coin-style tools on iridium plugs, as they can easily snap the fragile center electrode).

1. Measure the gap out of the box.
2. If the gap is too tight, use the bending tool to gently pull the ground electrode back. Apply a light bend, then re-measure.
3. If it’s too wide, tap the ground electrode very lightly on a soft wooden workbench until it closes slightly. Never apply pressure directly to an iridium or platinum center tip!

Replacement procedure tips

Because the Model X has no coil-on-plug setup, your maintenance consists mainly of checking tire wear, replacing cabin air filters, and inspecting brake pads (which last a very long time thanks to regenerative braking).

However, on a standard vehicle, replacement procedure tips vary. When removing coil-on-plug assemblies, twist the boot slightly before pulling straight up to avoid tearing the rubber. There is a massive debate over anti-seize on spark plug threads. Most modern premium plugs (like NGK and Denso) feature a specialized trivalent metal plating. Adding anti-seize to these plated threads acts as a lubricant and can easily cause you to over-torque the plug, leading to stripped cylinder head threads. Always check the manufacturer's recommendation. Lastly, a tiny dab of dielectric grease on the inside of the new spark plug boot keeps moisture out and prevents voltage tracking.

Known issues

While the Tesla Model X is completely immune to spark plug failure, other vehicles aren't so lucky. One of the most infamous issues in the automotive world involves the Ford 5.4L 3-valve V8s (2004–2008), where the 2-piece spark plug shell would frequently break off inside the cylinder head during removal, requiring a specialized extraction tool. Similarly, early GM 5.3L engines utilizing ionization-sensing coils are incredibly sensitive to aftermarket spark plugs; installing anything other than the exact OEM ACDelco iridium plug often causes false misfire codes and rough idling.

With your 2020 Tesla Model X, you get to skip all this headache. Just keep it charged, check your tires, and enjoy the instant torque.

Need plugs replaced on your other car? Find a shop on Repairius.