2017 Toyota Tacoma Spark Plug Type & Gap

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

Choosing the correct spark plug for your 2017 Toyota Tacoma is critical for optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. Spark plugs are designed with specific heat ranges, electrode materials, and designs to match the unique characteristics of each engine.

Heat Range: A spark plug's heat range refers to its ability to dissipate heat. A "hot" plug retains more heat, while a "cold" plug dissipates heat more quickly. Using a plug that's too hot can lead to pre-ignition and engine damage, while a plug that's too cold can cause fouling and misfires. The OEM-specified plugs for your Tacoma are engineered with the ideal heat range for your engine's operating conditions.

Electrode Metal: The material of the spark plug's electrode significantly impacts its lifespan and performance:

• Copper: Copper plugs are excellent conductors of electricity and heat, but copper is soft and wears down relatively quickly. They are typically found in older vehicles or those with less stringent performance requirements, with replacement intervals around 30,000 miles.
• Platinum: Platinum is harder and more durable than copper, allowing for finer electrodes and longer service intervals, typically around 60,000 miles. Double platinum plugs offer even greater longevity.
• Iridium: Iridium is the hardest and most durable of these metals, allowing for ultra-fine electrodes that provide a more focused and efficient spark. Iridium plugs offer the longest service intervals, often exceeding 100,000 miles, and are standard in most modern high-performance and fuel-efficient engines like those in your Tacoma. The 2017 Tacoma uses iridium-tipped spark plugs from the factory, which contribute to its extended maintenance schedule.

Using the wrong type of spark plug can lead to reduced fuel economy, decreased power, rough idling, misfires, and ultimately, accelerated engine wear.

How to gap a spark plug

Spark plug gapping is the process of setting the precise distance between the center and ground electrodes. This gap is crucial for a strong, consistent spark. While most modern iridium spark plugs, especially those from reputable manufacturers like Denso and NGK, come pre-gapped, it's always a good practice to verify the gap before installation.

To gap a spark plug, you'll need a spark plug gap tool, typically a round-wire type gauge for precise measurements. Avoid using a flat-blade style gauge on iridium or platinum plugs, as it can damage the fine electrode tip.

1. Measure: Insert the appropriate thickness wire from your gap tool between the electrodes. It should slide in with slight resistance.
2. Adjust (if necessary): If the gap is too small, use the gapping tool's adjustment lever to gently bend the ground electrode outwards. If the gap is too wide, carefully tap the ground electrode on a hard, flat surface to slightly close the gap. Exercise extreme caution when adjusting iridium plugs to avoid damaging the delicate center electrode.
3. Re-measure: Always re-measure after any adjustment to ensure the gap is correct according to the specifications in the table above.

Replacement procedure tips

Replacing spark plugs on your 2017 Toyota Tacoma is a manageable DIY task for those with some mechanical experience. Both the 2.7L 2TR-FE I4 and the 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 engines utilize a coil-on-plug ignition system, meaning each spark plug has its own individual ignition coil mounted directly above it.

1. Safety First: Always ensure the engine is cool before starting. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental electrical shorts.
2. Coil-on-Plug Removal: Carefully disconnect the electrical connector from each ignition coil. Then, unbolt the coil (if applicable; some are just friction fit) and gently pull upwards to remove the coil from the spark plug well. Avoid yanking on the wires.
3. Cleaning: Before removing the old plugs, use compressed air to blow any dirt or debris out of the spark plug wells. This prevents contaminants from falling into the combustion chamber when the old plug is removed.
4. Spark Plug Removal: Use a spark plug socket (typically 16mm or 5/8-inch, with a rubber insert to protect the plug) and a ratchet with an extension to carefully loosen and remove the old spark plugs. Turn counter-clockwise.
5. Anti-Seize Debate: The use of anti-seize on spark plug threads is a point of debate. Toyota recommends against using anti-seize on spark plugs for your Tacoma, as the factory plugs often have a special coating. Anti-seize can alter torque readings, potentially leading to over-tightening and damage to the cylinder head or under-tightening and plug ejection. Follow Toyota's recommendation and install the plugs dry.
6. Installation and Torque: Thread the new spark plugs into the cylinder head by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Once finger-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the specified torque value (13 lb-ft / 18 Nm) from the quick reference table. Correct torque is vital to prevent stripping threads or allowing combustion gases to escape.
7. Dielectric Grease on Boots: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the spark plug boots (the part of the ignition coil that connects to the spark plug). This silicone-based grease helps seal out moisture, prevents corrosion, and makes future removal easier. Do not apply it to the spark plug electrodes.
8. Reassembly: Reinstall the ignition coils, ensuring they seat properly over the spark plugs. Reconnect the electrical connectors and then the negative battery terminal.

Known issues

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma's 2.7L and 3.5L engines are generally robust and do not have widely reported specific spark plug-related issues akin to the notorious Ford 3-valve 2-piece spark plug breakage. Using the correct OEM or specified aftermarket iridium plugs and adhering to the recommended replacement intervals will ensure trouble-free operation.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.