How To Tell If A Spark Plug Is Bad

What Causes Spark Plugs To Go Bad.

How to tell if a spark plug is bad. The main thing to remember with spark plugs is to always use the OEM plugs never go by what the parts store recommends or what is on sale. Inspect the system and determine if the spark plugs or something like the ignition coils and wires need to be replaced. Sometimes you will find a red coating on the ceramic insulation but it is just the additive buildup from the low-quality unleaded fuel.

However if the spark plug is covered in junk dirty the electrode damage the gap completely wrong or the electrode worn down these are all visual signs that your spark plugs are bad. If theres a problem due to bad injector then the scan tool should work with P0200 series code. The last test you can perform is a shortage test between the ground electrode and the center electrode.

If you notice intermittent sputtering or stumbling sounds from the engine it may be due to faulty spark plug or some type of sensor malfunction. It can indicate a spark plug problem in which a cylinder misfires only while idle. For example leaky EGR valve or a vacuum leak.

The vehicle-encompassing jittery sound will also cause your vehicle to vibrate. The sure sign of a plug being faulty is a crack or multiple cracks on its porcelain cover. Once you have figured out that bad spark plugs are the problem youll probably want to know how to prevent this problem in the future.

The P0300 code refers that the misfire is randomly moving around from one cylinder to another. 3 Bad Fuel Economy. It is simply running way too hot for its application and in outdoor lawn equipment this can be a result of using the wrong spark plug incorrect gasair mixture or a loose spark plug.

In many cases your check engine light will also turn on. Their durability depends on their condition and type your vehicle and your driving habits. At the first sign If you car accelerating poorly it is a clear sign your spark plug is worn.