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Spark Plug Condition: Outline

SPARK PLUG CONDITION (SKYACTIV-G) DESCRIPTION AND POSSIBLE CAUSE

Troubleshooting item Spark plug condition
Description
  • Incorrect spark plug condition.
Possible cause  
NOTE:
  • Inspecting the spark plug conditions can determine whether a problem is related to a specific cylinder or possibly all cylinders.

Wet/carbon stuck on specific plug: 
  • Spark-related malfunction
    • Weak spark or no spark of specific cylinder
  • Fuel adjustment-related malfunction
    • Excessive fuel injection amount
  • Compression pressure-related malfunction
    • No compression or low compression pressure
  • Spark plug malfunction

    Grayish white with specific plug: 

  • Fuel adjustment-related malfunction
    • Insufficient fuel injection amount
  • Spark plug malfunction

    If a spark plug on a specific cylinder is damaged or corroded: 

  • Spark plug malfunction
    • Damage or corrosion due to pre-ignition or knocking

    Wet/carbon is stuck on all plugs: 

  • Spark-related malfunction
    • Spark of all cylinders is weak
  • Fuel adjustment-related malfunction
    • Strong A/F rich tendency (high fuel pressure)
  • Erratic signal to PCM
    • ECT sensor or related wiring harness malfunction
    • MAF sensor or related wiring harness malfunction
    • A/F sensor or related wiring harness malfunction
    • HO2S or related wiring harness malfunction
  • Compression pressure-related malfunction
    • Low compression pressure
  • Restriction in intake/exhaust system

    Grayish white with all plugs: 

  • Erratic signal to PCM
    • ECT sensor or related wiring harness malfunction
    • MAF sensor or related wiring harness malfunction
    • A/F sensor or related wiring harness malfunction
    • HO2S or related wiring harness malfunction
  • Fuel adjustment-related malfunction
    • Strong A/F lean tendency (low fuel pressure)
      WARNING:
      • The following troubleshooting flow chart contains the fuel system diagnosis and repair procedures. Read the following warnings before performing the fuel system services:
        • Fuel vapor is hazardous. It can easily ignite, causing serious injury and damage. Always keep sparks and flames away from fuel.
        • Highly pressurized fuel may spray out if the fuel line is cut. Due to the following dangers occurring with a fuel spray, always complete the [Fuel Line Safety Procedure] to prevent the fuel from spraying. (Refer to BEFORE SERVICE PRECAUTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] in service information.)
          • Fuel may cause irritation if it comes in contact with skin and eyes.
          • If fuel ignites and causes a fire, it may lead to serious injury or death, and damage to property and facilities.
        • Fuel is highly flammable and dangerous. Fuel line spills and leakage can cause serious injury or death, and damage to equipment. Always refer to the [Quick Release Connector Removal/Installation (fuel system)] before performing the fuel hose installation, and execute the [Fuel Leakage Inspection] after installation. (Refer to QUICK RELEASE CONNECTOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] in service information.) (Refer to

          AFTER SERVICE PRECAUTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] in service information.)

      CAUTION:
      • Disconnecting/connecting the quick release connector without cleaning it may possibly cause damage to the fuel pipe and quick release connector. Always clean the quick release connector joint area before disconnecting/connecting, and make sure that it is free of foreign material.
System wiring diagram
  • Not applicable