Spark Plug Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Pilot, 2010 Honda Pilot, and 2009 Honda Pilot. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the ignition coils (see 2).
If the spark plugs, then inspect the electrodes and the ceramic insulator.
- Burned or worn electrodes may be caused by these conditions:
  - Advanced ignition timing
  - Loose spark plug
  - Plug heat range too hot
  - Insufficient cooling
- Fouled plugs may be caused by these conditions:
  - Retarded ignition timing
  - Oil in combustion chamber
  - Incorrect spark plug gap
  - Plug heat range too cold
  - Excessive idling/low speed running
  - Clogged air cleaner element
  - Deteriorated ignition coils
Fig 1: Identifying Incorrect Spark Plug Gap
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the spark plug electrode is dirty or contaminated, clean the electrode with a plug cleaner.
NOTE:
- Do not use a wire brush or scrape the iridium electrode since this will damage the electrode.
- When using a sand blaster spark plug cleaner, do not clean for more than 20 seconds to avoid damaging the electrode.
Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head, finger-tight. Torque them to 18 N.m (1.8 kgf.m, 13 lbf.ft).
Spark Plug NGK: ILZKR7B-11

Electrode Gap

Standard (New): 1.0-1.1 mm (0.04-0.04 in)

Fig 2: Identifying Spark Plug Gap
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the spark plugs (see 5 )