5 SYMPTOMS OF BAD SPARK PLUGS YOU SHOULD KNOW -

In this article, we’ll be talking about bad spark plug symptoms and how to recognize them easier.

The spark plugs are a vital part of the engine’s ignition system so this is good to know.

Also, if you notice these symptoms on time, you may well stay out of trouble and perhaps save your engine from further damage.

Besides this article, you also have our YouTube channel where you can see various videos about car repair, car maintenance, driving, etc.

SYMPTOMS OF BAD SPARK PLUGS

Rough idling is probably the first symptom you’ll encounter since this usually happens at the beginning of the problem.

At first, it will be barely noticeable and may stop as the engine reaches working temperature.

But as the spark plug problem gets worse, it will be present all the time.

After the rough idling, you may notice that the engine starts to run rough.

It doesn’t have the usual smoothness, the rev counter will show higher and lower revs than normal.

The engine may also occasionally sputter.

All of this will be accompanied by poor engine performance and you’ll notice a serious lack of engine power.

Instead of the usual sharp and momentarily response to the gas pedal, it will be sluggish and you’ll notice some serious hesitation.

In the later phases, the engine may even occasionally stall.

This is one of the bad spark plug symptoms that raises the red alert and at this moment you should react and inspect the problem.

By this time, the check engine light will come up on the dashboard due to a disturbance in the air/fuel mixture and the combustion.

At first, it will come up intermittently, afterward it will be on all the time.

For more information about the most common symptoms of a check engine light, click here.

You’ll also notice that the fuel consumption goes up at a very high rate, a fuel consumption higher from 30 to 50 percent is not unusual.

Besides this, you may notice a frequent smell of fuel coming from the exhaust.

Engine misfire is the last but most dramatic on the list of bad spark plug symptoms.

Why? Mainly because of the sound.

While the spark plugs still partially work, you may hear a popping sound or fluttering from the engine.

But when the spark plug (one or more) totally fails, you’ll hear the engine working on one cylinder less than it should.

For instance, if you have 4 cylinders, the car will work on three.

In this case, the engine will run extremely rough, you may hear a loud bang from the exhaust and the engine will shake violently in the engine bay.

If you want to know about various other reasons that cause engine misfires click here.

Besides these bad spark plug symptoms, other related issues may also be worth checking.

These would be the ignition coils, spark plug cables, on older cars the distributor cap, and else.

Check these, especially on older, high-mileage cars. Also, do this if the spark plugs are in good condition.

Make sure that all the spark plug cables are properly fitted and tightened onto the plugs.

In the end, remember that replacing the spark plugs is a part of regular maintenance.

So, if you change them on time, you probably won’t encounter any of these bad spark plug symptoms.

Written by: Sibin Spasojevic

Former car technician, life-long car and DIY enthusiast, author for Despairrepair.com