{"id":30125,"date":"2021-11-03T12:43:44","date_gmt":"2021-11-03T12:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/?p=30125"},"modified":"2023-09-14T21:59:22","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T21:59:22","slug":"bad-spark-plug-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/bad-spark-plug-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Spark plugs play a critical role in the working of internal combustion engines. The spark plugs are used to ignite air and fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. Therefore, faulty spark plugs start showing symptoms at an early stage. Not replacing or ignoring the symptoms can cause a number of issues in the smooth functioning of a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we have enlisted some of the common bad spark plug symptoms that will help in diagnosing the issue more conveniently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bad Spark Plug Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spark plugs<\/a> are counted among engine components that require proper maintenance and care. It is sensitive to debris and starts malfunctioning when affected by dirt or debris built-up. Here is the list of symptoms that represent a bad spark plug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trouble in Car Ignition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A faulty spark plug can cause ignition switch problems<\/a>. Worn-out and malfunctioning spark plugs have problems in creating enough spark to ignite the mixture inside the combustion chamber. Due to this, the car dies immediately after starting <\/a>and requires multiple attempts to start properly. Moreover, it will also cause the engine to idle due to differences in cylinder position and spark.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Problem in car ignition caused by a bad spark plug <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lower Fuel Economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is the most common side effect of bad spark plugs. A bad spark plug can decrease your fuel economy by 30%. Old spark plugs start passing the deposited debris inside the combustion chamber which creates an impact on fuel-burning efficiency. The presence of these pollutants in the chamber also causes car exhaust to emit black or different color smoke.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Illuminating Engine Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An engine warning light will illuminate immediately to indicate a faulty spark plug. Modern cars have self-fault detection technology that can identify malfunctioning spark plugs. It will also create a car backfire<\/a> leading to cuts providing an uncomfortable driving experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check plug light will illuminate on dashboard to notify problem in spark plug<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Engine Knocking and Misfiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spark plug failure symptoms also include engine misfiring and knocking. You can witness engine knocking and misfire usually during acceleration. It happens when spark plugs fail to combust air and fuel ratio properly. The unburnt mixture catches fire and detonates when the piston is at the opposite position. Therefore, either you hear engine knocking<\/a> or misfiring.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduced Acceleration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spark plugs are responsible for combusting fuel and generating energy to run petrol or diesel engines. When spark plugs fail to combust properly less energy is generated which creates a negative impact on acceleration. Generally slow or no acceleration is felt due to a faulty spark plug. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspecting a Faulty Spark Plugs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A faulty spark plug can elaborate a lot about the engine and its component\u2019s health. It is often used by professionals to gauge the current engine condition. Here we have mentioned a few spark plug conditions and what they denote about engine health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Different conditions of spark plug elaborating the engine’s condition Image Credit: YouTube (MotorWeek)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n