Bad spark plugs can cause a lot of trouble for your Jeep Commander, leading to problems like poor fuel efficiency, engine misfires, and a lack of power. These issues happen because spark plugs are responsible for creating the spark that starts your engine and helps it run smoothly.
If your spark plug isn’t working right, it can cause problems affecting your vehicle’s performance. The most common causes of bad spark plugs are fouled spark plugs, spark plug gaps, incorrect spark plug heat range, engine oil contamination, and worn spark plug wires. To fix the issue, inspect, clean, and adjust the gap between the spark plugs. If necessary, you may have to replace the spark plug wires.
This guide will help you understand what causes bad spark plugs in the Jeep Commander and give you simple solutions to fix them.
What are Bad Spark Plugs?
Bad spark plugs are faulty that can negatively impact a vehicle’s performance. They can cause problems such as misfires, decreased power and acceleration, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine stalls.
The root cause of bad spark plugs can be worn and tear over time, accumulated dirt and debris, mechanical problems within the engine, and the use of poor-quality fuel. It’s important to address bad spark plugs promptly to maintain the proper functioning of a vehicle’s engine.
Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs on Jeep Commander
In a Jeep Commander, bad spark plugs can cause various symptoms that can significantly impact the vehicle’s performance. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the common symptoms of bad spark plugs in a Jeep Commander.
- Engine Misfires: If your Jeep Commander experiences frequent engine misfires, it strongly indicates that the spark plugs are faulty. Engine misfires occur when the spark plug fails to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine, causing the engine to stall or run irregularly.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: Bad spark plugs can also result in decreased fuel efficiency, leading to increased fuel consumption and higher costs at the pump.
- Rough Idling: A rough idling engine is another symptom of bad spark plugs. The engine may shake, vibrate, or feel unsteady when idling, indicating that the spark plugs do not provide the sufficient spark to the engine.
- Engine Stumbling or Hesitation: If your Jeep Commander struggles to accelerate or experiences hesitations when accelerating, it could be a sign of bad spark plugs. These symptoms can cause the vehicle to lose power, making it difficult to drive.
- Illumination of Check Engine Light: The check engine light on your Jeep Commander may come on if the spark plugs are bad. This can indicate various issues, including engine performance and fuel efficiency.
What Are the Causes of Bad Spark Plugs on Jeep Commander?
Bad spark plugs can cause various problems in a Jeep Commander’s engine and negatively impact its performance. Here, we’ll explore the causes of bad spark plugs in a Jeep Commander.
- Age and Wear: Over time, spark plugs can wear out due to normal usage and exposure to heat, vibration, and other environmental factors. Worn-out spark plugs can cause misfires, rough idling, and other performance problems.
- Fuel Deposits: Accumulated fuel deposits on the spark plugs can interfere with their ability to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine. This can lead to engine misfires and decreased performance.
- Engine Damage: Engine damage, such as carbon buildup or oil contamination, can affect the performance of the spark plugs and cause them to fail.
- Overheating: Excessive heat can damage the spark plugs, causing them to misfire or fail. Overheating can be caused by various factors, including a clogged air filter, a malfunctioning cooling system, or an incorrect spark plug heat range.
- Improper Maintenance: Neglecting to replace the spark plugs regularly can lead to their eventual failure. It’s essential to have the spark plugs replaced at the recommended intervals to ensure their optimal performance.
Solutions for Bad Spark Plugs on Jeep Commander
Issues with spark plugs can cause different engine problems, ranging from poor fuel economy to engine misfires. Fortunately, there are several solutions to address bad spark plugs in Jeep Commanders.
1. Checking Spark Plugs
When trying to figure out why a Jeep Commander has a bad spark plug, the first step is to check it. In that case, you should ensure the spark plugs are clean and debris-free. If the spark plugs are dirty, they should be replaced. It is also important to ensure that the spark plugs are properly gapped, as improper gaping can lead to misfires and a decrease in engine performance.
2. Inspecting Wires and Connections
You should inspect the spark plug wires and connections to ensure they are in good condition and properly connected. If the spark plug wires are worn or loose, they should be replaced. So, connect the connections to the distributor cap and ignition coil properly and tight.
3. Cleaning the Throttle Body
A dirty or clogged throttle body is one of the most common causes of bad spark plugs. The throttle body should be cleaned regularly to ensure it is free of dirt and debris. This will help to ensure that the air-fuel mixture is properly regulated and that the spark plugs are firing correctly.
4. Replacing Ignition Coils
If the above steps do not solve the problem of bad spark plugs, the ignition coils may need to be replaced. Ignition coils can become worn or damaged over time, causing misfires and poor engine performance. Replacing the ignition coils may be necessary to ensure that the spark plugs are firing correctly.
If you want to change the bad spark plug on your Jeep Commander, check out the video tutorial:
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Bad Spark Plugs on Jeep Commander
If you own a Jeep Commander, you should maintain your vehicle to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Here are a few maintenance tips to prevent bad spark plugs on your Jeep Commander.
- Regularly Check the Air Filter: Changing the air filter regularly helps keep dirt and debris out of the spark plug holes, which can prevent the spark plugs from becoming clogged and eventually failing. Check your air filter every 10,000 miles and replace it as needed.
- Change the Spark Plugs: Even if your spark plugs are functioning properly, replacing them every 30,000 miles is recommended to ensure optimal engine performance. Using high-quality spark plugs can also help extend the life of your spark plugs.
- Check the Ignition System: If your spark plug fails, it could be due to a faulty ignition system. You should consult a qualified mechanic to inspect your ignition system for any problems that could be causing your spark plugs to fail.
- Use the Right Fuel: Using the wrong type of fuel in your Jeep Commander can cause spark plug problems, so use the recommended fuel grade for your vehicle.
Final Verdicts
Bad spark plugs can have a significant impact on the performance of a Jeep Commander. The root causes of bad spark plugs can range from wear and tear over time, accumulation of dirt and debris, mechanical problems within the engine, and the use of poor-quality fuel.
Regular spark plug replacements, proper engine maintenance, high-quality fuel, regular engine scans, and regular engine tune-ups are all effective ways to prevent bad spark plugs from developing. Following these guidelines can keep your Jeep Commander running smoothly and efficiently and avoid more serious problems.
