Spark Plug Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire, 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Numbers in parenthesis correspond to numbers in referenced illustration. See Figure.

Inspect the terminal post (1) for damage. Inspect for a bent or broken terminal post (1). Test for a loose terminal post (1) by twisting and pulling the post. The terminal post (1) should NOT move.
Inspect the insulator (2) for flashover or carbon tracking, soot. This is caused by the electrical charge traveling across the insulator (2) between the terminal post (1) and ground. Inspect the spark plug boot for damage. Inspect the spark plug recess area of the cylinder head for moisture, such as oil, coolant, or water. A spark plug boot that is saturated causes arcing to ground.
Inspect the insulator (2) for cracks. All or part of the electrical charge may arc through the crack instead of the electrodes (3, 4).
Inspect for evidence of improper arcing. Measure the gap between the center electrode (4) and the side electrode (3) terminals. An excessively wide electrode gap can prevent correct spark plug operation. Inspect for the correct spark plug torque. See IGNITION SYSTEMS in SERVICE & SPECIFICATIONS - 2.2L ALERO, CAVALIER, GRAND AM & SUNFIRE article. Insufficient torque can prevent correct spark plug operation. An over torqued spark plug, causes the insulator (2) to crack. Inspect for signs of tracking that occurred near the insulator tip instead of the center electrode (4). Inspect for a broken or worn side electrode (3). Inspect for a broken, worn, or loose center electrode (4) by shaking the spark plug. A rattling sound indicates internal damage. A loose center electrode (4) reduces the spark intensity. Inspect for bridged electrodes (3, 4). Deposits on the electrodes (3, 4) reduce or eliminates the gap. Inspect for worn or missing platinum pads on the electrodes (3, 4) If equipped. Inspect for excessive fouling.
Inspect the spark plug recess area of the cylinder head for debris. Dirty or damaged threads can cause the spark plug not to seat correctly during installation.