I have been wanting to get a Honda Fit but I am worried about the many instances of loose/ejecting spark plugs I have heard about. Does anyone know if this issue has been fixed in the 3rd gen Fits?

 

I've never seen one instance of that happening on a GK on this forum or anywhere else, and I'm here daily.

 

So it seems to only affect the 2nd gen Fits then?

 

The fix is to tighten them.

 

It was an issue on an older generation FIT. It has been fixed and is not a problem on the current 2015-2020 GK series.

 

Thank you, much appreciated.

 

To clarify for anyone reading this.

The fix was to use a spark plug with more threads. Basically, the same length plug that is normal on other modern cars.

GD and GE Fit's have spark plugs with short threads and they do not like to stay seated.

 

Common to see on GDs and GEs, not so much on GKs.

BUT do keep in mind the model year of the car as for sure 2015s had an ignition coil recall involving removing and inspecting spark plugs as well as replacing coil packs. Easy recall to do (and to catch, just snug up the spark plugs) but still is a chance for human error to be honest.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...5V559-5278.pdf

 

Wow, thanks for the info! I actually would prefer a GE, but really didn't want to deal with constantly having to check/tighten the spark plugs. Do you have a specific plug you would recommend? Any specific tightening torque?

 

Can't change the amount of threads. It has to bottom and reach the correct depth.

When you say "constantly" check plug, know that we are talking every 50k miles on a GE if you want peace of mind.

Fit owners are generally NOT maintenance type people so most are just neglected in my opinion.

 

Ahh, I see. So this is how they fixed it on the GK's.

If it's only checking every 50k, that's fine. I'm just paranoid about them coming loose because I've read a few accounts of spark plugs ejecting in the GE's.

 

Interesting. I hadn't heard that. So, is there a part number update? What's the protocol for going forward?

I recently replaced my spark plugs with the NGKs that were spec-ed in the Service Manual/Owner's Manual. Did I put in plugs with too-few threads?

 

I think he's saying that the 3rd gen Fits use longer thread spark plugs to fix this issue, not to use longer plugs in your 1st/2nd gen.

Were any of your plugs loose when you went to change them?

 

I must not be communicating this properly. You can't change to a different plug. The plugs have to reach a certain depth. The limiting factor is the amount of space cast into the spark plug hole in the cylinder head. The heads on the GK and other vehicles have more threads and, therefor, so do the spark plugs.

The spark plugs used on the GD and GE Fit's are like what you see on old 8:1 compression iron head engine. IMO, they should not have been used on a 10:1 compression, lean burning, modern aluminum head engine.

We are stuck with what we have, but proper maintenance alleviates the concern.

 

GD/GE style spark plug -


GK Spark plug -

 

In reply to O/P "Plug loose, FIT gen2"

We own a 2nd Gen FIT 2013 LX, just 50,000 KM , original owners, Canadian version, 7 Winters.

Coil on Plug, one pack was just replaced. ALL spark plugs were 'loose'.
"Noticeable Intermittent ticking noise", no OBD2 code.
Over Summer, noise became more prominent.
[Codes P0350-P0354]

Many posts here improperly ID the COP : it is part 30520-RB0-S01.
Plugs are NGK IZFR6K13
Just the one COP pack was replaced and all four Plugs replaced (significant deposits and expected wear).

On my Electronics Bench (binoscope 30x),
I observed significant cracks in COP component case, especially around top.

Speculation: Transformer Coil on Plug and housing mount
has been subjected to vibration; the new one does not have (top) case cracks.

I also note that the removed part actually does fire but with weak spark on EST input (pin on left).

my point in this post:
I think all Generations of this FIT JAZZ Motor are subjected to road shocks and vibrations,
despite shock mounts, and design mitigation.
I speculate that the design issues are systemic but easy to resolve in maintenance cycles.
Refer to recalls of 2012 Fit/Jazz and the numerous posts on this board.

Yes, all four Spark plus and COPs had to be tightened.
The Service Technologists' notes indicate all attachment fixation was loose.

Canadian Roads did have road surface pot holes this year and due to COVID delays,
those roadways were not repaired nor patched in the 2020 Spring, with most work
delayed much later than usual. This year , the 'bumps' were particularly jarring.
---------------------------------------------------

update: on Technical note from Dealer Service (page 7);
"Loose Plugs detected/ Blowby ##3, Engine Miss/Noise heard when brought into shop for Annual Inspection.
All Plugs Loose #3 Cylinder plug backed right off/severe blowby from cylinder.
#3 coil pack discolored, weakened, replaced. replaced all spark plugs,
applied anti-sieze to threads, torque checked. Replaced Coil #3 pack and re-tested.
Old part in Vehicle for client inspection."

I called the Service Advisor shortly after reading O/P's subsequent reply to ask
how often does Dealer Service check this and the answer is on a 50000Km (30000 Miles) epoch.

I hope these replies help the O/P

update on 2nd day: I examined the Coil on Plug device on my Electronics Bench (41st year E-Technologist)
and the resistor is cracked (its embedded in the 'boot' neck).

 

In terms of spark plugs, what proper maintenance can you recommend for a 2nd gen Fit? Should blue threadlocker be used to keep the plugs from coming out? Or just periodically check them and retighten them to a certain torque?

I had my eye on a 2013 with 120k miles, but this issue with the spark plugs is my biggest concern. Is this issue really that big of a deal on these 2nd gen Fits? It seems like kind of a gamble whether or not the head will be in/stay in good shape.

 

If I were buying a GE with 120k miles, I would want to see record of it having a valve adjustment and plug change. If not, I would only buy it if it runs perfect and was getting a really good deal.

It's sad, but when you combine Honda and the least expensive car they make, you end up with a lot of cheapskate owners who just neglect the car.

The Maintenance Minder system calls for the valves to be adjusted at around 60k miles on a GD and at around 90k miles on the GE. 90% of owners and dealers just seem to hit reset and drive on like it never happened.

So, is it a big issue? Not at all as long as the vehicle is maintained. A 120k mile used car with no records? Total shot in the dark. One I would take for the right money, but not one I would take if we're talking about financing it or draining your bank account and not having reserve to address potential issues.

To be fair, I'd feel that way about any used 7 year old car with 120k miles though.

 

I should add, if you buy it and it doesn't come with record of a valve adjustment and spark plug change, just do both immediately. You're then good to go for at least 50k miles. Realistically, probably good for 90k miles, but I error on the side of caution.

 

I appreciate the advice. If I do decide to buy it, these will be the first things on my list. I would just hate to discover that the plugs had been loose for some time with worn out threads in the cylinder head making it difficult to keep new plugs secure.