When it comes time to replace the spark plugs in your Ford Expedition, you want to make sure you choose the best option for your vehicle. There are a lot of different spark plugs on the market, and it can be challenging to determine which one is right for your car.
Ford usually uses only Motorcraft spark plugs, and I have collected the best OEM alternatives for the Ford Expedition in this table.
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What Spark Plugs Does Ford Recommend?
As I said, Ford recommends using Motorcraft parts in all their cars.
| Engine | Spark Plug | Spark Plugs Gap |
|---|---|---|
| 1997-1998 4.6L V8 | Motorcraft AWSF-32PP | 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-.056 in) |
| 1997-1998 5.4L V8 | Motorcraft AWSF-22E | 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-.056 in) |
| 1999-2002 4.6L V8 | Motorcraft AWSF-32P | 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-.056 in) |
| 1999-2002 5.4L V8 | Motorcraft AWSF-22W | 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-.056 in) |
| 2003-2006 4.6L V8 | – | 1.02–1.27 mm (0.040–0.050 in) |
| 2003-2006 5.4L V8 | – | 1.02–1.27 mm (0.040–0.050 in) |
| 2007-2008 5.4L V8 | – | 1.02–1.27 mm (0.040–0.050 in) |
| 2009-2014 5.4L V8 Flex | Motorcraft HJFS24FP/SP-509 | 1.05 +/– 0.05 mm ( 0.039–0.043 in) |
| 2015-2017 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | Motorcraft SP-534 | 0.75-0.85 mm (0.030-0.033 in) |
| 2018-2021 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | Motorcraft SP-578 | 0.7-0.8 mm (0.028-0.031 in) |
| 2022 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | Motorcraft SP-596 | 0.7-0.8 mm (0.028-0.031 in) |
Best Spark Plugs For Ford Expedition
Spark plugs are vital components of your engine. They help create a spark and ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. The spark plugs in Ford Expedition engines come in platinum and iridium.
There are many different types of spark plugs on the market, but not all of them are suitable for Ford Expedition. Below, I provide a list of spark plugs that I consider the best alternatives to stock spark plugs.
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Ford Expedition Spark Plugs
| Info/Engine | 4.6L 8-cyl Engine | 5.4L 8-cyl Engine |
|---|---|---|
| OEM spark plug gap | 0.054″ (1.37mm) | 0.054″ (1.37mm) |
| Qty. needed | 8 | 8 |
| Change interval | 60,000 miles (Severe) / 100,000 miles (Normal) | 60,000 miles (Severe) / 100,000 miles (Normal) |
| Best spark plug | NGK 7740 PTR5C-13 Laser Platinum Spark Plug | NGK 97287 ITR5H13 Laser Iridium Spark Plug |
| Popular choice | Autolite APP104 Double Platinum Spark Plug | Denso 5087 ZT20EPR11 Iridium Long Life Spark Plug |
- Spark plug gap: .050" (1.3mm);
- Change interval: 90,000 miles;
- Longevity: 90,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 5;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: 1997-2006 4.6L/5.4L Ford Expedition.
NGK 7740 PTR5C-13 plugs are perfect for preventing corrosion and seizing of threaded joints. These plugs are also resistant to high temperatures and provide superior insulation.
- Spark plug gap: .050" (1.3mm);
- Change interval: 90,000 miles;
- Longevity: 100,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 2;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: 1997-2006 4.6L Ford Expedition.
- Spark plug gap: .050" (1.3mm);
- Change interval: 90,000 miles;
- Longevity: 90,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Iridium;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 5;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: 1997-2006 5.4L Ford Expedition.
- Spark plug gap: .043" (1.1mm);
- Change interval: 80,000 miles;
- Longevity: 80,000-100,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Iridium;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 20;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: 1997-2006 5.4L Ford Expedition.
2003 2004 2005 2006 Ford Expedition Spark Plugs
| Info/Engine | 4.6L 8-cyl Engine | 5.4L 8-cyl Engine |
|---|---|---|
| OEM spark plug gap | 0.045″ (1.15 mm) | 0.045″ (1.15 mm) |
| Qty. needed | 8 | 8 |
| Change interval | 60,000 miles (Severe) / 100,000 miles (Normal) | 60,000 miles (Severe) / 100,000 miles (Normal) |
| Best spark plug | NGK 7740 PTR5C-13 Laser Platinum Spark Plug | Champion 7989 Double Platinum Spark Plug |
| Popular choice | Autolite APP104 Double Platinum Spark Plug | Champion 7989 Double Platinum Spark Plug |
- Spark plug gap: .050" (1.3mm);
- Change interval: 90,000 miles;
- Longevity: 90,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 5;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: 1997-2006 4.6L/5.4L Ford Expedition.
NGK 7740 PTR5C-13 plugs are perfect for preventing corrosion and seizing of threaded joints. These plugs are also resistant to high temperatures and provide superior insulation.
- Spark plug gap: .050" (1.3mm);
- Change interval: 90,000 miles;
- Longevity: 100,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 2;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: 1997-2006 4.6L Ford Expedition.
- Spark plug gap: .045" (1.15mm);
- Change interval: 60,000 miles;
- Longevity: 70,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 12;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: 2003-2008 5.4L Ford Expedition.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Ford Expedition Spark Plugs
| Info/Engine | 5.4L 8-cyl Engine Flex | 5.4L 8-cyl Engine |
|---|---|---|
| OEM spark plug gap | 0.044″ (1.11mm) | 0.045″ (1.15 mm) |
| Qty. needed | 8 | 8 |
| Change interval | 60,000 miles (Severe Service) / 105,000 miles | 60,000 miles (Severe) / 100,000 miles (Normal) |
| Best spark plug | NGK 5507 PZNAR6A11H Laser Platinum Spark Plug | Champion 7989 Double Platinum Spark Plug |
| Popular choice | NGK 5507 PZNAR6A11H Laser Platinum Spark Plug | Champion 7989 Double Platinum Spark Plug |
- Spark plug gap: .045" (1.15mm);
- Change interval: 60,000 miles;
- Longevity: 70,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 12;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: 2003-2008 5.4L Ford Expedition.
- Spark plug gap: .043" (1.1mm);
- Change interval: 80,000 miles;
- Longevity: 90,000 miles;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Ground electrode: Platinum;
- Heat Range: 6;
- Hex Size: 9/16" (14mm);
- Fitment: 2009-2014 5.4L Ford Expedition.
Reading Suggestion: Heat Range Of NGK Spark Plugs
2015 2016 2017 Ford Expedition Spark Plugs
| Info/Engine | 3.5L 6-cyl Engine Turbo |
|---|---|
| OEM spark plug gap | 0.032″ (0.81 mm) |
| Qty. needed | 6 |
| Change interval | 60,000 miles (Severe Service) / 100,000 miles |
| Best spark plug | NGK 97177 LTR6CI-8 Laser Iridium Spark Plug |
| Popular choice | Autolite AI5863 Iridium Ultra Spark Plug |
- Spark plug gap: 0.031" (0.80 mm);
- Change interval: 100,000 miles;
- Longevity: 100,000 miles;
- Ground electrode: Iridium;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: Ford 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
- Spark plug gap: .031" (0.8mm);
- Change interval: 100,000 miles;
- Longevity: 100,000 miles;
- Ground electrode: Iridium;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: Ford 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Price
2018 2019 2020 2021 Ford Expedition Spark Plugs
| Info/Engine | 3.5L 6-cyl Engine Turbo |
|---|---|
| OEM spark plug gap | 0.031″ (0.80 mm) |
| Qty. needed | 6 |
| Change interval | 60,000 miles (Severe) / 100,000 miles (Normal) |
| Best spark plug | NGK 91794 ILTR6R8G Laser Iridium Spark Plug |
| Popular choice | Autolite AI5863 Iridium Ultra Spark Plug |
- Spark plug gap: .031" (0.8mm);
- Change interval: 100,000 miles;
- Longevity: 100,000 miles;
- Ground electrode: Iridium;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Heat Range: 6.
- Fitment: Ford 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
- Longevity
- Reliability
- Price
- Spark plug gap: .031" (0.8mm);
- Change interval: 100,000 miles;
- Longevity: 100,000 miles;
- Ground electrode: Iridium;
- Center electrode: Platinum;
- Hex Size: 5/8" (16mm);
- Fitment: Ford 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Price
How Often Should Spark Plugs Be Changed On Ford Expedition?
Many variables can affect the lifespan of a spark plug, and one of the most critical factors is driving conditions.
For most Ford Expedition models, it is recommended to change the spark plugs every 60,000-100,000 miles. However, this number can also vary depending on how often you drive and what engine oil you use.
What Are Signs You Need New Spark Plugs?
A car’s spark plugs are an essential component of the engine. Usually, they have a lifespan of around 80,000 miles and need to be replaced when worn out.
Most people don’t know when to change their spark plugs, but some signs indicate that it is time for a replacement:
- A rough idle
- A loss in power
- Poor fuel economy
- A misfire.
Ford Expedition Spark Plug Problems
With the Ford Motor Company, modular engines have faced their fair share of problems. If you owned one of their vehicles between 2004 and 2008, then you might be familiar with the infamous “spark plug disaster” they had during this time. One of the problems seemed to be stripped or missing threads in spark plugs’ holes on 4.6L, 5.4L, and 6.8L 2-valve engines. From spark plugs getting jammed in place to breaking upon removal, not forgetting blowing out abruptly – every mishap with spark plugs is frightening.
