A Guide to Spark Plugs for the 1993-2004 Chrysler Concorde
Solve rough idling and misfires by choosing the right spark plugs for your Concorde's specific engine.
- Stick to OEM-equivalent spark plug brands like Champion and NGK for the best results in your Concorde.
- Before removing old plugs, inspect the spark plug wells for oil. If oil is present, you must replace the valve cover gaskets and tube seals.
- Always check and adjust the spark plug gap before installation; the correct specification is usually around 0.050 inches.
- Tighten new spark plugs to the correct torque specification, which is 20 ft-lbs (28 Nm) for these vehicles.
Symptoms of Failing Spark Plugs
When your Concorde's spark plugs are worn out, you'll notice. The signs can start small but will get worse over time. Look out for a rough idle, engine hesitation when you accelerate, and a general loss of power. Your fuel economy will also likely get worse. If a plug is completely fouled or dead, it will cause a steady engine misfire, which you can feel as a rhythmic shaking, and your Check Engine Light will almost certainly come on.
🎬 Watch: See a visual guide to common bad spark plug symptoms.A Common and Serious Issue: Oil in the Spark Plug Wells
A very common problem on all 1993-2004 Concorde engines, especially the 2.7L V6, is for oil to leak into the spark plug tubes. This is caused by hardened and cracked valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals. When you pull the ignition coil or spark plug wire, you may find the whole tube filled with engine oil. This oil soaks the spark plug and ignition coil boot, causing misfires, rough running, and eventual failure of the ignition coil. If you find oil, you must replace the valve cover gaskets and tube seals 🎬 See this step-by-step guide on replacing your valve cover gaskets. to fix the problem permanently. Simply replacing the spark plug will only provide a temporary fix.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Spark Plug
For this specific vehicle, brand choice matters. While many brands are available, Chrysler engines from this era are known to be sensitive to the type of spark plug used. Sticking with the original equipment (OEM) brands is highly recommended for best performance and to avoid issues.
Brand Quality Tiers for Chrysler Concorde
- Best Tier (OEM Equivalent): Brands like Mopar, Champion, and NGK are the factory choices for the Concorde. Owners and mechanics widely report the best and most consistent performance with these plugs. They are designed to the exact specifications for your engine, whether it's a 2.7L, 3.2L, 3.3L, or 3.5L.
- Good Tier (Reliable Aftermarket): Autolite and Denso are reputable brands that also offer plugs for the Concorde. They are generally considered a safe second choice if the OEM brands are not available.
- Use With Caution: While Bosch is a major brand, many owners of Chrysler vehicles report issues like rough idling or misfires after installing their plugs. It's generally recommended to avoid them for this particular application unless they were the original equipment on your specific model, which is unlikely.
Plug Material: Copper, Platinum, or Iridium?
Your Concorde came from the factory with either standard copper or long-life platinum plugs, depending on the engine and year. You can safely use any type, but here's the difference:
- Copper Plugs (e.g., Champion Copper Plus, NGK V-Power): These are the most basic and affordable. They offer excellent performance but have the shortest lifespan, typically needing replacement every 30,000 miles.
- Platinum/Double Platinum Plugs (e.g., Champion Platinum Power, Autolite Double Platinum): These were the original equipment on many later models. They offer a longer service life, often up to 100,000 miles, with consistent performance.
- Iridium Plugs (e.g., NGK Iridium IX, Denso Iridium): These are the premium option, offering the longest life and most stable spark. They are a good upgrade for performance and longevity but are also the most expensive.
Pro Tip: For most owners, a set of Double Platinum plugs from Champion or NGK offers the best balance of performance, longevity, and cost. Always check that the plugs are gapped correctly before installation, even if they claim to be pre-gapped. The correct gap for most Concorde engines is around 0.050 inches, but check the specification for your exact year and engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my spark plugs?
It depends on the type of plug. Standard copper plugs should be changed around 30,000 miles. Platinum or Iridium plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. However, if you are experiencing any symptoms, you should inspect them regardless of mileage.
Do I need a special tool to change the plugs?
Yes, besides a ratchet and extensions, you will need a 5/8" spark plug socket. Some Concorde engines, particularly the 3.5L, have very deep and narrow spark plug tubes, and a special thin-walled socket may be required to fit. You should also have compressed air to blow out debris from the plug wells before removing the old plugs.
Should I use anti-seize on the new spark plug threads?
This is a debated topic. Some plug manufacturers like NGK advise against it because their plugs have a special anti-seize coating. However, many mechanics recommend using a very small amount on the threads to prevent them from getting stuck in the aluminum cylinder heads. If you do use it, apply a tiny dab and do not get any on the electrode. Also, reduce the tightening torque by about 10-15%.
What is the difference between replacing plugs on a 1997 vs a 1998+ Concorde?
First generation models (1993-1997) use a coil pack and traditional spark plug wires. Second generation models (1998-2004) use a more modern coil-on-plug system, where each spark plug has its own ignition coil sitting directly on top of it. The replacement process is similar, but the 1998+ models do not have spark plug wires to replace.
🎬 Watch: A complete walkthrough of the Chrysler Concorde spark plug replacement.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: SZFR5LP13G RE16MC RE14MCC5
Socket Size: 5/8 inch. Torque Spec: 20 ft-lbs (28 Nm). Gap: ~0.050 in (varies by engine/year).
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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