All you ever wanted to know about Clarity spark plugs

Here is everything you ever wanted to know about the Clarity’s spark plugs if you change your own or are technically minded (or just bored to tears).

Spark plug listed in Clarity manual:
NGK DILZKAR7C11H

From NGK web site:
DILZKAR7C11H is a Laser Iridium Spark plug, stock # 90137, gap 0.044”
With this info you won’t have to pay the high price at the dealer. DIY or have your mechanic do it for less.

It is for a Honda L4 1.5 liter engine in the Fit (Clarity not listed). Note that it is not the same spark plug as in 4 cylinder engines in the CR-V, HR-V, Civic, or Accord according to the NGK part finder.

This is from NGK:
With the smallest tip diameter available, OE Iridium spark plugs provide superior ignitability and long service life. The iridium/platinum surfaces ensure a slow wear rate, providing stable idle and superior anti-fouling.

• Laser-welded iridium center electrode tip
• Platinum disc welded to backside of ground electrode provides long life
• Trivalent metal plating for superior anti-corrosion and anti-seizing
• Faster starts and quicker acceleration
• Better fuel economy and lower emissions
• Best OEM Iridium spark plug available
• OEM-approved design

NGK states this has a heat range of 7.
NGK cautions against using anti seize compounds on the threads as they reduce friction by 20% and thus can lead to over tightening when using standard torque specs. NGK lists torque spec for an aluminum block engine as 24.3-32.5 Ft/lbs. I can’t find any torque spec from Honda without paying for their tech subscription service.
NGK also says they come pre-gapped. If you’re new to fine wire precious metal center electrodes, be sure not to pry on it as it is rather fragile. If you adjust the gap you have to move the ground electrode without touching the fine wire center electrode.

It also cross references with the
Iridium IX Spark Plug LKAR7BIX-11S, stock # 93501, gap 0.044”

Again from NGK:
NGK builds two types of iridium spark plugs: OE Iridium and Iridium IX®. Every plug in the Laser Series was designed for an OEM application. All dual precious metal plugs are designed to provide maximum longevity. For the OE Iridium series, dual precious metal means iridium on the center tip and platinum on the ground electrode. Some of these plugs have special resistors or multiple ground electrodes, depending on the original equipment requirements.
The Iridium IX® spark plugs are a single precious metal aftermarket performance plug. They are a great option for modified engines, and where recommended, are appropriate replacements for OEM spark plugs. Iridium IX® plugs are an excellent upgrade from standard nickel plugs. The Iridium IX® plugs are offered in various heat ranges and sizes to fit most automotive and non-automotive applications.
These two plugs perform similarly, due to their fine-wire tip design, but the service interval is different; the Laser Series are typically designed to last 80 to 100 thousand miles, where as the Iridium IX® spark plugs are designed to last 40 to 50 thousand miles.

FWIW, my son’s Toyota Tacoma lists Iridium spark plug change at 100,000 miles and NGK says our OEM plugs are good for 80 to 100,000 miles.
So since most Clarity owners drive predominantly in EV mode with a low percentage of mileage with the ICE running, these plugs are going to last practically for the life of the car. But the Maintenance Minder will probably have us changing them every 2 years (my guess) which we’ll have to do keep from having warranty issues. Guess we’ll find out in a couple of years.

 

The Maintenance Minder does have a subcode (# 4) that will indicate to “replace spark plugs and inspect valve clearance”. So it is dealing with plug maintenance. I agree that these Iridium plugs are good for 100,000 miles. The question is whether the MM will go by total mileage (making us replace way early) or by EV mileage (letting us get full life of plugs) or just time out in a couple of years. We small see. I feel like I will have to follow the MM even when I know it’s erred on the short side just to prevent any possible warranty issues.