If your engine is making a sound that sounds like it is zapping electrons or perhaps sparking like a great lounge-room thunderstorm, then your spark plugs might also be the culprit.
This is to be expected when such valiant little workers burn out or simply stop working correctly and let odd noises and worse performance slip through their routines.
We covered the most common causes and how you can deal with each of them quickly and effectively when you hear the side of spark plugs sound like shocking.
Topic Summary
Why Does Side of Spark Plugs Sounds Like Shocking?
If your car’s engine is starting to sound like an electric shock or is ‘popping,’ the spark plugs could be to blame. Spark plugs ignite the air fuel mixture in your engine.
When they fail, these small parts can cause big problems. Here’s what’s going on and how to fix it.
1. Electrical Arcing
The backfire sound can be from electrical arcing if the current intended for the spark plug is arcing to another metal surface (like the engine block). This can be the case if the ignition coils or spark plug wires are bad.
Arcing happens when the path of electricity intended for the spark plug diverts to a nearby metal surface, which can cause no spark in the chamber and misfires and noises.
2. Loose or Damaged Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs are loose or cracking under the stress of revs or are not seated correctly in the engine, there can be a ‘snapping’ or ‘cracking’ noise.
A spark plug that isn’t seated properly or generates a partial arc can cause a misfire, which is characterized by a loss of power and (scariest of all) horrible noises.
3. Ignition Coil Issues
Another potential shocking cause could be faulty ignition coils. The ignition coil supplies electricity to the spark plug to create the spark.
When the coil fails, it can create a buzzing or shocking sound as it strains to produce enough power.
4. Signs of Moisture or Contamination
Moisture or oil splash around the spark plug boot can likewise lead to misfiring and popping sounds. Contamination prevents the proper flow of electricity, causing misfires or arcing.
How To Address Side of Spark Plugs Sounds Like Shocking
Check the Spark Plugs and Wires: Look for signs of damage, loose connections, or corrosion. Replace any defective pieces.
Tighten or replace spark plugs: Be sure all spark plugs are torqued to the manufacturer’s torque setting, and replace any worn plugs.
Replace Ignition Coils: If you bring your Audi to us with shocking noises and a loss of concert quality, we will replace the ignition coil, and you will experience fabulous driving again.
Clean-Up Contamination: Remove any oil, moisture, or contamination around the spark plugs to prevent electrical shorts.
How To Fix Shocking Sounds Around Spark Plugs
If you hear a bang or an electrical sound coming from under the fuel injector branch connected to your spark plugs, follow these steps to remedy the situation.
Turn Off the Engine
First, turn off the engine. Make sure it’s off and cool so you don’t get burned or shocked by an electrified engine.
Inspect the Spark Plug Wires
Inspecting for external nicks, cracks, fraying, or discoloration of the spark plug wires for electrical arcing can lead to engine misfires. Replace any worn-out or damaged wires.
Tighten the Spark Plugs
In step five, use a torque wrench to tighten the spark plugs to the manufacturer’s specifications. Tightening spark plugs too much risks stripping the holes in the cylinder head.
Too loose, and you risk poor contact due to electrical arcing, so make sure that all fasteners are set to the proper specifications.
Check the Ignition Coils
Look under the bonnet again and check the ignition coils to see if they’ve been damaged.
If any coil is faulty, it won’t pass enough electricity onto the spark plug, which will misfire, making a tappet noise. If any coils are found to be dodgy or have failed, replace them.
Clean the Area Around the Spark Plugs
Finally, look for any moisture, oil, or dirt around the spark plug boots. Wipe them with a clean cloth and remove any signs of contamination that can lead to electrical shorts.
Replace the Spark Plugs (if necessary)
If the spark plugs are cracked, corroded, or worn, replace the spark plugs with new ones of the correct size for your vehicle. Worn-out or old spark plugs can cause misfires.
Test the System
After you do, however, adjust some things or replace some parts, let the engine run, and see if the loud crackling returns. If the shocking sound is gone, job well done.
And if it’s still there, it might be time to contact a professional to check the engine thoroughly.
Follow these steps, and you can get rid of the shock sounds around your spark plugs, restore the engine to normal activity, and hopefully prevent similar issues in the near future.
Can I Drive with Spark Plugs Sound Like Shocking?
It is, however, a bad idea to drive with spark plugs that are shocking or crackling. This sound often indicates electrical arcing, loose plugs, or a bad ignition coil, all of which tend to cause an engine to misfire.
When an engine misfires, it can disrupt the combustion process, which affects fuel economy, smooth idling, and emissions.
If you continue to drive your vehicle with misfiring spark plugs, they can eventually damage your engine. This happens because misfires can put excess strain on various engine components.
Furthermore, the sound might mean that the spark plug wires or the ignition system is in some way defective and that more electrical problems will develop in your car later on.
Of course, if the problems are present now, then you can expect it to be a little more expensive if you’re going to be fixing it later on.
It is best to deal with the problem right away by checking the spark plugs, the wires, and the ignition coils and replacing or mending the defective parts.
FAQs on the Side of Spark Plugs Sound Like Shocking
What Causes the Shocking Sound Near My Spark Plugs?
A likely culprit is electrical arcing, a spark that arcs to another metallic surface, typically as a result of damaged wires, faulty ignition coils, or loose spark plugs.
Can Loose Spark Plugs Cause a Shocking Sound?
The spark plug was loose enough so that the gap was not consistent, but rather a gap here, a gap there, snapping and popping and shocking, trying to find its way into the combustion chamber.
How Do I Fix a Shocking Sound Around My Spark Plugs?
Look out for loose or cracked spark plug leads and wires. Inspect the ignition coil and remove any contaminants around the spark plugs, replacing any faulty bits.
Can Moisture Cause Shocking Sounds From the Spark Plugs?
Yes, there will be misfiring with goopy, oil-filled spark plug boots after traveling, and possibly even loud electrical arcing.
Is It Safe To Drive If My spark Plugs Are Making Shocking Noises?
Don’t. The flames can cause or exacerbate a misfire and electrical arcing and can damage the engine. And they certainly won’t provide you with a safe ride down the Golden Gate.
Conclusion
I know that very loud noises coming from your spark plugs can be alarming. However, these are usually common issues that can be easily identified, such as electrical arcing, broken wires, or ignition coil problems.
Either way, taking action to resolve these issues early on will help to ensure your engine continues to run properly with less costs for repairs.
Adopting an inspection and good maintenance schedule for your spark plugs and ignition system will help to avoid these sounds in the future.