2020 Honda Accord Spark Plug Fouling? Fix it with a MAF Sensor Clean

How to Fix Spark Plug Issues

Spark plug issues can affect the performance of your 2020 Honda Accord. Owners have reported problems ranging from simple wear to more significant fouling and damage. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintaining your vehicle's reliability. As one owner stated, "Big repair I only had to do was high pressure fuel pump… Everything else was just basic maintenance like brakes, sparks, tires, etc." - chumpyduck000 (source. This guide will help you diagnose and address common spark plug problems in your 2020 Honda Accord.

Symptoms

Fouled spark plugs are a common symptom reported by 2020 Honda Accord owners. Fouling can occur due to various factors, including oil deposits or issues with the fuel system. If your vehicle is experiencing rough idling, misfires, or a decrease in fuel efficiency, fouled spark plugs could be the culprit.

Another reported symptom is visible wear and damage to the spark plugs. This can include cracked insulators, eroded electrodes, or burned oil deposits on the plugs. Regular inspection of your spark plugs can help identify these issues early, preventing more significant engine problems.

Some owners have also reported a noticeable decrease in engine performance. This can manifest as sluggish acceleration, reduced power, or difficulty starting the engine. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's crucial to inspect your spark plugs and other related components to determine the root cause.

It's also worth noting that issues in the fuel system can manifest as spark plug problems. As one owner found when changing steering pump there was a spark issue when they poked a part and ended up with starter fuse blown up - OnTheHubb (source. While not directly spark plug related, electrical issues can also impact the ignition system which may present similarly.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner data, the most likely cause of spark plug issues in your 2020 Honda Accord is a malfunctioning MAF (Mass Airflow) sensor. A faulty MAF sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to spark plug fouling, burned oil deposits, and overall poor engine performance. The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine, and if it provides incorrect readings, the engine control unit (ECU) will not be able to optimize the fuel injection, resulting in an improper mixture that can damage the spark plugs.

When the MAF sensor is not functioning correctly, it can cause the engine to run either too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (not enough fuel). A rich condition can lead to carbon buildup on the spark plugs, causing them to foul and misfire. Conversely, a lean condition can cause the engine to run hot, potentially damaging the spark plugs and other engine components. Additionally, a faulty MAF sensor can trigger the check engine light and store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in the ECU.

Therefore, if you're experiencing spark plug-related symptoms in your 2020 Honda Accord, checking the MAF sensor should be one of your first steps. Cleaning or replacing the MAF sensor can often resolve these issues and restore your engine's performance.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing spark plug issues and a potentially faulty MAF sensor in your 2020 Honda Accord requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting the spark plugs. Remove each spark plug and examine its condition. Look for signs of fouling, wear, damage, or oil deposits. Compare the condition of each spark plug to identify any irregularities.
2. Check the MAF Sensor: Locate the MAF sensor, which is typically located in the air intake tube between the air filter box and the throttle body. Disconnect the electrical connector and inspect it for any signs of damage or corrosion.
3. Clean the MAF Sensor: Use a specialized MAF sensor cleaner to clean the sensor. Spray the cleaner onto the sensor's sensitive wires or filaments, being careful not to touch them. Allow the cleaner to evaporate completely before reinstalling the sensor. One owner cleaned the MAF as a way of dealing with engine issues, cee814 (source.
4. Use a Code Reader: Connect an OBD-II code reader to your vehicle's diagnostic port. Retrieve any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Pay close attention to codes related to the MAF sensor, misfires, or fuel trim.
5. Live Data Analysis: Use the code reader to monitor live data from the MAF sensor. Observe the sensor's readings while the engine is running. Compare the readings to the manufacturer's specifications to determine if the sensor is functioning correctly.
6. Compression Test: Perform a compression test on each cylinder to check for any signs of engine damage that could contribute to spark plug fouling. Low compression in one or more cylinders can indicate a more severe issue, such as worn piston rings or damaged valves.

Tool Requirements:

• Spark plug socket
• Socket wrench
• OBD-II code reader
• MAF sensor cleaner
• Compression tester
• Inspection light
• Gloves and safety glasses

Step-by-Step Fix

Addressing spark plug issues in your 2020 Honda Accord, often linked to a faulty MAF sensor, involves several key steps. This guide will walk you through the process.

1. Gather Necessary Tools and Parts: Ensure you have the correct spark plugs (check your owner's manual for the appropriate type – NGK Ruthenium sparkplugs can be a good option, cheaper than iridium as one owner found - Yeepo_01 (source ) , spark plug socket, socket wrench, MAF sensor cleaner, new MAF sensor (if necessary), and safety gear.
2. Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal of your battery to prevent electrical shorts during the repair process.
3. Access the Spark Plugs: Remove the engine cover and any other components that may be obstructing access to the spark plugs.
4. Remove the Spark Plug Wires or Coils: Carefully disconnect the spark plug wires or ignition coils from each spark plug. Note the order of the wires to ensure they are reconnected correctly.
5. Remove the Spark Plugs: Use the spark plug socket and socket wrench to remove each spark plug. Inspect the spark plugs for signs of fouling, wear, or damage.
6. Clean or Replace the MAF Sensor: Locate the MAF sensor and disconnect its electrical connector. Use MAF sensor cleaner to thoroughly clean the sensor. If the sensor is damaged or malfunctioning, replace it with a new one.
7. Install New Spark Plugs: Install the new spark plugs, tightening them to the manufacturer's specified torque. Be careful not to overtighten the spark plugs, as this can damage the cylinder head.
8. Reconnect Spark Plug Wires or Coils: Reconnect the spark plug wires or ignition coils to the new spark plugs, ensuring they are securely attached.
9. Reinstall Components: Reinstall any components that were removed to access the spark plugs, such as the engine cover.
10. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal of your battery.
11. Test the Engine: Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Monitor the engine's performance for any signs of misfires or other issues.
12. Check for Error Codes: Use an OBD-II code reader to check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Clear any codes that may have been triggered during the repair process.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Spark plugs (check owner's manual for correct type)
• Spark plug socket
• Socket wrench
• MAF sensor cleaner
• New MAF sensor (optional)
• OBD-II code reader
• Torque wrench
• Inspection light
• Gloves and safety glasses

Real Owner Costs

The cost of addressing spark plug issues in your 2020 Honda Accord can vary depending on the extent of the problem and whether you choose to perform the repairs yourself or take your vehicle to a professional mechanic.

DIY:

• Spark plugs: $20 - $50 (depending on the type and brand)
• MAF sensor cleaner: $10 - $20
• New MAF sensor (if needed): $50 - $150
• Total DIY Cost: $80 - $220

Professional Mechanic:

• Spark plug replacement: $80 - $200 (including parts and labor)
• MAF sensor cleaning: $50 - $100
• MAF sensor replacement: $150 - $300 (including parts and labor)
• Total Mechanic Cost: $280 - $600

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on your location and the specific mechanic you choose.

Prevention

Preventing spark plug issues in your 2020 Honda Accord involves regular maintenance and addressing potential problems early. Here are some tips:

• Follow the Maintenance Schedule: Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for spark plug replacement. Typically, spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the type of spark plugs and driving conditions. According to another owner, spark plugs need to be fixed at around 90-100,000 miles, bracewithnomeaning (source.
• Use Quality Fuel: Use high-quality fuel that meets the manufacturer's specifications. Avoid using low-grade fuel or fuel that contains excessive amounts of ethanol, as this can lead to spark plug fouling and other engine problems.
• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your spark plugs for signs of wear, damage, or fouling. If you notice any issues, replace the spark plugs promptly.
• Check the MAF Sensor: Regularly check the MAF sensor for cleanliness and proper function. Clean the sensor as needed using a specialized MAF sensor cleaner.
• Address Engine Issues: Address any engine issues promptly, such as oil leaks, coolant leaks, or misfires. These issues can contribute to spark plug fouling and other problems.
• Change Fluids Regularly: Regular oil changes can assist in keeping the engine healthy as one owner recommends changing every 5,000 miles - Nonamenoname2025 (source.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from HONDA owners:

Owner Experiences

"Big repair I only had to do was high pressure fuel pump. (Stupid expensive for a pump) Everything else was just basic maintenance like brakes, sparks, tires, etc." — chumpyduck000 (source)

"When changing steering pump this part next to the pump was poked w a metal screwdriver an then my starter fuse blew up what is the issue bc now my car doesn’t want to start up and it keeps blowing the fuse up after a new one, this small crack is where it was poked and it sparked up need HELP pls🙏" — OnTheHubb (source)

"It still has the original spark plugs in it and has never been tuned up but runs perfectly. It's never been in a wreck. 202,000 miles." — Nonamenoname2025 (202,000 miles) (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "Change fluids as needed and other than stuff eventually wearing out like axles and suspension, you should hopefully have a long life with the car. Based on the list of work you've done, id say you're on the right track." — retka (source)

💡 "Keep up on maintenance following the maintenance minder including things like plugs, wires, etc. Change fluids as needed and other than stuff eventually wearing out like axles and suspension, you should hopefully have a long life with the car." — retka (source)

💡 "If you take this approach, make sure you follow the harness some distance from the OBD plug to tap into it, so it’s not easily found. And when you cut the wire, cut a few inches out of it, so if the criminal finds where you altered the wiring to run to the switch, they can’t easily rejoin it." — commodorenut (source)

Real Repair Costs

"Most of the dealer services seem unreasonable once you start working on your own vehicle. My girl was quoted $2,300 for services at Mazda and I just had her cook for me and spent a half day doing the work and was only $300 out of pocket for parts." — Mr.Cannon (source)

"That labor rate at $150-$200/hr is a killer especially for something as easy to work on like Japanese vehicles. Good on you for saving a few hundred $$$ for the spark plugs at least." — Mr.Cannon (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix spark plug issues?

A: Replacing spark plugs and cleaning or replacing the MAF sensor can typically be done in 1-2 hours if you're doing it yourself. A professional mechanic may take a similar amount of time, but it could be longer depending on their workload.

Q: Can I drive with spark plug issues?

A: While it's technically possible to drive with spark plug issues, it's not recommended. Driving with fouled or damaged spark plugs can lead to reduced engine performance, misfires, and potential damage to other engine components. It's best to address the issue as soon as possible.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Honda Accord?

A: Spark plug wear and fouling are relatively common issues on many vehicles, including the 2020 Honda Accord. However, addressing these issues promptly and following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule can help prevent more significant problems.

Q: DIY vs mechanic – what's recommended?

A: Replacing spark plugs and cleaning the MAF sensor are relatively straightforward tasks that many DIY enthusiasts can handle. However, if you're not comfortable working on your vehicle or if you suspect a more complex issue, it's best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. As retka says, changing fluids as needed and other maintenance will allow for hopefully a long life for the car (source.