how do you change spark plugs on a nissan maxima

How do you change spark plugs on a Nissan Maxima?

• Using a T30 driver remove the 4 bolts securing the engine cover.
• Remove the cover.
• Push the tab on the harness connected to the ignition coil and pull it free.
• Remove the bolt on the ignition coil.
• Pull the coil out.
• Using a 5/8 spark plug socket remove the spark plug.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to replace the spark plugs on a 2011 Nissan Maxima?

The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for a Nissan Maxima spark plug replacement is between $317 and $441. Labor costs are estimated between $252 and $317 while parts are priced between $65 and $124. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.

How many spark plugs does a Nissan Maxima have?

6 spark plugsWith the coil removed, you can see the spark plug: Using your extension, spark plug socket, and universal joint, unscrew and pull out the spark plug. Do this for all 6 spark plugs. Here's the rear bank of 3, shown with the green arrows.

Is it safe to change spark plugs yourself?

Don't DIY – You Could Risk Damaging Your Engine Incorrectly removing or installing spark plugs can cause damage to your engine. Also, care needs to be taken when removing spark plug wires, especially if you plan to reuse them. It's possible to damage the threads inside the engine when installing the spark plug.

How often should spark plugs be changed Nissan?

Every 30,000 milesEvery 30,000 miles is a good guideline, but there are often differing requirements for different models.

How much is a tuneup on a Nissan Maxima?

However, a more specialized tune up involving the combustion engine, a brake service, clutch service, transmission service, air conditioning service, or hoses inspection can run anywhere from $200 to $800. The prices also vary depending on your car make, model, and the labor charges in your area.

What brand of spark plugs does Nissan use?

In the case of Nissan, the OEM would be NGK's spark plugs (check prices and fitment). Now, to some extent which plugs you have to pick depends on your model year. With 2002-2009 models, you have platinum plugs. The direct OEM replacement are these PLFR5A-11 platinum spark plugs.

What are signs of a bad spark plug?

What are the signs your Spark Plugs are failing?Engine has a rough idle. If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle. ... Trouble starting. Car won't start and you're late for work… Flat battery? ... Engine misfiring. ... Engine surging. ... High fuel consumption. ... Lack of acceleration.

How long does changing spark plugs take?

about an hourChanging spark plugs takes about an hour (for a four-cylinder engine) and will save you at least a hundred bucks in labor if you do it yourself. In most cases it's a simple job that will help to maintain peak performance and the highest possible gas mileage.

Do you need to unplug battery when changing spark plugs?

It's also good practice to disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery when working on anything electrical. Be sure to let your car's engine cool thoroughly before replacing your spark plugs. This will make removal of the plugs and the spark plug wire or ignition coil boot easier.

What happens if you don't change your spark plugs?

Spark plugs will depreciate over time, so various engine issues will arise if they are not replaced. When the spark plugs do not generate the adequate spark, the combustion of the air/fuel mixture becomes incomplete, leading to loss of engine power, and in the worst-case scenario, the engine will not run.

Should I replace ignition coils with spark plugs?

So, should you replace coil packs with spark plugs? It depends. The most common component to replace in conjunction with the ignition coils are the spark plugs. Worn spark plugs can cause unnecessary load on the coils and there is often some overlap in the labor required to replace both components.

Does changing spark plugs make a difference?

Benefits of Changing Your Spark Plugs Improved fuel economy: Having a worn-out spark plug can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 30%. With new spark plugs, your vehicle can run as efficiently as intended.

Symptoms

When one or more of the spark plugs start to fail or has failed in your Maxima, it will cause the engine to misfire and the check engine light may illuminate in the instrument cluster. To perform further diagnostics, you will need to connect OBD2 scanner to your vehicle.

What causes spark plugs to go bad in Nissan Maxima?

A spark plug is like a canary in a coal mine for the engine. Inspecting the condition of the spark plugs in your Maxima can help you determine the health of the engine.

How to replace spark plugs in Maxima

If the spark plugs go bad in your Nissan Maxima, you must replace them with new ones. You don’t necessarily have to visit a workshop to replace the spark plugs, you can do it at home by following a few simple steps. Before you begin, make sure the engine is cold to prevent burn injury.

Which type of spark plugs to use in Maxima?

There are four main types of spark plugs: copper, platinum, double platinum and iridium. Generally all the spark plugs have similar type of internal components, but where they differ is at the tip where the spark happens.

Use OBD2 scanner for diagnosis

Since Nissan Maxima is equipped with on-board diagnostics (OBD), a fault diagnosis can provide initial indications of where the malfunction is located.

Conclusion

If you see noticeable loss of performance or engine hesitation with high fuel consumption in your Nissan Maxima, you should definitely check the condition of the spark plugs and ignition coils.

What happens if you have a bad spark plug on a Maxima?

The less cylinders that your engine has, the more that one cylinder not firing properly will have. If you have one or more bad spark plugs, it’ll cause the acceleration of the Maxima to be weaker.

Why do you check spark plugs when you tune up?

When you take your vehicle in for a tune up due to decreased fuel economy , checking the spark plugs (and ignition system in general) is going to be one of the very first places that a mechanic is going to look at. Misfire.

What is the most common symptom of bad spark plugs?

Misfiring is the most common symptom of bad spark plugs. All of the other symptoms are a result of the misfiring itself. The real question is, what is causing the misfire? There is more to your Maxima’s ignition system than just the plugs. There’s also coil packs and spark plug wires.

Why does my spark plug feel rough?

When a spark plug is misfiring, it is often most pronounced at idle speed. This is because when the engine turns slower, it is easier to detect . You’ll feel a rough vibration.