dude, look at prev posts...that is most of what people have said are messing up. that is weird though.

 

Brudaddy- I replaced the coild for cylinder 1 which was what the code was for and the cars has run perfect since.

 

Nissan recommends both mitsu and hans as replacements when they discoverd the problem with the coils, so its really personal preferance on which brand to get. Im happy with my Mitsu's and still running strong after 10k I put on them.

 

My car was hiccuping at idle for over 6 months. And recently, my TCS light would come on while driving on the highway. So I took my car in for service at a local dealership. They said that my cylinder #4 was misfiring which was causing my car to hiccup and to trigger the TCS light to come on. So they replaced the ignition coil for that cylinder for $220. I didnt realize how easy it was until reading this thread. I had previously installed new spark plugs, so changing ignition coils isnt that much harder according to the posts. My TCS light doenst come on anymore. However after a couple of weeks my car is starting to hiccup once again. It is really pi**ng me off. I just changed another one of my O2 sensors today b/c it was setting off the check engine light. They wanted to charge me $250 to replace to front right sensor. I bought it for around $100 and put it in myself. Ill drive the car around and see if it solves the vibration problem.

 

No, I'm running prem only

 

So is the general consensus is that its EASY to install new coils? All I need is a couple of screwdrivers and a socket set? How long should it take me to do all 6?

I mean, if I can assemble a gas-grill and change a tire, this shouldn't be a problem?

 

It's real easy. Here are the coils:

Just disconnect all 6 connectors and remove all of the screws (2 for each coil). Pop out the old coils and put in the new ones. Follow the spark plug how to: http://www.vqpower.com/v2/modules.ph...howpage&pid=33

 

Ok, I just ordered a full set from Courtesy for 354.98 shipped 2-3 days by USPS. Now I gotta go get a metric set.

 

I had 5 then 3 die on me. Just waiting for good old #1 - Fricking coils and Nissan who obstinately refuses to admit a problem.

 

I think i have the same problem. Where can i get a full set of coil really cheap?

 

maximaisokay, that is what they are trying to tell you....you probably won't need a whole set. Almost anyone I have ever heard of having a problem, says that they replace at most #1,3,5 and they are good again. No need to buy six, when you might just buy 3 or less.

 

yeah i know, i just want to replace all of them. And, you know where i can get them cheap? Got links?

 

Why replace something that doesn't need it? I mean, that is like saying, "I got a nail in one of my new tires the other day. I could have it patched, but I am just going to go ahead and spend $500 and get all four new tires again."

Anyway, I think it is in this post, but here you go again...Jerryromenissan.com.
I think they give discount if you say you were referred to them by the .org. They ought to be like $65 or $70 then.

 

thanks. my coils are very old and i want to keep my car run long enough.

 

No Prob, man. Just trying to save you some moolah.

 

Interesting, I finally got my car to throw a code and it was Cylinder 4. I'm going to do the resistance tests this weekend and see what I come up with. I wouldn't be suprised if there is more than one bad coil...

 

Considering that you own a 99, the ones most often prone to ignition coil failure, I bet one of your coil packs is about to give. In my 99, with 62k miles, I have replaced 2 defective coils in a 5-month interval.

Trust me on this one, one (or perhaps more, but I really doubt it) of your ignition coils is defective, maybe not defective ENOUGH to trigger a severe "cylinder misfire" code.

- thank you BOSS for saving me time and money, for I would've replaced 10 other engine components well in access of $1k had you not informed me. You're the greastest!

 

Although a good deal, I have never myself spent that much for an ignition coil. I replaced two coils, both of which I bought off ebay. Don't pay a dealership. Check ebay often as each day someone posts coils, often completely NEW coils, still in the box. Nobody has ever complained about the coils sold on ebay. Remember that these are always OEM NISSAN coils just like those you would get at a dealership, but for a lot less. They also sell individual coils, which too are new for like $20 a coil, sometimes less.

For instance, just a few weeks ago I remember someone sold ALL 6 OEM NISSAN coils for a 99 Max SE on ebay (brand new in the box!) for $220 ending bid!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT???? That is one killer deal! I mean if you take the regular price, even the discounted one, you pay 6 * 65 = $390 for all 6, NOT INCLUDING TAX!!!!

So trust me on this one, be patient, check ebay and you WILL find 6 new coils for $200 - I DID.

 

I just bought 6 Mistubishi coils from Courtsey for $354.70 shipped 2-3 day USPS (arrived in 2 days). Don't forget to mention Maxima.org so you get the extra discount!

I'm going to install them tommorow. Wish me luck.

 

Boss, what is the key work in ebay?

 

Boss, what is the key word in ebay?

 

well, why should they, its better for them......

 

Boss, if the ebay ones are OEM like Nissan puts in there...are they good? I mean, I have heard that Nissan was putting Hanshin in our cars when they were made, and they are crap. Now the ones to get are the Mitsubishi ones, and people say they are a lot better. Any comments?

 

By saying OEM NISSAN coils I meant the redesigned coils, which as you say are mitsu coils or whatever other manufacturer. As far as I know, any coils that you buy nowdays for the 4th gen Max will outlast the old stock coils that came with our cars straight from the plant. This was an issue that was fixed by nissan, so the coils u buy from a NISSAN dealer today are the redesigned ones.

If you read nissan tsb, you'll find out that Nissan changed the manufacturers of the 4th gen coil packs for the 98/99 models in order to improve their quality because 95 - 97 models also had known issues with coils. However, what happened was a disaster! The coils for 98/99's from the new manufacturer were even worse! That is why 98/99's are prone to coil failure way more often than are 95, 96, and 97.



On ebay I always do keyword search with all of the following:

1st I try: "maxima ignition"

if no satisfactory results, I do: "maxima coils"

if no results again I do: "maxima coil"

People name them differently all the time. That is why you must do coils separate from coil because some post it as "99 Maxima coil packs" and others may do it as "ignition coils for 99 Maxima" or just "coils for 99 Maxima".

good luck...you WILL find them, just be patient!

 

Thanks for the info, Boss. Does it hurt to run you car if you have a bad coil pack? Also, I posted way earlier in this thread that mine hesitates at like 3500rpm at WOT until like 3800rpm. Then, it just pulls hard all the way up to redline. Is this a coil problem as well?

 

I have the same problem with my 99. I just found out how much the coils are. I was told they are $76.00 at the Nissan Dealer. First I have to find out which one.

 

I just installed 6 new coils and am happy to report a successful repair!

No more bumps at idle, AND the eninge is much more responsive and sounds like it did when it was brand new (my neighbors won't be happy about that, but F 'em!)

Thanks to all who pointed me to the links to do this and for verifying parts and giving me the confidence to do this job. I saved $200-$400 over what mechanics wanted to charge me, plus I got a new ratchet set as well.

My next project is to replace some belts that are squeaking when I start the car with a cold engine. The mechanic said he would charge $150 for that. Bah!

-Mike

 

fast time what link did you order your new coils? What kind of belts are you going to get?

 

You saved $200-400? What do u mean? Why would u have a mechanic change coils in the first place? It's a 15 minute job for all six. That's how long it took me and I'm not even mechanically inclined.

 

ok, is there any quick way for a mechanic to check if the ignition coils aren't up to par? is it a big diagnostic thing or do thy check it using some electrical device? thanks

 

multimeter
i did it but i think i mess up everytime

 

what do you mean, "I mess up everytime," outsider?

 

I was getting $800 quote from dealers and $600 from others for replacing all coils.

It took me an hour to do replace them because it took a while to figure out how to remove the coil near the driver window side. I finnaly figured out I had to loosen a flange temporarily to get to it.

 

I got them from http://www.courtesy-nissan.com/ (don't forget to mention the Maxima.org discount). The price was something like 52x3 and 56x3.

I have no idea which belt is making the noise. It only happens when I start the car when the engine is cold.

 

anyone know what kind of code a failed coil would give?
My CEL is on and i got it pulled at autozone. the code was P1320...either that or it was P1230...can't remember

but it did say something about misfire or ignition failure and i do have a 99

 

Fasttimes, okay let me know when you finally solve the noise.

 

does NAPA usually stock coil packs?

 

When a coil is defective at FIRST, it NEVER triggers a code. That is why people mysteriously drive their Maximas for a long time with these hesitations/micro-second pauses in acceleration or when idle, without knowing the exact cause.

The CEL (or SES light to be exact) will never go on with defective coil, unless the coil is so weak that it causes a SEVERE cylinder misfire. Only then will the ECU throw a "CYLINDER #X MISFIRE" code, after which you know which coil to swap/change/replace.

As an example, when one of my coils was deteriorating, I felt the hesitations and what not for about 4+ months until finally one day I got a code because it misfired so much.

 

Cool, thanks for the info. i appreciate it. I will take into consideration.

 

Looks like Ill wait for the CEL until I replace my coil packs. Lately ive been getting those hesitations at stoplights more often than usual, so its not too far down the road before it'll happen I guess.