Has anyone changed their spark plugs in their Maxima? I need to change them in my '98. I know where the ones are nearest the radiator, but where the hell are the other ones?

 

This job is easier than it might appear at first glance.

1) Remove front bank rocker cover ornament.
2) Disconnect six ignition coil harness connectors. Three are found under
the ornament. Three more are found nestled among the plenum runners, in
plain view, closer to the windshield than the three which were hidden under
the ornament.
3) Loosen ignition coil fixing bolts and pull out six coils from the intake
manifold connectors.
4) Use a spark plug socket, a long extension, and a ratchet handle to remove
the spark plugs.
5) I recommend using a tiny dab of anti-seize compound on the threads of the
new spark plugs.
6) Tighten the new plugs to 14 - 22 foot-pounds.

See http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/sparkplug.html

See also Chapter 8, "Do It Yourself", in your Maxima Owner's Manual.

 

A length of rubber hose makes retrieval and re-installation of the plugs MUCH easier. A hose with an inside diameter of around 5/16" works great.

The plugs on the rear bank are located between the intake runners. They are easy to get to (unlike some other V6's). The coil packs are plainly visible.

As Dr. Martin suggested, use anti-seize on any plug that is screwed into an aluminum head, or the plugs may seize to the threads, and strip them out when removed later on.

Good Luck!

 

1. If you have an FSTB, you can use it to lean on while you're leaning over the fender to change the plugs in the rear cylinder bank.
and
2. Take off the plastic thingy that's covering the rear drivers side plug. You won't be able to remove the plug without removing it (I don't exactly know what it is... only that I've had to remove it when I've changed my plugs)