So, I need to change my spark plugs (just hit 61k) in my 2k Max. I definately don't want to take it to someone to get it done. Just curious if this is a process I can screw up? How difficult it is and if there are any guides (with pictures) for how to do it.

Basically I'm pretty sure I can do it. And I have a good idea of how to do it, I just want to make sure there isn't some hidden caveat (since each one has it's own coil).

 

make a search Men plenty of thread on it!

Wich sparks plugs how....

 

I changed the spark plugs myself at 67K miles. I had all the right tools, and the front three were easy to do, but those back three...WHAT A PITA (Pain In The A**)!!!

First I thought it wouldn't be so bad since the back one closest to the passenger-side wheel was okay, except for some stretching on my part. But those last two plugs were a pain to get to. I had to remove the bar of my FSTB to get access to those plugs in the back.

For those who want to do it themselves, just go here for a write-up with pictures:

www.nissanx.net/tanman/

This write-up is for '00 and '01 Maximas, but '02s and '03s should be similar.

Get the plugs from eBay, be perpared with the proper tools, and be prepared to stretch your legs. But after it gets done, you'll be glad you did it yourself and saved some dough. It's not a hard thing to do, but thank goodness we only need to change them every 60K miles!

Peace.

 

My piece of advise is to be very careful with the bolt that holds the ignition coil in place. When I was changing my coil on #5, I dropped that bolt -- which fell somewhere into the engine never to be found again.

If this happens to you, don't even bother calling Nissan. There is an actual part number for that bolt, but nobody stocks it. Head to ACE hardware and you should be able to find a compatible bolt (I did).

 

Another quick note would be to use two extensions and a swivel to remove the rear.This is how I remove mine and I do not need to remove my fstb using this method.

 

Thanks for all the advise everyone. It went pretty well. Only took about 25 minutes or so from start to finish with the two of the rear plugs taking most of that time. Having the universal joint handy definately made it much easier.