5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Ignition Coil install

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Old Dec 13, 2004 | 06:49 AM
  #1  
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Ignition Coil install

Hey guys,
My 00 Max SE got the dreaded 1320 code. So instead of replacing the faulty one, I decided I'd replace all 6 ignition coils and be done with it. I was wondering how hard it would be for a newbie to install these coils himself. I've read it's pretty easy, but I can't seem to find any info on how it's done step by step. Any help would be much appreciated.

BTW, in case anyone else has this problem, the factory charges $650-750 in this area (columbia, MD). You can get the coils online for under $300.

The part numbers are 22448-2Y000 and 22448-2Y005
3 for the front and 3 for the rear.

Thanks again,
Rob
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 06:55 AM
  #2  
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You can go to this website to find out how to change the coils. The coils are attached directly to the sparkplugs. You'll need a 4mm allen wrench for the front engine cover and a 10mm socket for the bolt holding the coils to the engine. Depending on how many miles you have, you may want to consider replacing the sparkplugs while your at it. The rears are a PIA to get to. As long as your in there, might as while take care of it. The electrical connectors will pop off of the coils by pressing the green tab toward the connection. http://www.nissanx.net/tanman/
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 08:25 AM
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And just be careful with the screws on the rear coils, as they are awkward to take out and reinstall and can get lost down in the engine pretty easily. Also, be sure to use a metric allen wrench. I didn't and stripped the screw on the front cover and had to break it to get it off. Once you do this job, you'll be appalled at the $300+ labor charges quoted. The dealer can do this job within 10 minutes. A novice in about 30.
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 08:48 AM
  #4  
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you guys rock!

You guys rock!
Thanks for the info thus far. I guess I will have to go out and buy a magnetic rod.

Definitely what some dealers are trying for the actual work they do is outrageous. I installed some brake pads a few months back and saved like 75% on what the dealer was going to charge AND they were upgraded pads.
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 08:52 AM
  #5  
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BTW, what are some good recommended spark plugs. I thought the max's were equipped with platinum plugs that are supposed to last >100K. Is this inaccurate?

I figure I would take your advice and change them out while i'm in there if need be.
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 10:47 AM
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I just replaced mine, because I replaced all the coils this last weekend with about 50k. Even though Nissan says they last 100k, most places I've seen it recommended to change around 60k with plats. Based on what everyone else has experienced, I would stick with the NGKs. You could get copper plugs, but they won't last as long. They are quite a bit cheaper though.
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 10:48 AM
  #7  
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I too have to make the change.
Once I have it done, I figure my ECU will have to reajust to the "new coils" right?

if so, do I need to drive the car hard for the ECU to "set" itself so that it will be able get all the power I can have at high revs?
sorry if I am unclear...

let me explain myself. The ECU will reajust... for maybe 40-50 miles...
my question is does my ECU have to "live" all sorts of situations to ajust to these situations with the new coils, or just driving the car down the highway at a steady speed for that much distance will do just the trick?

thanks for the input.
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 11:11 AM
  #8  
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Hmmm, I have been looking into replacing the spark plugs... The NGK's have one called the iridium ix. Is this the platinum one. If not, which is better?
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by maxima_rob
Hmmm, I have been looking into replacing the spark plugs... The NGK's have one called the iridium ix. Is this the platinum one. If not, which is better?
I got the iridiums and they work with no problems.
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by maxima_rob
Hmmm, I have been looking into replacing the spark plugs... The NGK's have one called the iridium ix. Is this the platinum one. If not, which is better?

I would stick with original NGK Plats and not install another brand. Doesn't mean the Iridiums wouldnt work fine but the engine was designed to work with the NGK's.
Old Dec 13, 2004 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by BM_00
I would stick with original NGK Plats and not install another brand. Doesn't mean the Iridiums wouldnt work fine but the engine was designed to work with the NGK's.
That's NGK Iridiums. Iridium is not a brand, its a metal like platinum or copper. Iridium has higher melting point than platinum.
Old Dec 14, 2004 | 05:43 AM
  #12  
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Thanks for all your help guys. I appreciate the suggestions.
Old Dec 15, 2004 | 06:31 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by nailz420
That's NGK Iridiums. Iridium is not a brand, its a metal like platinum or copper. Iridium has higher melting point than platinum.


Thanks for correcting me. You're right. I meant to say type instead of brand.
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 06:25 AM
  #14  
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I do not understand how people spent over $500 to have the ignition coils removed and replaced by a mechanic. The thought is insane. I am mechanically inclined but enjoy learning. I have been doing work I never dreamed of on my sportbike. The same will be done with my car. If one can change the spark plugs then one can change the ignition coils. By the way, I am a proud new owner of a 2000 Maxima SE with 44,759 miles, just bought yesterday.
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 03:27 PM
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Congrats on the car!... I was so happy when i bought the same car about 8 months ago with 41k on it... Now mine just turned 53k today. My coils just went though and it sux ***
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 05:50 PM
  #16  
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Just to be certain, the ignition coils(being replaced by many Maxima owners) is the rubber piece that sits on top of the spark plugs, right?
Old Dec 18, 2004 | 11:06 PM
  #17  
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I did not have to replace mine yet, but I did replace the spark plugs. Obviously I had to to take the coils out to do this. It took me about 10 minutes for all of the coils, and 15 to put them back in. Very easy job, I do not understand how the dealer can charge $500 for it.
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 07:03 AM
  #18  
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very easy install

For those of you that haven't done it and are contemplating, beleive me, save the money and do it yourself. I have never done anything like this and it took me about 45mins to complete. It's very easy. The rears are a bit of a pain, but as long as you have good lighting you should be able to do it no problem. The link earlier in this thread makes it incredibly easy. Thanks to whomever posted the link. Beleive me, save the $300+ they charge for labor and buy the parts from Dave.

Here's the strange thing though. The coils I took out had the silver dot as well. I thought it was strange as the silver dot is supposed to indicate that they are updated? Has anyone else found this? I'm wondering if the coils were replaced during a factory maintenance and I wasn't told? Any chance of this happening?
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by BM_00
I would stick with original NGK Plats and not install another brand. Doesn't mean the Iridiums wouldnt work fine but the engine was designed to work with the NGK's.
I actually replaced mine with Bosch spark plugs and i have no problems at all. Still put in Platnium tips and i really felt a differance after i put them it.
Can someone let me know how to get in touch with Dave B. - the one who can gets maxima parts for us. - I need to change to ignition coils as well.
email or Pm - morovasa@shu.edu
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 09:39 PM
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Dave Burnette
South Point Nissan
1-888-254-6060
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 10:30 AM
  #21  
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2000 Maximus I'm surprised you aren't having problems with your bosch plugs. I used them at 92k miles and they blew my coils. I had coil 1 replaced and then 2 weeks later the remainder 5 went out. I will never use anything other than NGK on my max. Oh and by the way I'm on my official second set of coils. Nissan took care of the 1st set and I'm fighting them now to take care of them this time. I'm glad it's easy since I'm seeing a pattern I'm sure I'll be replacing them again in the future.
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 01:10 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by hakimis
2000 Maximus I'm surprised you aren't having problems with your bosch plugs. I used them at 92k miles and they blew my coils. I had coil 1 replaced and then 2 weeks later the remainder 5 went out. I will never use anything other than NGK on my max. Oh and by the way I'm on my official second set of coils. Nissan took care of the 1st set and I'm fighting them now to take care of them this time. I'm glad it's easy since I'm seeing a pattern I'm sure I'll be replacing them again in the future.

2nd set of coils?...Interesting and that sucks.
Just wondering did your 1st set of coils have the silver/grey dot on them?
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 01:27 PM
  #23  
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When I got the 1320 code, I bought one front coil and one rear one, since the dealer wants $100 ea. Cleared the code, replaced one front one rear and waited to see if code came back. It did, so I moved the new coils over one position, and that did the trick.

In total, I've now replaced all 3 front coils. The rear ones have all been good so far. Is it possible only the front coil design is bad?

I wouldn't recommend carte blanche replacing all the coils (unless under warranty) since even the new ones seem to fail at random intervals. Just replace as needed, esp since it isn't hard.
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 04:22 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by BM_00
2nd set of coils?...Interesting and that sucks.
Just wondering did your 1st set of coils have the silver/grey dot on them?
please let us know if they did have the grey dot on them? Mine have been out for about a week now and im ordering them on Monday and would like to know that answer...
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 04:44 PM
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Shisnet

I love all you guys, Each one of you have saved me countless mechinic costs and tons of BULL****!! I wana wish all of you guys, including admin a very Happy new year. and go Steelers!!!!!!!
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 05:17 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by hakimis
2000 Maximus I'm surprised you aren't having problems with your bosch plugs. I used them at 92k miles and they blew my coils. I had coil 1 replaced and then 2 weeks later the remainder 5 went out. I will never use anything other than NGK on my max. Oh and by the way I'm on my official second set of coils. Nissan took care of the 1st set and I'm fighting them now to take care of them this time. I'm glad it's easy since I'm seeing a pattern I'm sure I'll be replacing them again in the future.
That really isnt good if you have went through your second set of coils.
Nope i havent had any problems with my Bosch plugs at all and actually like them alot, yea i should have prob gone with the stock NKG plugs but its all good. I havent thrown any codes and no problems. - good luck with your car though
Old Jan 6, 2005 | 06:38 AM
  #27  
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I don't know about the dot. NIssan changed them so I never saw them.
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