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

ignition coil diagnosis

Old Nov 23, 2005 | 07:38 PM
  #1  
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ignition coil diagnosis

I've got famous code P1320 - most likely ignition coil(s). Second code is also P1320. I'd like to see if I can figure out if one is bad, rather than replace them all (trying to save $$).

This thread says "warm up you car until it starts to show the same symptoms. then disconnect the coils 1 by 1. When you get to one that doesn't make the engine bog, you've found the bad coil." I assume turn off the engine, disconnect a coil, restart the engine. Is that safe?

Alternatively, can I buy 1 coil and try replacing the existing coils in sequence?

In either case, will the SES light go out if I replace the bad one?

Thanks in advance.
Old Nov 23, 2005 | 07:51 PM
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Nope, leave the engine running... you will know when it doesnt bog down... Your engine will be just fine...
Old Nov 24, 2005 | 08:31 PM
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There is currently a petition on the net to try to have nissan fix our cars to recall the ignition coils..the more drivers sign up the chances the better..

link

http://www.petitiononline.com/NIS_IGN/petition.html
Old Nov 26, 2005 | 09:08 AM
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Any suggestions or pics on how to get to the back 3 coils? Seems like there are a lot of parts in the way.
Old Nov 26, 2005 | 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by zmaxuser
There is currently a petition on the net to try to have nissan fix our cars to recall the ignition coils..the more drivers sign up the chances the better..

link

http://www.petitiononline.com/NIS_IGN/petition.html
don't waste your time... thay are not going to do anything about it.......

As for the coils... save some money... and get the six replace.. you can do it yourself and save on the installation.. is really simple.... good luck

Call DaveB he will hook you up with a great price 1-888-254-6060.. tell him you are an .Org member...
Old Nov 26, 2005 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Lontar1
don't waste your time... thay are not going to do anything about it.......

As for the coils... save some money... and get the six replace.. you can do it yourself and save on the installation.. is really simple.... good luck

Call DaveB he will hook you up with a great price 1-888-254-6060.. tell him you are an .Org member...
about how much does a set of six cost? My #2 coil is shot. Also, anyone know if a VQ30DE coil will work on a VQ35DE? I can get a VQ30 coil today but I don't want to rip apart my bay if I don't need to.
Old Nov 26, 2005 | 09:54 AM
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Originally Posted by GBAUER
about how much does a set of six cost? My #2 coil is shot. Also, anyone know if a VQ30DE coil will work on a VQ35DE? I can get a VQ30 coil today but I don't want to rip apart my bay if I don't need to.
I think they are different. www.courtesyparts.com has them for $65.67 each.. do the math.... call daveB.... ggod luck
Old Nov 26, 2005 | 12:14 PM
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Stop hijacking my thread

Any suggestions or pics on how to get to the back 3 coils? Seems like there are a lot of parts in the way.
Old Nov 26, 2005 | 01:00 PM
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Originally Posted by ODB
Stop hijacking my thread

Any suggestions or pics on how to get to the back 3 coils? Seems like there are a lot of parts in the way.
Who's hijacking your thread....??? People ask questions.. and everybody will have an answer or will add their worries to yours.... no need to say that.

Have you ever change the spark plugs in your car? I think NO, so it is really easy on our cars... the 3.5 is a pain to do...........

You will have to pull the coils up and then work your way around them..... it is just a pitta..... let me know if need more help. Look at your engine and once you pull one out the rest will be the same.....
Old Nov 26, 2005 | 01:23 PM
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Duder... Its easy to do disconnect the clip from the coil... Pull the coil straight out, they bend and are made of rubber so they wont break and come out easily...
Old Nov 26, 2005 | 02:23 PM
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I should have read this while I was still at work!

ODB: You can absolutely try one cylinder at a time, or do all 6. It's your money! The rear bank coils are not nearly as hard as they look at first glance, Lontar is right!

Gbauer: The VQ35 coils are different, I get $61 each for them.
Old Nov 26, 2005 | 03:06 PM
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I've found that at first the coils fail intermittantly and you may experience rough running that clears up when you shut off the car and restart it. The SES light may turn on at this stage however, you may only get the generic P1320 code for ignition as the condition worsens the SES lite may blink and the car runs rough and then you may be able to get the P1320 code plus a code like the P0301 which identifies Cylinder # 1.
Old Nov 27, 2005 | 08:29 AM
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Hi gang- I'm new to the site. Glad to have found you. I have the infamous coil problem as well. My independent mechanic felt it was #2 coil but couldn't be sure. Dealer said replace all six (for $850.00) - HA! I had the dealer do #2 only, but now the SES and rough engine is back in less than 1K. Two questions - Any recomendations as to which inexpensive OBDll scanner to buy? Also, I understand Nissan has a new or updated coil set with different part numbers or markings than the original? Thanks in advance!
Old Nov 27, 2005 | 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by 2000-SE
Any recomendations as to which inexpensive OBDll scanner to buy?
Harrison and Auterra are 2 that I've seen mentioned, and according to my Google search, have both Palm and laptop versions, which is nice.

http://www.obdscan.net/

http://www.auterraweb.com/
Old Nov 27, 2005 | 09:06 AM
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Originally Posted by 2000-SE
Hi gang- I'm new to the site. Glad to have found you. I have the infamous coil problem as well. My independent mechanic felt it was #2 coil but couldn't be sure. Dealer said replace all six (for $850.00) - HA! I had the dealer do #2 only, but now the SES and rough engine is back in less than 1K.
Just a comment.... you could just replace the other 5 yourself for much less and be rid of further problems arising from the other old coils. Call Dave Burnette (look up his number in the FAQs) and he'll get you coils for a reasonable price.
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