jsmith24

It's been a while since I've beein on the .ORG, so I don't know if this info is already here somewhere, but I wanted to post the link because this is a great walk-through for changing the plugs on a 5th Gen Maxima. It's not my site, I just wanted you guys to see what I found.

Changing Spark Plugs

He has a few other How-Tos on there as well, but this was my favorite.

Jack

MIXXMAX

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, that link is for changing the plugs on the 2k2-2k3's. It's different on the 2k-2k1's. The removal of the manifold process doesn't need to be removed. But, changing them is basically the same.

maximaownsyou

umm the rear plugs on my 2k2 is behind the manifold too

MIXXMAX

iTrader: (1)

Oops. Yeah, I just realized that later after I posted. Good looking out. I edited my post. Thanks!

beancooker

Now wait a minute, I've got an 01, but for some strange reason I get the feeling that it's not necessary to pull the intake manifold.

sloppymax

iTrader: (8)

no need to remove the manifold on the 3.0. the only thing that could get in the way is the throttle and cruise control cable but they are easy enough to disconnect and move.

MIXXMAX

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, when I changed my rears, I didn't even bother removing the harness from the coil. I managed to loosen the throttle cable a little and squeezed the coil right out without even putting any stress on it.

beancooker

In that whack write-up did anyone notice he never bothered to cover the wide open holes to keep debris out of the engine???

Jasovanni

iTrader: (1)

can anyone link an 00-01 how-to please ?

J

jsmith24

What debris? Didn't you see how clean that bay is?

Jack

MIXXMAX

iTrader: (1)

Don't know of a link off hand, but it's a fairly simple process.

For front plugs:
1) Remove valve cover.
2) Disconnect harness from coils.
3) Remove the two bolts holding in coils.
4) Pull coil up from spark plug.
5) Using a socket wrench with spark plug socket (5/8), loosen spark plug and pull out.
6) Reverse the procedure for install. May want to use a torque wrench to correctly torque the plugs when tightening them back in. Some people do, some people don't. But for me, I do.

For rears plugs:
Removal is the same as fronts, but may have to loosen throttle cable and/or temporarily remove cruise control cable. This will make it easier to get around in removing the coils from the plugs.

Mints33

iTrader: (5)

A link w/ pics for a 2000 would be super sweet.

beancooker

Look at the post directly above yours. If you pull your intake to change your plugs you're

CCS2k1Max

iTrader: (2)

Up 2000, the owners manuals had a how-to for the plugs in the DIY maintenance section, straight from the FSM.

Mints33

iTrader: (5)

Thanks ccs2k1max - unfortunately my 2000 didn't come w/ a owners manual.

CCS2k1Max

iTrader: (2)

The FAQ sticky is your friend.

http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/nissa...id=&dept_id=30

Mints33

iTrader: (5)

CCS2k1max - yes indeed, however the site you provided is out of the manuals, they're on backorder, plus they're a whopping 15 bucks! Guess I should've asked for one from Nissan years ago.

CCS2k1Max

iTrader: (2)

Download the fugging file.
http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/nissa...p?dept%5Fid=37

MacGarnicle

iTrader: (1)

do a search - I forget who, but someone's hosted a site with FSM for all maxima models.. don't pay for it...

meseville

Ok. How about a revisit of changing the rear plugs on a 2000. I have been skinning my knuckles for 40 years on cars and my observation is that the intake is directly over the valve cover and must be removed. I suspect the even if the motor was totally removed from the car and mounted on an engine stand that the intake would still need to be removed. A mechanic at the Maxima dealership said the intake does not need to be removed, that I just need to use a long extension. Problem is I can not even see/feel the valve cover with the manifold on let alone see/feel any of the three coils. There does not appear that the manifold has any access holes through it. Maybe there are different intakes used on Maximas, some with access to the plugs and some with no access to the plugs. My quest is has anyone been successful in changing the rear plugs in a 2000 (not 1999, 2001, 2002, or any other year) Maxima without removing the intake? If so how is it done? Also, if it is possible, is it better (cost or effort wise) to just remove the intake?
Thanks, Bob

ecrash

iTrader: (2)

All the FSM's are here in the download section.
http://www.phatg20.net/

DrunkieTheBear

iTrader: (17)

I have changed my spark plugs on the rear bank numerous times.

you should take a mirror and a flash light and look down the intake mani openings, it is possible to do them

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

The IM is designed to allow the changing of the rear spark plugs without having to remove it (the IM).

The same cannot be said about the 02+ IM.

'02_EMILBUS

iTrader: (3)

So it is impossible to change the plugs on my '02 w/o removing the upper IM? I guess the dealer does it the same way?

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

you have to be a member genius, it wont work unless you sign up

GEEZ!

how complicated can it be to just Upload the FSM pdf to sendspace?

Whitebread

iTrader: (2)

Unequivocally. You won't even be able to get a screw driver in there to get the coils out unless you were to drop the motor. Taking the upper plenum off isnt that difficult anyway. I did it last weekend in 2 hours. Dissconnect something like 5 or 6 vaccum lines, a few electrical connectors and a couple screws and it comes right off. Just remember to replace the gasket between the upper and lower pieces.

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

how much does the dealer want for spark plugs?

and which ones are better...these Denso, or the NGK?

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

If you can turn a socket wrench, you could change the plugs on an 02+.

I paid ~ 8$/plug for my Iridiums and it takes an hour or 2 for the procedure.

'02_EMILBUS

iTrader: (3)

I do not know. I wouldnt go to the dealer for anything unless its an OEM part.
Get plugs from the parts store. I'm going to do the plugs myself, its just seems more intense in the write-up. Give myself 3 hrs and I should be good? And when its done I'm also going to do the NWP Intake Spacers that are spoke highly of... No gasket needed then

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

If I were you, I would do it all at once. (Spacers & Plugs).

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

ohhh, what fun.......where would one obtain the spacers, have there been more problems with the spacers, and do these replace the gaskets

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

There have been zero problems with the spacers. You can get them by contacting Aaron@NWP
http://www.nwpengineering.com/Phenolic_Spacers.html

Yes, they replace the gaskets.

jasonmax

iTrader: (2)

I would do valve covers, spacers, plugs

'02_EMILBUS

iTrader: (3)

Thats what was meant.

Why do people do valve covers (gaskets, I assume)? Do you have oil leaking through them?

jasonmax

iTrader: (2)

yeah, and almost every 5.5th gene has this problem.

Whitebread

iTrader: (2)

+1

I've got oil all over the forward most bank.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Mine doesn't yet, 105.5k / Mfg date 10/02.

jasonmax

iTrader: (2)

not noticeable in the front, take a look on the back.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Just recently did plugs / spacers and nothing was out of the norm back there.

hi-tek22

iTrader: (4)

ohhh, kool. Thanks bro

oh wait....is there one that works with the 01...if there isnt...and it doesn't look to be one

is there a substitute for the 00-01 3.0L 5th gens