Just bought my first Maxima its an 03 with 75,000 miles on it. Its had the SES light on so I took it to Autozone to get the code which is P0301, 1 cylinder misfire. The lady there said to first try changing out the spark plugs. I'm not sure if they have been changed so this will be the first thing that I will do. Any suggestions on spark plug brands and how hard is it to change out the plugs? Also, would the spark plugs be the first thing to check? Thanks for the help.

 

Any help would be gladly taken.

 

Yes, the code means a cylinder 1 misfire. Usually the cause of a misfire in our maximas for the 5.5 gens (02-03) is the ignition coil.

Normally, I'd tell you to just change your ignition coil. However, cylinder 1 is located near the firewall. In order to get to it, you're gonna need to remove your upper intake manifold.

If you need to do that, then you might as well replace all 6 spark plugs and replace that ignition coil. Also people will suggest that you change your valve cover to a 6th gen valve cover for 04+.

Shops are probably going to charge you for a couple hours labor to remove the intake manifold. It is recommended that you replace the gasket when removing the intake manifold. If you aren't scared to try it yourself, it's not too hard to do. There's an excellent write up here:
http://www.greghome.com/Greg%27s%20G...eplacement.htm

That really made things much simpler and that was one of the first things I did on my car when I bought it last year. It made me much more confident in DIY stuff. For the first time, it took me about 2 hours with my friend. Now, I'm able to take it off in 20-30 minutes easily.

The spark plugs I would recommend are NGK Iridium IX which is what I used. They last longer than copper and platinum from what I remember in my research.

Pretty much what you have to do is:
Remove intake manifold
Replace ignition coil for cylinder 1. (the one closest to the passenger side near the firewall.

While you're there, you might as well:
Replace all 6 spark plugs
Replace valve cover with a 6th gen (04+) and gasket
Replace your gasket for the upper intake manifold
Replace your ignition coil.

Ignition coils are a bit pricey, and if you are going to be having this work done at a shop, you might want to consider replacing the 3 coils for cylinders 1 3 and 5 (the ones near the firewall). If you do it yourself and don't mind redoing it if another coil fails in the future, then you should be safe with just 1, but it depends on your budget and how you want to approach it. Not really necessary but a precaution to replace them. New they cost from dave b or online about 80-90 each I believe. Coils for each cylinder are all the same. Front ones fit back and vice versa. Used coils are also an option that are cheaper if you want to take a bit of a gamble. That's what I did and mine are working after 6 months.

Good luck.

Edit: Sorry, kinda got carried away. Wrote quite a bit.

 

Thanks for all the help. I can probably do this myself or at least try because I hate paying the shops. The 6th gen valve cover swap, what is the point of doing this?

 

They're better designed than the 5.5 gen ones. The 5.5 gen valve covers tend to leak oil.

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...sket-leak.html

 

^^very wise words from the noodlez.... deff do what he sed

 

Started pulling the plugs out and the number 5 plug I believe (the one closest to the drivers side) had a pool of oil in it. From the research I have done this is normal? Is the only fix to this not happening is to buy the 04-06 valve cover? The front plugs were clean, but need replacing. If I go with the 04 valve cover how much can I expect to pay?

THanks

 

Normal, they all leak there. I believe the 6th gen valve covers are in the $50 range.

 

Got the 04-06 valve cover off of ebay with the gasket for $66 shipped. Already got the NGK Iridium IX plugs. Hopefully the vc and ignition coil gets here before the weekend so I get the Maxima running smooth and get it to the window tint shop.

Thanks to everyone for the help.