I remember when I took my Acura in for service at around 30k. They said my spark plugs were all worn out. I don't feel like paying ~$290 for the 30k service at a dealer just to have my spark plugs and oil changed.

 

Spark plugs are easy to replace on a Max, don't know bout an Acura, well on an Integra they're easy.

Copper plugs die at 30K, platinum die at ~ 60K, I am pretty sure you have platinum in the Acura, they're trying to rape u

 

When they die or don't fire right you need to get new ones.

 

I think we have the 100k platinums... So, unless they aren't working correctly, then they don't need to be changed for a while.

 

I checked under my friend's 2001 engine cover (counldnt figure out how to take my 2002 engine cover off ) and i saw that the spark plugs have wires that plug into them... i have no idea how to take them out and change them.... is 2k2 like this or not?

 

Yeah, Acura uses premium NGK platinum plugs. Since you have an Acura, you should have plenty of choices. I remember that you can get Denso Japan Iridium plug on ebay for as low as under $40 for Integra. So you might as well go and look.......

Your Acura manual will show you how to do the installation....

 

Ah yeah those wires would be the spark plug wires. You want to pull up on the wires and they come out. 2k2 is like this you just have to remove the engine cover. And no offence but I don't think you should be under the hood of a car.

 

the ignition coils sit right on the plug, so you don't have any spark plug wires... Just take the screw holding the black plastic covers off and the coils should pop right off. You will need extensions for your ratchet to reach the plugs....

 

2000+ Maxima's have 100k platinum plugs? Can anyone verify this? If so I'll be glad I don't have to get them changed. I have about 27k on my Max. My brakes vibrate like hell though, but I still have 50% of my pads left.

 

My '02 Altima 3.5SE has platinum plugs, and the Owner's Manual first calls for a change at 100K miles. I assume the '02 Maxima's plugs are identical.

Interestingly enough, the manual details how to change the plugs in the QR25DE four-cylinder engine. No such luck with the VQ. Instead, you get the dreaded "See your Nissan dealer" under the how-to-change-your-spark-plugs section. I can see why. You can get at the left bank of plugs pretty easily, but two on the right bank (by the firewall) are totally covered by the intake manifold. In fact, it looks like you've got to yank the manifold to replace them.

Glad Nissan was kind enough to specify the double-tipped platinum jobs rather than the more standard single-tipped 60K variety.

Jarrod K. Wright
'02 Altima 3.5SE 5-speed (w/fine motor)
'98 Altima SE 5-speed (w/truck motor)