I have a 2005 maxima with 107,000 miles on it and I'm going to do a tune up on it. My guestion is-Is it a good idea to change the ignition coil on the back side since its a pain to get to them. Second question should I go to the dealership to get to the dealership to get the coils($115.00) or regular parts store($82.99).

 

Are the coils bad? Whats your reason for changing them? I'm pretty sure the coil issues were fixed for the 6th gens so theres no need to start replacing them unless they go bad.

If it aint broke, dont fix it.

 

The car actually runs fine. I'm still getting 24-28mpg city and 26-35mpg highway. I would hate to change the plugs and months later a coil goes out on the back side. How long do the coils usually last?

 

Direct ignition coils are meant to last the life of the vehicle, the only reason you see the issue so much on this forum is because the older cars (up to 2001) commonly suffered from bad coils. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but I'm saying that you'll likely never have to replace them. And even if you did I would only go with replacing one when it goes bad as opposed to replacing all 6.

Spark plugs are a reasonable tune up item to replace, I would go ahead with those (NGK).

 

Thanks man thats all I wanted to know-I have the spacer kit so I'll will just change the plugs.

 

Agreed wait for them to go bad it isnt hard to pull the intake manifold...maybe 30 minutes or less...GL..

 

No need to change anything but plugs and PCV valve.

 

What plugs did you get? NGK Double Platinums or NGK Iridium IX? On NGK's website, the Iridium are the most recent plugs released and should be ok to use to replace double patinum. Let me know what you think and what you got.

I am at 95k now, but don't know when I would do my spark plugs. I might go up till 120k before doing the spark plugs and I want to go with NGK Iridiums.

But if I happen to buy the spacer kit early next year, then I will do my spark plugs sooner than 120k.

 

The Iridium or laser platinums are fine. Do plugs at 100k. If not running bad you can go to 120 but I wouldn't go more than that.

 

My car ran noticeably smoother after changing my plugs (NGK iridium, oddly cheaper that the OE replacements) at 75k. The old plugs looked to be fine with no obvious signs of issues but after starting the car even the idle was better. Sure you can go longer but why?

 

I bought the iridium but I havent changed them yet-just hit 107k and its still running smooth

 

Me too. I just bought my NGK Iridium IX from Advance Auto Parts. But I will not do my tune-up until I hopefully can buy the thermal spacers, so I can change my spark plugs when I install the thermal spacers too. My car is at 99K and still running great with no sluggishness. So, I will see how long I go until I do my own tune-up. I just hope i Can save enough to buy the spacers so I can install when changing spark plugs.

 

Don't get me wrong, my car ran great prior to changing the plugs. When you drive something for 75k you don't notice the subtle changes in performance since it deteriorates slowly over a long period of time. When you get it back all at once it's easily noticeable.

Either way you'll see but changing them while installing spacers is a good plan.

 

I have 2004 SE and I changed my spark plugs at 96,000 miles and 4 months later one of the two coils that you can’t get to without removing the intake failed so I ended up taking the intake back off again to replace it. I only replaced 2 coils, the failed coil and the other one that can’t be reached without intake removal. So I would say replace the 2 coils that require intake removal and leave the other ones alone. Unless you don’t mind ripping the intake back off, ya it’s not a terrible job to take it off but for the $150 I spent on 2 coils if I had the job to do over I would have just replaced the two coils when I did the plugs. Just my opinion.

 

With that logic why don't we just do an engine and tranny swap while the hood is open and you have your tools out? That way we can be sure the car won't break down anytime soon.

Like the old saying goes, "if it aint broke dont fix it".

 

The logic is potentially saving yourself some time while it is apart. The same way on other cars that they replace working water pumps when changing timing belts. It’s an item that could fail and while its apart its an option to think about. I thought the same thing when I first changed the plugs then one failed 4 months later. Besides it’s a lousy $150 not $5000. Like I said it’s my opinion so do what you want.

 

I just hit 150k and did a starter and alternator. Now I had to do belts and hoses and replace the hose on the oil cooler next to the filter due to wear. I also drive cross country every year so I can't afford to hear click click at a rest stop. Coils are a different matter. No need to do them.

Still and all the term "if it isn't broke don't fix it" is pretty asinine. Know your car and driving habits and do preventive mx. It's better long term.

 

That was precisely my experience on my '08, only at 60K miles. Engine wasn't running badly, but there was a "twitch" in the steering wheel at idle....I'm picky.

Changed the plugs, cleaned the throttle body and PCV valve, and the engine now idles perfectly smooth.

By the way if the OP or any of you guys are looking at replacing coils, the P/N (at least for an 07-08) is 22448-8J11C, and they're listed for $82 at
http://www.nissanpartswarehouse.com/

 

BTW, noticed mine is looking a little "corroded and scaly" on the outside.....is this a common part to fail?

If so, I'll probably replace it before it breaks (even though it ain't broke yet)

 

Rice rocket specials!!!! Please do not buy!!!

 

Definitely the most random first post I've ever read. A real head scratcher.

 

Being rubber and very cheap and easy to replace it makes total sense to do it I think it's location makes for it to wear quicker than the back one but like I said it costs nothing to replace so at 150k it's a no brainer.

 

Those tail lights are hideous... But hey, we all have different taste

 

It's a steel line.....#10 in the pic below....hence my comment "corroded and scaly". There are sections of the line where it's rubber hose, but they will get replaced when/if I do the steel portion....looks like #6 is steel, too

http://nissan4u.com/parts/maxima/us_...llustration_1/

 

Oh i thought you meant the rubber hose right next to the filter. That is the pipe that connects it. Above it is another rubber hose that connects to block right next to Rad hose. If you are going to replace that I would just get the whole piece. May cost you $30 bucks but will take you a third the time.

 

Finally install the spacer kit and new plugs. The instruction were dead on and easy. it took me about 6 hours to do but I took my time. Just want everyone know that if you have any mechanical skills that this come be done. Please dont let the instructions crazy you. It is alot of stuff to take off but its really not bad. Next step is cold air intake

 

Good job!

 

As the dude said if it ain't broken why change it. Do the regular things like spark plug,alternator and crank belt,change the air filter,pcv valve and seeing that the car has that much mileage on it you might want to check the front end suspension.

Lower control arm,ball joints and brakes. And an oil change won't hurt.Cheers

 

mathewr1, congrats on your install of spacers and spark plugs. I was hoping to read your review after install. You didn't do it. So, I am still waiting to hear. Did you install the 5pc NWP spacers? Was it the economy ones? Let me know.

Aaron92SE, have you released the economy spacers yet? when is date of release?

 

mathewr1, congrats on your install of spacers and spark plugs. I was hoping to read your review after install. You didn't do it. So, I am still waiting to hear. Did you install the 5pc NWP spacers? Was it the economy ones? Let me know.

Aaron92SE, have you released the economy spacers yet? when is date of release?

 

The maxima definitely feels smoother. I installed the 5 piece spacer and of course I changed the plugs and the pcv valve. I got the 5 piece since I was taking the upper intake off the get to the plugs and the lower intake was a piece of cake to get off so why not do the 5 piece. It accelerates down low and the mid range alot faster now. I noticed it tonight while I was driving. I have to changed the struct mounts this weekend and as far as the oil I only had 1000 miles on it so I'll wait for 3k for that. I think I going to get the nismo cold air intake next month. I forget to say that I have a nismo exhaust, cattman y-pipe, NWP block off plate, grounding kit and a K&N filter in the airbox.

 

It's a big difference in price compared to the 3pc. Almost $75 for 2 extra pcs. Still on the fence on the 3pc or 5pc

 

Nice review. Glad to know it accelerates a little better. Well, I am hoping I can buy the 5pc economy package when it comes out. I would like to get the feeling of a little better acceleration. When I buy all pieces, i will start looking for when to do my own tune-up.

Post any long term review, if you feel as to.