Is it absolutely necessary to change spark plugs every 60,000 miles (first 60000 coming up soon for me), even if the gas mileage isnt bad, and it drives pretty well? And how much of the 60,000 could I do myself? I am not very mechanically inclined, but I can follow directions. If not, how much does it cost do get a mechanic to do it? Thanks.

 

you can change the plugs urself, the airfilter, the gas filter is a bit hard to get too, you can basiclly drain the tranny fluid yourself and then refill it.
what else am i missing?

 

according to the 60000 website for max's:

1) spark plugs
2)oil change
3)fuel filter
4)transmission fluid
5)radiator coolant
6)PCV valve
7)Belt Replacement? It makes it sound like this is only for 95's
8)Tighten Throttle Cable

 

How To's: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=254238 with links and stuff

Clean the TB and the IACV since you're taking out the intake stuff to change the fuel filter.

 

sparkplugs wearing out is typically a gradual change so its not something you will notice. you might think it is driving well but after they are replaced you should notice a difference. they are very easy to do even if you mechanically inclined. there are plenty of write ups around here that should make it go smoothly.

 

my stealership wanted about $430 for the 60K service

 

NGK Platinums are expensive so buy the NGK Coppers. Coppers are only like $2 a piece

 

Courtesy Service quoted me 525 for the service

 

Thanks for your help, I don't plan on dishing out all that money...I'll take a look at it all, I plan on changing oil, and taking a look at the spark plugs since it should be easy. Are the Spark Plugs installation what costs all the money?

 

You can do it yourself:
Spark plugs http://www.vqpower.com/v2/modules.ph...howpage&pid=33
Oil change http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/511
Fuel filter http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/fuelfilter.html
Clean TB (http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/517) & IACV (http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=254238) when you do fuel filter
Transmission fluid http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=149056
Radiator coolant http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/502
PCV valve http://web.archive.org/web/200111091...k_service.html

They charge you a lot at the stealership b/c they can. They have BS prices on parts and people still go there since they think that it's the best place to go to have it done.

 

Thanks for the great links...I still have a couple thousand to go though...two things

1)on the PCV valve link, I'm guessing this just means replace it, since it gives no intructions?

2)on the Spark Plug it says, "This is optional, the maxima is recommended to run with Platinum Plugs, however copper provides a better spark and the only down side is it will only last for 30k instead of 60k for platinum plugs." Is it true that copper provide better spark? If so, why are Platinum Plugs recommended?

Thanks

 

Just unscrew the clamp and pull off the hose. Take out the PCV valve and put the new one in. Reconnect the hose and put the clamp back on.

Nissan recommends platinums not sure why, but you can use the copper ones. Copper is way cheaper so I used those