Does anybody know what brand the original ignition coils are? I got a P0304 code and I want to change both the spark plugs and coils. Rockauto.com has a Hitachi coil part number IGC0006, and they claim it to be the "actual OE part". My 03 has 146k miles, I have no idea if the plugs have ever been replaced, and since I will have my mechanic do the plugs, I might as well replace the coils and pay labor once. The last thing I want is for a coil to take a dump a few months from now, and I'll have to pay labor again.

The thing is that I've read here that you don't want to use any aftermarket coil because it'll fail sooner than later. Any info will be appreciated.

I forgot to mention that the coil in rockauto.com is around $20 cheaper than the one from Tri-Cities Nissan.

 

Hitachi is the OEM brand, I would still be more comfortable buying them from Nissan just to be safe .

 

And how much is that labor?

 

Don't know yet. I'll find out tomorrow. I watched a video that shows you how to do it, and to be honest, it looks kind of scary. My 10 year old nephew can do the front bank, but the rear seems to be a PITA. That intake... So, if my mechanic wants a small fortune for it, I may do it myself. Lets see.

 

...for the first time, taking the upper intake manifold off can seem daunting. Have to ever take it off again and it's a piece of cake, really.

IF you decide to do it, just remove the bracket that holds the rear portion on...no need for it. That bracket, or more specifically the bolts that hold it on, are the hardest part of taking the IM off.

 

the coils are Hitatchi and the number you stated i believe is to be the replacements. I just finishing this job for replacing the odd coils and plugs #1,3,5 all in the back so I had to take off the plenum cover and disconnect all the hoses and electrical plugs. I consider myself to be WAY below average weekend technician and I was able to do this job. I see you have a 304 code so you shouldn't have to change the coils/plugs in the back.


In case you decide you want to change your #1 3 and 5 here is a link for a step by step process that without it I would not have considered doing this job. If you decide to do this job a couple quick hints would be to get a intake gasket replacement and make sure you know the sequence and torque specs for the cover so you can tighten the cover correctly after you are done.

http://greghome.com/Greg's%20Garage/2002MaxSE/SparkPlugReplacement.htm

if the link doesnt come accross correct just go to greghome.com and you will see it on the first page. this was a great write up with pics.

If you have any questions I will be happy to spend some time with you to give some advice if you want. If you bother taking the cover off to replace the ones in the back I would replace all three plugs and coils but that is just me.


This is a full day job if nothing goes wrong.

 

Almost forgot...if you do change out your 1/3/5 plugs, be prepared to see oil on #5 and maybe #3. Our VQs are susceptible to leaking oil from the valve cover into those spark plug tubes...the valve cover tube 'seals' fail. This can be remedied by a 2004 Maxima rear valve cover for a 1/3rd of the cost of a 2003 Maxima rear vc.

 

If you are doing it all once, definitelty replace that rear valve cover with one from a 6th Gen (with a fresh valve cover gasket). And it may also be a good idea to replace the upper manifold gasket since you need to take the manifold off to get access to the plugs/coils. You can reuse the gasket, but since it have been in there for so long, it's just a piece of mind doing it.

It looks like they have 5% coupon codes for RockAuto as well so definitely use one when ordering. http://www.retailmenot.com/view/rockauto.com

 

Or wait till this ends and you'll get a good price

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-2005-2006-Nissan-Maxima-VQ35DE-OEM-Rear-Valve-Cover-Assembly-w-Gasket-/130966515604?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e7e366f94&vxp=mtr

 

Here is the tightening sequence for the cover if you decide to change your plugs and coils. Good Luck

Page 12

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/2002/EM.pdf

 

Get OEM coils from courtesynissan.com

 

Thank you all for your replies and advice. I went to the shop this morning, and my mechanic pulled codes P0304 and P0335, which are misfire on cylinder 4 and the crank position sensor. He's replacing all the spark plugs (NGK Platinum), coil #4, and the sensor (all OEM) for $150 plus parts. I've dealt with this cat for a while, and I know he's not ripping me off. Like my father says, "convenience always has a price". So, he's doing it as I write this. I know it'll be done right, and I won't have to mess up my manicure . Thanks again.