How to Replace Ignition Coil 02-08 Nissan Maxima

Difficulty: Advanced · About 70 min · Nissan Maxima

Replace the front and rear ignition coils, including removing the intake plenum for the rear ones, on a 2002-2008 Nissan Maxima.

Steps

1. Remove the front ignition coils

   Remove the engine cover's four T30 Torx bolts, remove each coil's 10mm bolt, disconnect its wiring lead, then pull it out by hand.

2. Install the front ignition coils

   Push the new coil into place, connect its wiring lead, insert its 10mm bolt, then repeat for the other two front coils.

3. Access the rear ignition coils

   Loosen the intake hose clamp screw with a flat blade screwdriver, disconnect the green wiring connector, loosen the middle intake line's clamp with slip-joint pliers and disconnect the hose, remove the front plenum bracket's two 10mm bolts and the rear bracket's two 12mm bolts, loosen the back vacuum line's clamp, remove the plenum's two 12mm nuts and three 12mm bolts, disconnect the blue wiring harness and pry it from its clip, disconnect the wiring harnesses behind the plenum and pry them free, then pull the plenum up and out of the way.

4. Replace the rear ignition coils

   Remove and install them the same way as the front coils.

5. Reinstall the intake plenum

   Make sure nothing is caught underneath it, push it into place, reconnect the intake hose, start the two 12mm nuts and three 12mm bolts by hand, insert the rear bracket's two 12mm bolts, torque all the plenum hardware to about 25-30 ft-lb, reconnect the rear wiring harness, insert the front bracket's 10mm bolts, connect the side wiring harnesses and vacuum hoses, double-check for loose connections, then refit the engine cover and its four T30 screws.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.