How to Replace Spark Plug 02-08 Nissan Maxima

Difficulty: Advanced · About 80 min · Nissan Maxima

Replace the spark plugs, including removing the intake plenum for the rear ones, on a 2002-2008 Nissan Maxima.

Steps

1. Remove the front spark plugs

   Remove the engine cover's four T30 bolts and the cover, push the tab on the ignition coil's harness and pull it free, remove the coil's bolt, pull the coil out, then remove the spark plug with a 5/8-inch socket.

2. Reinstall the front spark plugs

   Check the gap is about .044 inches, center the plug in the hole and thread it in, torquing it to about 20-25 ft-lb, push the coil down over the plug, replace its bolt, then reconnect the lead.

3. Access the rear spark plugs

   Loosen the intake hose's clamp with a flat blade screwdriver and pull it off, disconnect the green connector, remove the middle line's hose clamp and hose from the intake plenum, remove the plenum's front two 10mm bolts and the rear bracket's two 12mm bolts, remove the vacuum line's clamp with pliers and twist the hose free, remove the plenum's two end 12mm nuts and three front 12mm bolts, disconnect the lead on its side with a screwdriver, disconnect the harnesses and hose on the passenger side and the two vacuum lines and harness at the front, then lift the plenum up and out of the way to reach the coils and follow the same coil and plug steps as the front.

4. Reinstall the intake plenum

   Make sure no hoses or harnesses are at risk of being pinched, fit the plenum down into place, reconnect the intake tube and its clamp, reinsert the three bolts and two 12mm nuts and torque them to about 25-30 ft-lb, reinsert the 10mm bolts, reconnect the hoses and harnesses along the plenum and its brackets, then double-check everything is connected, watching for shiny or clean spots that indicate a missed connection.

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