SPARK PLUG CHANGE

The spark plug change on the Nissan Pathfinder is a bit daunting up front, but overall it is only slightly more difficult than a more standard spark plug change. Ultimately there are only 2 difficult spark plugs to change and they are both on the passenger side.

Before starting anything make sure you have your parts and tools 100%
These are the plugs that I bought and can confirm that they work with no issues in my vehicle
Here is a break down of the part costs from local Nissan Dealers and other shops
Some of the important measurements
More important measurements
Even more important measurements
Disconect electrical connector from ignition coil
Use 10mm socket to remove ignition coil retainer bolt
Give ignition coil a twisty motion and remove it
Insert spark plug socket into spark plug well with appropriate extensions
Remove Spark Plug
Inspect old and new spark plug and ignition coil
Check gap on new plugs. They are non-adjustable. This is to ensure your plug isn't out of spec. If it is return it to the store and don't re-gap it. This is true for irridum plugs only.
Put spark plug into spark plug socket and carefully insert it. Tighten by hand initially. DO NOT CROSS THREAD THE PLUG.
I torqued my plugs to 18 foot pounds IAW the manual I have
I lube the inner coils with dielectric grease
I use my finger but a Q-Tip also works well
Reinsert the ignition coil and ensure it is properly seated on the spark plug
Install the 10mm bolt. I have no torque spec on this, but installed it snuggly
Attach the electrical connector to the ignition coil and that one is done. The centre driver side plug is identical in process. For the rest of the plugs I will only show parts of the process
I used an extra long extension for the plug against the firewall on the drivers side
This is the set up used and that worked best for me. Spark plug socekt, then short extension, then articulator, then long extension.
Passenger side centre plug needs to be removed through the horse shoe in the air intake
Another shot of the passenger side centre plug
A small ratchet wrench is helpful to remove the 10mm ingnition coil bolt from the front passenger side coil
I removed the front passenger side coil through the front of the engine
Front passenger side spark plug can be removed directly with a long extension through the air intake horse shoe
Another shot of the removal of the front passenger side spark plug
Another shot of the removal of the front passenger side spark plug
Direct installation of the front passenger side spark plug
Torque the front passenger side plug to the right spec
Install the front passenger side Coil, install the bolt that holds the coil in place and reattach the electrical connector. Small hands help here

Tools and equipment used:

Gloves – https://amzn.to/2XbIYqv
Shop Towels – https://amzn.to/3nmsnea
Metric socket set – https://amzn.to/3lUvveV
Socket extenders – https://amzn.to/3kLu0Ax
Spark Plug Socket – https://amzn.to/3F0AR10
Torque Wrench – https://amzn.to/3kEBDbF
Dielectric grease – https://amzn.to/3i552Kx
NGK IX Iridium – LFR5AIX-11
NGK Laser Iridium – DILFR5A11
(do your research on plugs as different year call for different plugs)

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