Crossover operation Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) requires careful attention to the ignition system, especially considering the specifics of its power unit. Engine VQ35DE With a variable valve timing system, CVTCS is highly demanding on the spark, and even a slight deviation in the spark plug can lead to loss of power or increased fuel consumption.
Many owners are faced with the fact that after a run of 60-80 thousand kilometers, the car begins to twitch during acceleration or stall at idle. Often the problem lies in the resource spark plugs, which have exhausted their service life and cease to provide full ignition of the fuel mixture in the cylinders.
Design features of the VQ35DE motor and spark requirements
Engine series VQ from the company Nissan is famous for its endurance, but the ignition system here has its own nuances. Unlike older models with a distributor, in Murano Z51 An individual ignition coil is used for each cylinder, which places increased demands on the quality of the gap and insulation.
For stable operation ignition systems It is necessary that the electrodes of the spark plug can withstand high voltage without breakdown of the insulator. If you use cheap analogs with the wrong heat rating, this can lead to overheating of the central electrode and even its destruction inside the combustion chamber, which will entail expensive engine repairs.
It is critical to maintain the recommended clearance. For atmospheric VQ35DE it is usually 1.1 mm. A deviation from this parameter to a lesser extent will lead to weak sparking, and to a greater deviation to a breakdown of the ignition coil under load.
Original candles and high-quality analogues: what to choose?
The manufacturer recommends using original parts, the article number of which 22401-AN000. These products are manufactured by Nissan at partner factories, most often this NGK or Denso, and undergo strict quality control before installation on the conveyor.
If you are looking for an alternative, then you should pay attention to brands NGK and Denso with corresponding cross numbers. Iridium spark plugs are excellent for this engine; they have a service life of up to 100 thousand kilometers, which significantly saves time and money on maintenance.
- 🔥 NGK 95184 (LZFR6CIX) - iridium, optimal balance of price and resource.
- ⚡ Denso 3413 (IKH20TT) - iridium-platinum, excellent spark stability.
- 🛡️ Nissan 22401-AN000 - original, guaranteed build quality.
An attempt to save money and buy ordinary copper spark plugs or cheap Chinese counterfeits often results in the engine starting to become unstable after 30 thousand kilometers. Savings on ignition system - this is a false path that leads to more serious engine problems.
Symptoms of wear and troubleshooting
Determine what the candles are on Nissan Murano Z51 require replacement, based on a number of indirect signs that manifest themselves in the behavior of the car. The very first signal is body vibration at idle, which is transmitted through the steering wheel and driver's seats.
When you sharply press the gas pedal, a failure effect may occur when the engine does not immediately respond to the command, and then suddenly picks up. This indicates that the spark in one of the cylinders is lost under load, and the fuel mixture does not burn completely.
The increase in fuel consumption should not be ignored either. If you notice that your car is consuming more gas with the same driving style, this may indicate ineffective combustion due to a weak spark.
It is also important to keep an eye on the Check Engine Light. If the light comes on, the computer may generate misfire errors (P0300-P0306), which will directly indicate a problem with a specific cylinder.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to continue a long trip with a misfire! Unburned fuel enters the catalyst, causing it to overheat and fail. Replacing a catalyst costs significantly more than a set of new spark plugs.
- Original (Nissan)
- Iridium (NGK/Denso)
- Regular nickel
- I don't know, I haven't watched
Replacement process: step-by-step instructions for doing it yourself
Replacing spark plugs with Murano Z51 - a procedure that can be performed in a garage, but it requires care due to the tight space in the engine compartment. You will need a 16mm wrench, a spark plug driver with an extension and a magnetic head, and a can of cleaner.
Before starting work, it is necessary to dismantle the plastic decorative engine casing by unclipping the latches. Then you will need to remove the high-voltage ignition coils by unscrewing the mounting bolts and disconnecting the electrical connectors.
- 🔧 Tools: Spark plug wrench 16mm, wrench, ratchet, extensions, contact cleaner.
- 🧹 Preparation: Blow compressed air through the area around the spark plugs to prevent dirt from getting into the cylinders.
- ⚙️ Installation: Screw in new spark plugs by hand until they stop, then tighten with a torque wrench.
☑️ Checklist before replacement
Pay special attention to the process of unscrewing old spark plugs. If they have not been changed for a long time, it may be difficult to unscrew due to carbon deposits or corrosion. In such cases, you should not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads in the cylinder head.
When installing new spark plugs, it is important not to overtighten them. The golden rule is to tighten until there is slight resistance and then tighten to the angle recommended by the manufacturer (usually 1/4 or 1/2 turn if not using a torque wrench). Excessive force can lead to deformation of the spark plug body and disruption of heat dissipation.
What to do if the spark plug is stuck?|If the spark plug cannot be unscrewed, try gently moving the wrench left and right while applying force to unscrew it. You can use a penetrating lubricant like WD-40, but you must apply it very carefully so that it does not get into the cylinder. If the spark plug still does not work, it is better to contact a specialist so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum block head.-->
After installing all the spark plugs and coils, you need to return the plastic casing and check the operation of the engine. Start the engine and listen to it at idle. The movement should be smooth, without vibrations or extraneous sounds.
Typical mistakes when servicing the ignition system
One of the most common mistakes is installing spark plugs with the wrong heat rating. If you place a candle that is too “cold”, soot will quickly form on it. If you set it to “hot,” glow ignition is possible—self-ignition of the mixture from a hot electrode.
Many owners neglect to clean the seats before installing new parts. Dirt and oil that gets into the spark plug well can cause a spark to break through to the housing or make it difficult to install the coil, which will lead to unstable operation.
Another mistake is using sealant on the spark plug threads. For engine VQ35DE This is not required as the design includes a metal O-ring. Excess sealant can get into the combustion chamber and damage the piston group.
⚠️ Attention
Never use lubricant on spark plug threads unless specified by the manufacturer's instructions! This can lead to a change in tightening torque and overheating of the spark plug, as the lubricant interferes with heat dissipation.
It is also important not to confuse the order in which the coils are connected. Although it is more difficult to mix up the wires in an individual ignition system than in older systems, it is still recommended to label the connectors or remove them one by one so as not to mix up the coils if you removed them all at once.
Table of compatibility and characteristics of candles
For ease of selection, we have compiled a summary table of the main characteristics of candles suitable for Nissan Murano Z51. This will help you quickly navigate the assortment and choose the best option.
| Manufacturer | Article | Electrode type | Resource (km) | Gap (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | 22401-AN000 | Iridium | 80 000 | 1,1 |
| NGK | 95184 | Iridium | 100 000 | 1,1 |
| Denso | 3413 | Iridium/Platinum | 90 000 | 1,1 |
| Bosch | 986492507 | Platinum | 60 000 | 1,1 |
Iridium spark plugs provide a more stable spark under high loads and have a significantly longer service life compared to conventional nickel counterparts.
Pay attention to the gap markings. If your region has a harsh climate and often starts the engine at low temperatures, it is recommended to select spark plugs with a gap that exactly matches the factory recommendations to eliminate starting difficulties.
The influence of fuel quality on spark plug life
Even the most expensive and high-quality spark plugs They will not last long on low-quality gasoline. For engine VQ35DE It is critical to use fuel no lower than AI-95, since a low octane number can lead to detonation, which destroys the electrodes.
Additives contained in fuel at dubious gas stations often form deposits on the insulator and electrodes. This deposit becomes a conductor, causing the spark to go to the housing instead of igniting the mixture in the center of the combustion chamber.
If you often refuel at unknown gas stations, reduce the interval for changing spark plugs to 40-50 thousand kilometers. This will protect the ignition coils from premature failure and preserve engine power.
⚠️ Attention: Frequent detonation due to poor fuel can lead not only to the rapid death of spark plugs, but also to burnout of pistons. Engine VQ35DE sensitive to shock loads inside the cylinders.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Maintaining the ignition system in perfect condition is the key to long and reliable operation of your Nissan Murano. Regular checking and timely replacement of spark plugs allows you to avoid costly repairs and maintain the car's dynamics at a high level.
Don't be afraid to do this procedure yourself if you have the necessary tools and some free time. The main thing is to be careful, use high-quality parts and not neglect the manufacturer’s tightening recommendations.
Remember that the health of the engine directly depends on the quality of the spark. Investments in good spark plugs pay off in reduced fuel consumption, improved dynamics and no starting problems even in cold weather.
How many spark plugs are needed for Nissan Murano Z51?
The VQ35DE engine found in the Murano Z51 requires 6 spark plugs, one for each cylinder.
Is it possible to change spark plugs one at a time?
No, it is recommended to change the entire set. If one spark plug fails, the others are likely to have significant wear and replacement will be inevitable in the near future.
What gap should be on VQ35DE spark plugs?
The standard spark plug gap on this engine is 1.1mm. Deviation from this value is unacceptable for correct operation of the ignition system.
Do I need to lubricate the spark plug threads?
No, thread lubrication is not required. The spark plug design includes an O-ring, and lubricant can interfere with heat dissipation and lead to overheating.
How often do you need to change spark plugs on a Murano Z51?
The recommended replacement interval is 80,000 - 100,000 km for iridium spark plugs. When using conventional nickel spark plugs, the interval should be reduced to 30,000 - 40,000 km.