Spark plugs for Nissan Murano Z50 (2008–2014): how to select and replace without errors

Nissan Murano Z50 is a crossover that has gained popularity due to its combination of comfort, power and reliability. However, even such cars have “weak points”, and one of them is the ignition system. Candles in Murano Z50 (especially with a motor VQ35DE) require special attention: incorrect selection or untimely replacement can lead to misfires, increased fuel consumption and even damage to the catalyst.

In this article we will analyze original articles of candles, proven analogues, signs of wear and step-by-step replacement instructions. And also typical mistakes that owners make during maintenance Murano Z50, and how to avoid them. If your crossover starts to “triple” or lights up on the dashboard Check Engine with an error P0300, this information will be especially useful.

Original spark plugs for Nissan Murano Z50: part numbers and specifications

The manufacturer sets the Murano Z50 candles NGK PLFR5A-11 (article 22401-JK00A). These are iridium spark plugs with a thin central electrode (0.6 mm), designed for a long service life - up to 100,000 km under ideal conditions. However, in practice, the resource is often reduced to 60–80 thousand km due to the quality of the fuel and operating features.

For motors VQ35DE (3.5 l) original spark plugs are also suitable Denso under the article 22401-JK01A - this is an analogue Denso FK16HR11. Both options have the same parameters:

• 🔧 Heat number: 5 (average, suitable for most climate zones)
• 📏 Thread size: M14 × 1.25 mm, length 26.5 mm
• ⚡ Clearance: 1.1 mm (no adjustment required)
• 🔥 Electrode material: iridium (central) + platinum (side)

Important: spark plugs with a different heat rating (for example, 6 or 4) may cause detonation or overheating. If you live in a region with extremely low temperatures (below –30°C), you should consider options with heat rating 4, but only after consulting a diagnostician.

Analogs of original spark plugs: what to choose for replacement

Original candles for Murano Z50 are expensive (from 1,200 to 1,800 rubles per piece), so many owners choose analogues. Main rule: don't skimp on quality. Cheap spark plugs with a nickel electrode will last a maximum of 20–30 thousand km and can cause engine malfunctions.

Proven analogues with iridium or platinum coating:

Brand	Article	Electrode type	Service life (thousand km)	Approximate price (per piece)
NGK	IFR5A11	Iridium	80–100	900–1,200 rub.
Denso	IK16	Iridium	80–100	800–1,100 rub.
Bosch	0242235665	Platinum (4 electrodes)	60–80	700–900 rub.
Beru	Z322	Nickel (budget option)	30–40	200–300 rub.

⚠️ Attention: Candles Bosch with four electrodes should theoretically give a more stable spark, but in practice in VQ35DE they often cause misfires due to suboptimal clearance. If you decide to install them, be sure to check the errors with a scanner after 500–1,000 km.

Among the owners Murano Z50 candles are popular NGK IFR5A11 - they are cheaper than the original, but identical in characteristics. But Beru Z322 suitable only for a temporary replacement (for example, if you have to wait a week for the originals, but you need to travel now).

Signs of spark plug wear: when is it time to change

The manufacturer recommends replacing spark plugs with Murano Z50 every 100,000 km, but in Russian realities this interval is often reduced to 60–80 thousand km. However, you can’t rely only on mileage - there are more accurate signs of wear:

• ⚡ Misfires (the engine “troits”, especially when cold or during acceleration)
• 🛢️ Increased fuel consumption (more than 12–14 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle)
• 🚗 Power drop (the car accelerates poorly, does not pull when overtaking)
• 🔥 Detonation (engine knocking under load, error P0327 or P0328)
• 💨 Black or white soot on the electrodes (indicates a rich/lean mixture or oil starvation)

If the dashboard lights up Check Engine, first of all, check the spark plugs. Frequent errors associated with them:

• P0300 - random misfires
• P0301–P0306 - misfires in a specific cylinder (for example, P0303 — 3rd cylinder)
• P0171/P0174 - lean mixture (may be caused by worn spark plugs)

🔍 How to check spark plugs without diagnostics? Unscrew one and inspect:

• 🔴 Red plaque - a sign of bad fuel (iron additives)
• ⚫ Oil soot - signal about problems with valve stem seals or piston rings
• ⚪ White coating — overheating (possibly incorrect heat rating)

Step-by-step instructions for replacing spark plugs on a Murano Z50

Replacing spark plugs with Murano Z50 does not require special skills, but there are nuances. The main thing is not to overtighten the spark plugs during installation (risk of breaking the threads in the aluminum cylinder head) and not to drop anything into the wells. You will need:

• 🔧 Spark plug wrench 14 mm with extension and cardan
• 🔩 10 mm socket (for removing coils)
• 🧲 Magnet or tweezers (to remove candles from wells)
• 🧴 Dielectric grease (for coil contacts)
• 📐 Torque wrench (optional but recommended)

Work order:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (required!).
2. Remove the plastic decorative engine cover (held on by clips).
3. Disconnect the connectors from the ignition coils (press the lock and pull up).
4. Unscrew the coil mounting bolts (10 mm socket) and carefully remove the coils. Don't pull the wires!
5. Blow out the wells with compressed air (to prevent dirt from getting into the cylinders).
6. Unscrew the old spark plugs with a spark plug wrench. If the candle is stuck, do not use excessive force - it is better to treat the well with WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes.
7. Install new spark plugs by screwing them in by hand until it stops, then tighten with the wrench 20–25 Nm (without a torque wrench - 1/4 turn after the “stop”).
8. Reinstall the coils, connect the connectors and replace the motor cover.

⚠️ Attention: If you hear a crunching sound when unscrewing the spark plug or it is tight, don't continue! The risk of stripping the threads in the aluminum block head is very high. In this case, it is better to contact a service center, where they will unscrew the spark plug using a special tool (for example, Lisle 65600).

After replacement, start the engine and check its operation at idle and under load. If errors occur (for example, P0300), check:

• The coils are connected correctly (mixed-up wires are a common mistake!).
• Tightening the spark plugs (a spark plug that is not tightened enough will “shoot” through the thread).
• Condition of high-voltage wires (if they are cracked or pierced).

Typical mistakes when replacing spark plugs and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to serious problems. Here are the most common:

1. Re-upholstery of candles. Thread in aluminum cylinder head VQ35DE breaks easily. Maximum effort - 25 Nm. If there is no key, tighten the spark plug by hand until it stops, then tighten it 1/4 turn with the key.
2. Dirt getting into the cylinders. If the wells are not blown out before removing the spark plugs, sand or dust can get into the combustion chamber and cause scuffing on the cylinder walls.
3. Using incompatible candles. For example, spark plugs with a heat number of 6 instead of 5 lead to detonation, and a heat number of 4 leads to overheating. Always check the article number against the catalogue.
4. Confusion with coils. If you mix up the coil wires, the engine will misfire and an error will appear on the instrument panel. P0300. Before removing the coils, take a photo of their location.
5. Ignoring carbon deposits. If the old spark plugs had oil deposits on them and you just installed new ones, the problem will return. First you need to eliminate the cause (for example, replace the valve stem seals).

💡 Advice: After replacing the spark plugs, reset the ECU adaptations. To do this:

1. Disconnect the battery for 10–15 minutes.
2. Plug it back in and start the engine.
3. Let it idle for 5-10 minutes, then drive 10-15 km in mixed mode.

This will help the electronic unit to “retrain” for the new spark plugs.

What to do if after replacing the spark plugs the engine stalls?

1. Check the connection of the coils - they should fit tightly, without distortions.

2. Unscrew the spark plugs and inspect for cracks or defects (even original parts can be defective).

3. Swap the coils - if the misfires “move” to another cylinder, the problem is in the coil.

4. Check the compression in the cylinders (possibly worn rings or valves).

5. Read errors with a scanner - codes P0301–P0306 will indicate the problem cylinder.

Spark plugs for Murano Z50 with HBO: features of choice

If your Murano Z50 equipped with gas-cylinder equipment (GBO), spark plugs wear out faster due to the higher temperature of gas combustion. In this case:

• 🔥 Reduce replacement interval up to 40–50 thousand km (even for iridium spark plugs).
• 📉 Choose spark plugs with a “colder” heat rating (for example, 6 instead of 5).
• ⚡ Give preference to iridium or platinum — nickel spark plugs on gas burn out in 10–15 thousand km.

Proven options for HBO:

• NGK IFR6A11 (heat number 6, iridium)
• Denso IK20 (heat number 20 according to Denso standard ≈ 6 according to NGK)
• Bosch 0242235537 (platinum, 4 electrodes, suitable for gas)

⚠️ Attention: If, after installing the HBO, the engine begins to detonate (knock of “fingers”), this is a sign of too “hot” spark plugs. Replace them with “colder” ones (with a higher heat rating) and adjust the ignition timing on the gas ECU.

Also, on gas, check the gap between the electrodes more often - it may increase due to erosion. The optimal clearance for HBO is Murano Z50: 0.9–1.0 mm (vs. 1.1 mm on gasoline).

Frequently asked questions about spark plugs for Nissan Murano Z50

Is it possible to install non-iridium spark plugs on the Murano Z50?

Technically possible, but not recommended. Nickel spark plugs (eg Beru Z322) will last a maximum of 30–40 thousand km and may cause misfires due to a less stable spark. Iridium spark plugs provide better fuel combustion, especially at high speeds.

How often should I change spark plugs if I drive mostly on gas?

When operating on gas, spark plugs wear out 1.5–2 times faster. The optimal replacement interval is 40–50 thousand km, even if they are iridium spark plugs. It is also recommended to check the gap and condition of the electrodes every 10 thousand km.

What happens if you don’t change spark plugs for more than 100 thousand km?

After 100 thousand km, the spark plug electrodes wear out, the gap increases, and the spark becomes weaker. This leads to:

• Misfire (P0300 etc.)
• Increased fuel consumption (up to 15–18 l/100 km)
• Detonation and catalyst damage
• Difficulty starting the engine, especially in cold weather

In advanced cases, cylinder head repair may be required.

Which spark plugs are better: NGK or Denso?

Both brands supply original candles for Nissan, so there is no difference in quality. NGK PLFR5A-11 And Denso FK16HR11 completely interchangeable. The choice depends on availability and price in your area. Some owners note that Denso They work a little better on gas, but this is subjective.

Do I need to lubricate the spark plug threads during installation?

No, lubricate the spark plug threads not recommended. This may lead to:

• Over-tightening (lubrication reduces friction, and the spark plug is twisted with more force than necessary)
• Sticking of the spark plug to the cylinder head (especially at high temperatures)

The exception is if you are installing candles with a non-stick coating (for example, NGK with nickel plating), but even in this case a light coating of graphite lubricant is sufficient.