Replacing spark plugs with Nissan Qashqai - a procedure that many car owners put off until the last minute, until the engine starts to “trouble” or catches fire Check Engine. Meanwhile, timely replacement of these “small but important” parts saves fuel, extends the life of the catalyst and maintains acceleration dynamics. In this article we will look at how to change spark plugs Qashqai all generations (J10, J11, J12) with your own hands, without contacting the service.
The manufacturer's standard regulations require replacement every 30,000 km for regular candles and 90,000–100,000 km for iridium or platinum. However, the actual period depends on the quality of the fuel, driving style and operating conditions. If you notice that the engine HR16DE, MR20DD or M9R Starting becomes worse, vibration appears at idle, or gas consumption increases - it’s time to check the spark plugs. We will describe the replacement process in detail, select analogues of the original parts and tell you how to avoid common mistakes.
Which spark plugs are suitable for Nissan Qashqai
The choice of spark plugs depends on the type of engine and year of manufacture of yours. Qashqai. Original parts from Nissan are marked with articles 22401-JM00A (for gasoline engines) and 22401-JM01A (for diesel engines), but they can be replaced with analogues from NGK, Denso or Bosch without loss of quality. Below is the compatibility table for popular modifications:
| Engine | Original article | Analogs (NGK/Denso/Bosch) | Gap, mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR16DE (1.6 l) | 22401-JM00A |
NGK PLZFR6A-11, Denso FK16HR11, Bosch FR7DPX |
1.1 |
| MR20DD (2.0 l) | 22401-4M005 |
NGK ILZFR6D-11G, Denso IXUH22I, Bosch FR7LPP33 |
0.9–1.0 |
| M9R (1.5 dCi) | 22401-JM01A |
NGK DILKAR7D11, Denso IKH20TT |
0.8 |
| R9M (1.6 dCi) | 22401-4M015 |
NGK SILZKR7B11G, Denso TT16TT |
0.7 |
For Qashqai J12 (2021+) with motor HR16DE Gen3 Iridium spark plugs are suitable NGK 94980 or Denso IXEH20TT - they are optimized for the system direct injection and eco modes. If you prefer budget options, take Bosch Super Plus (article FR7DC+), but their resource will be no more than 20,000 km.
Important! On diesel Qashqai (1.5 dCi/1.6 dCi) glow plugs are often confused with spark plugs. These are different parts: the first are responsible for heating the combustion chamber, the second are for igniting the fuel mixture (in gasoline engines). On diesel engines they can only be replaced glow plugs!
- Original Nissan
- NGK
- Denso
- Bosch
- Others
Tools and preparation for replacement
To change spark plugs Nissan Qashqai, you will need a minimum set of tools. The main thing is spark plug wrench with a rubber bushing (so as not to damage the ceramic insulator) and an extension cord. Full list:
- 🔧 Spark plug wrench 16 mm (for gasoline engines) or 14 mm (for diesel engines).
- 🔩 10 mm socket wrench or socket (for removing ignition coils).
- 🔧 Key extension (minimum 10 cm).
- 🔥 Dielectric grease (e.g. CRC 2-26).
- 🧤 Gloves and rags (so as not to get dirty and not drop dirt into the wells).
- 🔋 Compressor or can of compressed air (for cleaning wells).
Before starting work necessarily follow these steps:
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to avoid short circuit)
Allow the engine to cool (working on a hot engine is dangerous!)
Clean the area around the spark plug wells from dust and dirt
Check the new spark plugs for defects (cracks, chips) -->
If you change spark plugs to Qashqai J11 with motor MR20DD, please note that access to the rear spark plugs (from the passenger compartment) is difficult due to the intake manifold. You may have to remove the decorative engine cover or partially dismantle the air duct.
⚠️ Attention! Never use WD-40 or other penetrating lubricants to make it easier to remove spark plugs. Liquid entering the combustion chamber can cause water hammer and damage to the piston group. If the spark plug is stuck, use a special puller or contact service.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing spark plugs on a gasoline Qashqai
Let's look at the process using an example Nissan Qashqai J11 with engine HR16DE (1.6 l). For other gasoline engines (MR20DD, H5FT) the algorithm is similar, but the nuances of access to candles may differ.
Step 1. Removing the ignition coils
Disconnect the power connector from the coil by pressing the latch. Then unscrew the bolt securing the coil with a 10 mm wrench and carefully remove it vertically upward. Do not pull on the wires - this may damage the contacts! On Qashqai J12 The coils are secured with latches, so there is no need to unscrew the bolts.
Step 2. Removing old spark plugs
Insert the spark plug wrench with extension into the well and screw it onto the spark plug. Gently loosen the tension counterclockwise. If the candle does not budge, do not apply excessive force - it is better to spray the threads rust remover (For example, Liqui Moly Rostloser) and wait 10–15 minutes.
Step 3. Installing new spark plugs
Before screwing in, apply a thin layer to the threads of the new spark plug. anti-seize paste (For example, Permatex Anti-Seize). Tighten the spark plug firmly 20–25 Nm (for aluminum cylinder heads) or 25–30 Nm (for cast iron). Over-tightening can damage the threads in the cylinder head!
Step 4. Assembly
Install the ignition coils in place, securing them with bolts (tightening torque - 8–10 Nm). Connect the power connectors. Before starting the engine for the first time, check whether there are any foreign objects (rags, tools) left in the wells.
If the engine runs unevenly after replacement, check the order in which the coils are connected. On Qashqai with HR16DE it is as follows: the 1st cylinder is closer to the timing belt, the 4th is closer to the passenger compartment.
Features of replacement on diesel Qashqai (1.5 dCi / 1.6 dCi)
On diesel Nissan Qashqai subject to replacement glow plugs, not ignition. Their resource is about 100,000 km, but with frequent short trips in winter they may fail earlier. Signs of malfunction: white smoke from the exhaust pipe, difficult cold start, error P0380 (incandescent circuits).
To replace glow plugs with M9R or R9M you will need:
- 🔧 10 mm socket (for removing the protective casing).
- 🔧 Special key for glow plugs (usually 12 mm).
- 🔥 Dielectric grease (to prevent contact oxidation).
Attention! On diesel Qashqai Glow plugs are fragile - do not apply lateral force when unscrewing. If the spark plug breaks, its remains will have to be drilled out, which can result in damage to the cylinder head.
After installing new glow plugs necessarily reset errors via diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327). Otherwise Check Engine may remain on even after successful replacement.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing spark plugs. Nissan Qashqai. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
- Re-upholstery of candles - leads to damage to the threads in the cylinder head. Always use a torque wrench or hand tighten to a maximum torque of 25 Nm.
- Dirt getting into wells - may cause short-circuiting of the coils. Before removing the spark plugs, clean the wells with compressed air.
- Using the wrong candles - for example, installing “cold” spark plugs (with a high heat rating) on a turbocharged engine. This leads to detonation and damage to the pistons.
- Ignoring anti-seize paste — without it, the spark plugs may “stick” to the cylinder head, and the next time they are replaced it will be difficult to unscrew them.
Critical error: using spark plugs with the wrong gap. For example, if on MR20DD install spark plugs with a gap of 1.3 mm instead of the recommended 0.9 mm, this will lead to misfires and damage to the catalyst.
⚠️ Attention! On Qashqai J12 with the system start-stop After replacing the spark plugs, the throttle valve may need to be adapted. To do this, do the following: turn on the ignition (without starting the engine), wait 10 seconds, then start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes.
When to change spark plugs more often than recommended
The manufacturer indicates replacement intervals, but in real conditions the spark plugs may wear out faster. Reduce the interval to 20,000 km, if:
- 🛢️ You are refueling with fuel of questionable quality (octane number below 95).
- 🚗 Often drive short distances (less than 5 km) when the engine does not have time to warm up.
- 🏔️ You operate the car in conditions of high humidity or dust.
- 🔥 The engine often runs at high speeds (for example, when towing a trailer).
It is also worth checking the spark plugs unscheduled if:
- 🔋 The battery began to discharge quickly (faulty spark plugs increase the load on the generator).
- 🚨 Lights up on the dashboard
Check Enginewith codesP0300–P0304(misfire). - 💨 Black smoke comes from the exhaust pipe (the candles are “filled” with fuel).
How to check spark plugs without removing them?
If you don’t have time for dismantling, you can perform express diagnostics:
1. Start the engine in the dark and look at the high-voltage wires. If “sparks” are visible, the spark plugs or coils are faulty.
2. Disconnect the ignition coil connectors one by one. If the engine sound does not change when one of the cylinders is turned off, the spark plug in that cylinder is not working.
3. Use a diagnostic scanner to check cylinder parameters (for example, Short Term Fuel Trim in the program Torque Pro).
Video instructions and additional materials
For clarity, we recommend watching a video with step-by-step replacement of spark plugs Nissan Qashqai J11:
Video 1: Replacing spark plugs with HR16DE (1.6 l) — YouTube link.
Video 2: Replacing glow plugs with M9R (1.5 dCi) — YouTube link.
It is also useful to download the manuals:
1. Correct connection of the ignition coils.
2. Tightness of the intake manifold (possible air leaks).
3. Condition of fuel injectors (dirty injectors can simulate misfires).-->
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace spark plugs on a hot engine?
No, it's dangerous! When heated, the aluminum block head expands and the spark plugs can “bite” in the threads. In addition, the risk of burns when working with a hot engine is very high. Always allow the engine to cool to below 50°C.
What happens if you don't change spark plugs on time?
The consequences range from an increase in fuel consumption (up to 15%) to breakdown of the catalyst (replacement cost - from 50,000 rubles). In advanced cases, faulty spark plugs lead to detonation, which destroys pistons and connecting rods.
What gap should the spark plugs be for a Qashqai with LPG?
When using gas equipment, it is recommended to reduce the gap by 0.1–0.2 mm (for example, from 1.1 mm to 0.9 mm). This is due to the higher breakdown voltage of the gas-air mixture. However, it is better to use special candles for HBO, for example, NGK LPG1 or Denso W20EPR-U11.
Do I need to lubricate the spark plug threads?
Yes, but only anti-seize paste (not to be confused with graphite lubricant or WD-40!). It prevents spark plugs from sticking to the cylinder head and makes their future replacement easier. Apply a thin layer only to the threads, avoiding contact with the electrodes.
Can I use spark plugs from other brands (for example, Renault)?
Nissan Qashqai built on a platform Renault-Nissan CMF, so the candles are from Renault Megane, Kadjar or Scenic with similar engines (HR16DE, MR20DD) will fit. The main thing is a match in the article number or parameters (thread, heat rating, clearance).