Replacing spark plugs on a Nissan Murano Z50: a complete guide with photos and videos

Replacing spark plugs with Nissan Murano Z50 (2007–2014 model year) - a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute, until the engine begins to “triple” or fuel consumption increases by 10–15%. Meanwhile, timely replacement of these “small but important” parts not only saves gasoline, but also extends the life of the catalyst, prevents detonation and ensures smooth operation 3.5 liter V6 VQ35DE. In this article, we will look at how to change spark plugs yourself - from choosing original spare parts to the nuances of dismantling the heating screen, which often becomes a “stumbling block” for beginners.

Official regulations Nissan requires replacement of spark plugs every 100,000 km, but in practice this interval should be reduced to 60–80 thousand km, if you drive on gas, often get stuck in traffic jams or refuel with fuel of questionable quality. Signs of spark plug wear Murano Z50 often disguised as other problems: for example, misfires on a cold engine in wet weather - a sure signal that it’s time to check the gaps or integrity of the ceramic insulator. In this manual you will find not only a step-by-step algorithm, but also answers to questions that are rarely covered in standard manuals: how to avoid damaging the threads in an aluminum block head, why new spark plugs can “fire” every once in a while, and what to do if one of them is stuck.

Which spark plugs are suitable for Nissan Murano Z50: original vs analogues

Original spark plugs for Murano Z50 with engine VQ35DE have an article number Nissan 22401-CK80B (or 22401-JK00B for some markets). These are iridium spark plugs with a thin central electrode, designed for a long service life. However, their price (from 1,200 to 1,800 rubles per piece) often forces owners to look for alternatives. Among the proven analogues:

• 🔧 NGK IFR6J11 — a complete analogue of the original, iridium, with a gap of 1.1 mm. Suitable for gas and petrol.
• 🔧 Denso IKH20TT — iridium, with improved thermal conductivity. Often recommended for tuned engines.
• 🔧 Bosch FR7NPP332 - platinum, cheaper than iridium, but last 20–30% less.
• 🔧 Champion 9618 - copper, cheap, but require replacement every 30-40 thousand km.

Important: if your Murano Z50 operated on gas (gas), give preference to candles with a lower heat rating (for example, NGK IFR5J11 instead of IFR6J11). Gas burns slower than gasoline, and "hot" plugs can cause hot ignition. Also note gap between electrodes: for gasoline it must be 1.0–1.1 mm, for gas - 0.7–0.8 mm.

⚠️ Warning: Never use candles with a copper core (such as NGK BPR6ES) on Murano Z50 with HBO! They overheat and can destroy the ignition coil.

Manufacturer	Article	Electrode type	Gap (mm)	Service life (thousand km)	Price per piece (RUB)
Nissan (original)	22401-CK80B	Iridium	1.1	100	1 200–1 800
NGK	IFR6J11	Iridium	1.1	90–100	800–1 200
Denso	IKH20TT	Iridium	1.1	80–90	900–1 300
Bosch	FR7NPP332	Platinum	1.1	60–70	500–700
Champion	9618	Copper	1.1	30–40	200–300

Tools and preparation: what you need for replacement

To replace spark plugs Murano Z50 You will need not only a standard set of wrenches, but also several specialized tools. The main difficulty is access to the spark plugs of the rear row of cylinders (from the passenger compartment), where it interferes heating screen and ventilation system pipes. Full list of tools:

• 🔧 Candle key on 14 mm with extension (minimum 20 cm) and cardan joint.
• 🔧 Socket wrench on 10 mm for removing ignition coils.
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for dismantling the plastic clips of the heating screen).
• 🔧 Long-nose pliers (for removing pipe clamps).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (optional, but recommended for tightening with torque 20–25 Nm).
• 🔧 Compressor or compressed air cylinder (for cleaning dust from wells).
• 🔧 Silicone grease or WD-40 (for processing rubber seals of coils).

Before starting work, be sure to:

1. Allow the engine to cool to temperature 40–50°C (hot aluminum is easily damaged when removing spark plugs).
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to avoid short circuit when removing the coils).
3. Clean the area around the spark plug wells from dirt (debris getting into the cylinder can lead to scuffing).

Step-by-step instructions: how to change spark plugs on a Murano Z50

The process of replacing spark plugs Murano Z50 conditionally divided into two stages: dismantling the heating screen (to access the rear row of cylinders) and actually replacing the spark plugs. Let's consider both stages in detail.

Step 1: Removing the Heating Screen

The heating screen (aka “heat shield”) is attached to the intake manifold and blocks access to the spark plugs of cylinders 4–6. To remove it:

1. Unscrew the two bolts securing the screen to the manifold (the key is on 10 mm).
2. Carefully press out the plastic clips securing the screen at the top (use a flathead screwdriver).
3. Disconnect the crankcase ventilation system pipe (it goes from the valve cover to the air duct).
4. Remove the screen by pulling it up. Be careful - it is fragile and may crack!

What to do if the clips are broken?

If the plastic clips of the heating screen are cracked, they can be replaced with standard clamps with a diameter of 10–12 mm (for example, Norma 10-16). Do not use wire - it can fray the pipes.

Step 2: Removing the ignition coils

Ignition coils on VQ35DE individual for each cylinder. To remove them:

1. Disconnect the power connector from the coil (press the latch and pull up).
2. Unscrew the coil mounting bolt (key on 10 mm).
3. Pull the reel up, rocking it from side to side. If it gets stuck, do not use force - treat the rubber seal with silicone grease and wait 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Unscrewing old spark plugs

The main thing here is to take your time and not make excessive efforts. Algorithm:

1. Insert the spark plug wrench into the well and push it onto the spark plug until it stops.
2. Pull the key towards you to make sure it is firmly seated on the edges of the spark plug.
3. Unscrew the spark plug counterclockwise using moderate force. If it does not give in, do not try to “rip” it with a jerk - it is better to treat the thread again with a penetrating lubricant.
4. After unscrewing, inspect the spark plug: the presence of oil or fuel on the threads indicates problems with the piston rings or injectors.

⚠️ Attention: If, when unscrewing, the spark plug begins to “creak” or the key turns, stop trying immediately! This is a sign of thread failure. In this case, repair of the cylinder head with installation of a screw will be required.

Step 4: Installing New Spark Plugs

When installing new spark plugs, follow these rules:

• 🔧 Check the gap between the electrodes with a feeler gauge (should be 1.0–1.1 mm).
• 🔧 Apply a thin layer to the candle thread copper grease (For example, Liqui Moly Kupfer-Paste) - this will prevent sticking.
• 🔧 Tighten the spark plug by hand until it stops, then tighten it with a torque wrench 20–25 Nm (or 1/4 turn without a key).
• 🔧 Make sure that the ignition coil O-ring is intact and has no cracks.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing candles with Murano Z50. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• 🔥 Re-upholstery of candles - leads to damage to the threads in the block head. Always use a torque wrench or finger-tighten with controlled torque.
• 🔥 Debris entering the cylinder — before unscrewing the spark plugs, be sure to blow out the wells with compressed air. Even fine dust can cause scuffing on the cylinder bore.
• 🔥 Using incompatible candles - for example, installing “cold” spark plugs (with a high heat rating) on an engine with gas equipment will lead to misfires.
• 🔥 Ignoring the state of the coils — if there are cracks or signs of breakdown on the coil, it needs to be replaced, otherwise new spark plugs will quickly fail.

Pay special attention tightening sequences. On VQ35DE It is recommended to twist the candles in order 1–3–5–2–4–6 (counting from the radiator). This evenly distributes the load on the block head and prevents its deformation.

What to do if the candle breaks off?

If a ceramic insulator breaks off when unscrewing, do not try to remove it with a magnet or pliers! Use a special candle extractor (for example, Lisle 65600). As a last resort, contact the service department - independent attempts may damage the thread.

Signs of faulty spark plugs: when is it time to change them?

On Nissan Murano Z50 worn-out spark plugs manifest themselves not only as classic “triplication”. Here is a complete list of symptoms that should alert you:

• 🚗 Increased fuel consumption (more than 12–14 l/100 km in the combined cycle).
• 🚗 Jerking when accelerating, especially at speeds of 2,000–3,000 rpm.
• 🚗 Difficult start when cold (the engine does not “suffice” the first time).
• 🚗 Error P0300 appears (random misfire) or codes P0301–P0306 (misfires in a specific cylinder).
• 🚗 Popping sounds in the exhaust system when releasing gas (indicates that the fuel in the outlet has burned out).

If you notice at least two of these signs, check the spark plugs visually. A normal candle should have:

• Light brown or gray carbon deposits on the electrodes.
• No oil stains on the threads.
• Whole ceramic insulator without cracks or chips.

1. Включите зажигание (не запуская двигатель).
2. В течение 5 секунд 5 раз нажмите педаль газа до упора.
3. Считайте количество миганий лампы Check Engine:
- 1 длинное + 2 коротких = ошибка P0301 (пропуски в 1 цилиндре).
- 1 длинное + 3 коротких = P0302 (во 2 цилиндре) и т.д.

Frequently asked questions about replacing spark plugs on Murano Z50

Is it possible to change spark plugs one at a time if the others are still normal?

No, on VQ35DE It is recommended to change spark plugs as a set. Even if visually the remaining spark plugs look normal, their service life is already coming to an end, and the difference in the operation of the cylinders will lead to imbalance and increased vibration. An exception is if one spark plug fails ahead of time (for example, due to defective or mechanical damage).

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

After 100 thousand km, the electrodes of the spark plugs wear out, the gap increases, which leads to:

• Misfires and detonation (knock of “fingers” during acceleration).
• Overheating of the catalyst (may melt or clog).
• Increased load on the ignition coils (they fail 2-3 times faster).

In advanced cases, a stuck spark plug may break off when unscrewed, and then repair of the cylinder head will be required.

Do I need to adjust the gap on new spark plugs?

Gap on new iridium or platinum spark plugs (e.g. NGK IFR6J11 or Denso IKH20TT) is already adjusted at the factory and does not require adjustment. An exception is if you use spark plugs for gas (the gap is reduced to 0.7–0.8 mm) or install copper spark plugs (the gap may “go away” during storage). Check the gap flat probe, and not with a coin or a round probe!

How often do you need to check the spark plugs if the car runs on gas?

On LPG, spark plugs wear out faster due to the higher combustion temperature of the gas. Recommended interval:

• Iridium spark plugs - every 60–70 thousand km.
• Platinum - every 40–50 thousand km.
• Copper - every 20–30 thousand km.

Also, every 10 thousand km it is worth unscrewing the spark plugs and cleaning them from carbon deposits (for example, with a sandblaster or an ultrasonic bath).

Can I use Infiniti FX35 spark plugs on a Murano Z50?

Yes, Nissan Murano Z50 And Infiniti FX35 (with engine VQ35DE) use the same spark plugs. The original articles are the same: 22401-CK80B or 22401-JK00B. Candles from Nissan 350Z And Pathfinder R51 with the same motor.

Video instructions and additional materials

For clarity, we recommend watching a video with step-by-step replacement of spark plugs Murano Z50:

Video 1: “Replacing spark plugs on a Nissan Murano Z50 - access to the rear cylinders” (channel Nissan Club Russia).

Video 2: “How not to break a spark plug when unscrewing - life hacks for VQ35DE” (channel DIY car repair).

If you plan to carry out the work yourself, download Nissan Murano Z50 repair manual (Engine Tune-Up section) — there are cylinder layout diagrams and tightening torques for all fasteners.