How to change spark plugs on a Nissan Murano Z51 3.5 yourself: instructions with photos and videos

Replacing spark plugs with Nissan Murano Z51 with engine VQ35DE 3.5 l - a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute. But in vain: worn spark plugs not only worsen dynamics and increase fuel consumption, but can also provoke detonation in the cylinders, leading to expensive repairs to the cylinder head. This article contains a detailed guide with photos, videos, recommendations for choosing spare parts and life hacks that will save you time and nerves.

We will analyze the entire process from A to Z: from fault diagnosis to the first start after replacement. We will pay special attention typical mistakesmistakes that beginners make (for example, over-tightening the spark plugs or ignoring the gap check), as well as the nuances of working with VQ35DE - a motor that is sensitive to the quality of the spark. If you have never held a spark plug wrench in your hands, it doesn’t matter: the instructions are adapted for beginners, but also contain pro tips for experienced car owners.

When to change spark plugs on Nissan Murano Z51 3.5: signs and intervals

Official regulations Nissan requires replacement of spark plugs every 100,000 km for standard nickel spark plugs and 160,000 km for iridium or platinum. However, these figures are relevant for ideal conditions: high-quality fuel, a calm driving style and no overheating. In reality, signs of wear may appear much earlier:

• 🔥 Engine tripping - especially noticeable at idle or during acceleration. Feels like vibration on the steering wheel or jerking.
• ⚡ Deterioration in dynamics — the car is “stupid” when overtaking, reacts poorly to the gas pedal.
• 💨 Increased fuel consumption — the dashboard shows +1–2 liters per 100 km without objective reasons.
• 🔊 Popping sounds in the exhaust system - indicate misfires and incomplete combustion of fuel.
• 🚨 Check Engine - errors P0300–P0306 (cylinder misfires) are often spark plug related.

If you notice at least one of these symptoms, do not rush to blame the candles - check first ignition coils And high voltage wires. On Murano Z51 faulty coils (especially on cylinders 4–6) can simulate spark plug problems. Diagnostics is simple: swap the coils from the known working cylinder and the problem cylinder. If the error moves, the coil is to blame, not the spark plug.

⚠️ Attention: Ignoring misfires VQ35DE fraught cylinder head gasket failure or damage to the catalyst. If the engine is running for more than 2 weeks, get ready for repairs costing 50,000+ rubles.

Candle type	Resource (km)	Average price (per piece)	Recommendations
Nickel	60 000–100 000	300–600 ₽	Budget option, but require frequent replacement. Suitable for a quiet ride.
Platinum	100 000–120 000	800–1 200 ₽	Optimal price/quality balance. Recommended for most owners.
Iridium (Denso, NGK)	150 000–180 000	1 500–2 500 ₽	The best choice for turbocharged versions or aggressive driving style. Minimize the risk of detonation.
Counterfeits (no brand)	10 000–30 000	150–400 ₽	Often cause misfires and damage to coils. We do not recommend!

Which spark plugs to choose for Nissan Murano Z51 3.5: original vs analogues

Original candles from Nissan have an article number 22401-9M225 (iridium) and cost about 2,000 ₽ per set. But there are worthy analogues on the market that are not inferior in quality, and sometimes even surpass the original. Main rule: don't skimp on spark plugs for VQ35DE — this engine is sensitive to the heat value and the material of the electrodes.

Best options for replacement:

• 🔧 NGK IFR6T11 — iridium, a complete analogue of the original. Heat number 6, gap 1.1 mm. Suitable for gas and petrol.
• 🔧 Denso IK20TT — twin-tip iridium, improved spark. Recommended for cold regions.
• 🔧 Bosch FR7DPX - platinum, cheaper than iridium, but with a good resource. Suitable for a quiet ride.
• 🔧 Champion OE201T10 - original supplier for Nissan. Reliable, but difficult to find in stores.

Important: don't believe the labels "universal" on the packaging. For Murano Z51 compliance with three parameters is critical:

1. Heat number - must be 6 (for NGK) or 20 (for Denso). Plugs numbered 5 or 7 will cause detonation or misfire.
2. Gap — 1.0–1.1 mm. A larger gap impairs the spark, a smaller gap leads to breakdown of the coil.
3. Thread length — 26.5 mm. Spark plugs with a different length will hit the piston or will not provide normal compression.

What happens if you use candles with the wrong heat rating?

Too “hot” spark plugs (low heat rating, for example 5) cause glow ignition — the fuel is ignited not by a spark, but by a hot electrode. This leads to detonation, burnout of pistons and valves. “Cold” spark plugs (number 7+) do not self-clean from carbon deposits, which is why they quickly fail and cause misfires.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 with gas-cylinder equipment (GBO), spark plugs wear out 30–40% faster. For gas we recommend iridium spark plugs with a gap 0.9 mm and check them every 30,000 km.

Tools and preparation: what you need to replace spark plugs on VQ35DE

To work, you will need a minimum set of tools, but there are some nuances. For example, The spark plug wrench must have a rubber seal (so as not to damage the ceramic insulator) and extension cord of at least 20 cm — otherwise you won’t be able to get to the spark plugs on cylinders 4–6. Full list:

• 🔧 14 mm spark plug wrench (preferably magnetic or with a rubber bushing).
• 🔧 10 mm socket wrench for unscrewing coils.
• 🔧 Extension for ratchet (30–40 cm).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (optional, but highly recommended).
• 🔧 Feeler gauge for checking the gap (0.1–1.5 mm).
• 🔧 Compressor or compressed air cylinder (for cleaning wells).
• 🔧 Dielectric grease (e.g. CRC 2-26).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for prying off the coil clamps).

Before starting work necessarily:

1. Allow the engine to cool (at least 2 hours). Working on a hot engine is dangerous thread damage in the block head.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This will prevent short circuits when removing the coils.
3. Clean the area around the spark plug wells from dirt. Debris entering cylinders = guaranteed repair.

If you don't have a torque wrench, tighten the spark plugs by hand with force “all the way plus 1/4 turn”. The constriction leads to thread breakage in an aluminum cylinder head (repair - from 20,000 ₽), and shortness - to spark breakdown and coil damage.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change spark plugs on a Nissan Murano Z51

The process of replacing spark plugs VQ35DE takes 1.5–2 hours for the first experiment. The main difficulty is access to the spark plugs of cylinders 4–6 (they are hidden under the intake manifold). We will break the process into stages with photos and video links.

Step 1: Removing the Ignition Coils

1. Unscrew the 2 coil mounting bolts with a 10 mm wrench.
2. Carefully pry the coil with a screwdriver and pull it vertically up. Don't pull the wire!
3. Check the condition of the rubber tip of the spool. If it is cracked or melted, replace the coil.

Step 2: Removing Old Spark Plugs

1. Insert the spark plug wrench into the well and push it onto the spark plug until it stops.
2. Turn the key counterclockwise. If the candle is “stuck”, do not apply force - spray WD-40 and wait 10 minutes.
3. After removal, inspect the spark plug:
   • 🔥 Normal Wear — gray or brown coating, electrodes are intact.
   • ⚠️ Thread oil - a sign of wear on the valve stem seals.
   • 💥 Melted electrodes - detonation or overheating.
   • ⚪ White coating - lean mixture or air leak.

Step 3: Installing New Spark Plugs

1. Check the gap on the new spark plugs with a feeler gauge. For Murano Z51 optimal 1.0–1.1 mm.
2. Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the spark plug threads (this will prevent sticking).
3. Screw in the candle by hand until it stops, then tighten with a torque wrench 20–25 Nm.
4. Place the coils in place and secure with bolts (tightening torque 8–10 Nm).

Video instructions (in English, but the process is visual):

YouTube link: Replacing spark plugs on a Nissan Murano Z51 VQ35DE

Typical mistakes when replacing spark plugs on a Nissan Murano Z51 and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that cost a lot of money. Here TOP-5 misses and their consequences:

1. Re-upholstery of candles - leads to thread breakage in the aluminum cylinder head. Repair: inserting a foot (from 15,000 ₽) or replacing the head (from 80,000 ₽).
2. Debris getting into the cylinders — even a small grain of sand can scratch the cylinder mirror. Symptoms: oil burning, knocking noise during operation.
3. Using the wrong candles - for example, with a heat rating of 5 instead of 6. It will lead to detonation and burnout of the valves.
4. Ignoring clearance check - too large a gap will increase the load on the coils, too small - will cause skips.
5. Tightening coils without torque - overtightened bolts break the plastic body of the coil; undertightened bolts lead to spark breakdown.

How to avoid problems:

• 🔧 Always clean the spark plug wells compressed air before removing the spark plugs.
• 🔧 Use torque wrench or at least a ratchet with a torque limiter.
• 🔧 Buy candles only from official NGK/Denso dealers - up to 60% of fakes on the market.
• 🔧 After replacement check for errors scanner (for example, ELM327).

What to do after replacing spark plugs: checking and running in

Successfully replacing spark plugs is only half the battle. Now you need check engine operation and make sure everything is done correctly. Follow this checklist:

1. First launch:
   • Turn the key to position ON (do not start), wait 5 seconds - this will allow the fuel pump to build up pressure.
   • Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes. Watch the instruments: the speed should be stable (600–800 rpm).
2. Check on the go:
   • Drive 5–10 km, paying attention to smooth acceleration and absence of jerks.
   • Press the gas sharply in 3rd or 4th gear. If the engine stalls, the coils may be faulty.
3. Diagnostics:
   • Connect the scanner (for example, Scan Tool Pro) and check for misfire errors.
   • If it catches fire Check Engine — reset the error and repeat the test drive.

If after replacing the spark plugs the problems remain (triple movement, high fuel consumption), the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔥 Faulty ignition coils — check the resistance (should be 5–10 kOhm).
• 🔥 Air leak — Inspect the intake manifold and pipes for cracks.
• 🔥 Clogged injectors — washing or replacement is required.
• 🔥 Low compression — measure with a compression gauge (standard: 12–14 bar in all cylinders).

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the spark plugs, the engine began to run worse (for example, popping noises appeared in the exhaust), most likely you mixed up the order in which the coils were connected. On VQ35DE it is as follows: 1–4–5–2–3–6 (cylinders are counted from the radiator).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing spark plugs on a Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to change spark plugs on a hot engine?

No! Aluminum cylinder head on VQ35DE expands when heated, and you risk stripping the thread when tightening. The minimum cooling time is 2 hours. As a last resort, use gloves and work carefully, but it is better not to rush.

How much does it cost to replace spark plugs at a service center?

Cost of working at an official dealer Nissan - from 3,000 ₽, in private services - 1,500–2,500 ₽. If you change spark plugs yourself, the budget will only be the cost of spare parts (6 pieces × 1,500 ₽ = 9,000 ₽ for iridium NGK).

What happens if you don't change spark plugs on time?

The consequences range from "simply unpleasant" to "catastrophic":

• Increased fuel consumption by 10–15%.
• Misfires that damage the catalyst (replacement - from 30,000 ₽).
• Detonation leading to destruction of piston rings and valves (repair - from 100,000 ₽).
• Breakdown of ignition coils (cost of one - from 3,000 ₽).

Can I use spark plugs from other Nissan models?

Theoretically, yes, if the parameters match: heat number 6, gap 1.1 mm, thread length 26.5 mm. For example, candles from Nissan Pathfinder R51 with the same engine VQ35DE will do. But it’s better to take original articles or proven analogues (NGK IFR6T11, Denso IK20TT).

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

Yes, but only with dielectric grease (For example, CRC 2-26). Regular grease or graphite paste can cause the spark plug to stick to the cylinder head. Apply a thin layer only to the threads, avoiding contact with the electrodes.