Ignition Coil Guide for the 2010-2023 Nissan Maxima
Diagnose and fix engine misfires in your Maxima by choosing the right replacement ignition coils.
- A failing ignition coil will cause misfires, a rough idle, and a check engine light with P030X codes.
- For best results, use OEM-quality brands like Hitachi, NGK, or Delphi; budget coils are known to fail early.
- It is highly recommended to replace all six coils and spark plugs at the same time, especially since the rear three require removing the intake manifold.
- Check for oil in the spark plug tubes, as a leaking valve cover gasket is a common cause of repeated coil failure and must be fixed.
Is Your Maxima's Ignition Coil Failing?
A bad ignition coil on your 2010-2023 Maxima will cause problems that are hard to ignore. Because the V6 engine relies on all six cylinders firing correctly, a single faulty coil can make the entire car run poorly. You will likely notice one or more of these issues.
Common Symptoms:
- Engine Misfires and Shaking: This is the most common sign. Your engine will sputter, cough, or shake, especially at idle or under acceleration. This happens because one cylinder isn't producing power.
- Check Engine Light: A failing coil will almost always trigger the check engine light. You'll see codes like P0300 (Random Misfire) or specific cylinder misfire codes like P0301 through P0306.
- Loss of Power: Your Maxima will feel sluggish and won't accelerate as quickly as it should. This is very noticeable when trying to gain speed.
- Worse Gas Mileage: When a cylinder misfires, fuel is still being injected but isn't burned efficiently, causing your fuel economy to drop.
- Hard Starting: The engine may take longer to start or hesitate when you press the ignition button because it needs a strong spark from all coils to fire up properly.
A Note on Leaking Valve Covers
On the Maxima's VQ35DE engine, a common cause of repeat coil failure is a leaking valve cover gasket. Oil can leak into the spark plug tubes and soak the bottom of the ignition coil, causing it to short out and fail prematurely. If you find oil on the spark plug or the coil boot when you remove it, you must replace the valve cover gasket to permanently fix the problem.
🎬 See this step-by-step guide on replacing your leaking valve cover gaskets.Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
When replacing ignition coils, you have a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and various aftermarket brands. For the Nissan Maxima, the original coils are often made by Hitachi. This makes Hitachi a top-tier aftermarket choice. Here’s a breakdown of brand quality:
- Top-Tier (OEM-Quality): These brands are known to be original equipment suppliers for Nissan or have a strong reputation for reliability. They are your best bet for a long-lasting repair. Forum users consistently recommend sticking with these brands to avoid doing the job twice.
- Hitachi: Often the actual OEM part, providing the same performance and longevity as the coils your Maxima came with.
- NGK: A highly trusted name in ignition systems, known for quality and reliability.
- Delphi: A major OEM supplier for many car brands, offering coils that meet or exceed factory standards.
- Mid-Grade (Reputable Aftermarket): These brands offer a good balance of price and quality. They are a solid choice if top-tier brands are outside your budget.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): A long-standing company that often produces quality parts.
- Walker Products: Known for engine management and fuel system components.
- Budget-Friendly: These brands offer the lowest price but can be a gamble on quality and lifespan. Some owners report these coils failing within a year. They might be a temporary fix, but for a car like the Maxima where replacing the rear coils is labor-intensive, it's often worth paying more for a better part.
- DriveWire
- Global Parts
- Holstein
- Skyward
- Spectra
- True Tech
Should I Replace All Six Coils at Once?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Ignition coils are subjected to the same heat and wear over time. If one has failed, the others are likely nearing the end of their service life. Since replacing the three rear coils requires removing the intake manifold, it saves significant time and labor to replace all six at the same time you replace the spark plugs.
Cost of Replacing Nissan Maxima Ignition Coils
The cost can vary significantly based on the parts you choose and whether you do the work yourself. The rear three coils are much harder to access than the front three, which accounts for the higher labor cost at a shop.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| OEM Ignition Coil (Single) | $137 - $199 |
| Aftermarket Ignition Coil (Single) | $37 - $205 |
| Shop Labor Cost (All Six) | $200 - $400 |
| DIY Total (All Six, Top-Tier Aftermarket) | $250 - $450 |
| Shop Visit Total (All Six, Aftermarket) | $450 - $850+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which ignition coil is bad?
The easiest way is to use an OBD-II scanner. A code like 'P0304' indicates a misfire in cylinder 4. If you get a general code like 'P0300' (random misfire), a mechanic can use a more advanced scanner to see live misfire data. A common DIY method is to swap the suspected bad coil with a known good one from another cylinder. After swapping, clear the codes and run the engine. If the misfire code follows the coil to the new cylinder (e.g., the code changes from P0304 to P0302 after swapping coils from cylinders 4 and 2), you've confirmed the coil is faulty.
🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a misfire and perform a coil swap test.Are there any recalls for Maxima ignition coils?
There are no specific recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for ignition coil failure on the 2010-2023 Nissan Maxima. Searches for recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) did not find any widespread issues acknowledged by Nissan for coil failure itself.
Is replacing the ignition coils a DIY job?
Yes, for many owners. The three coils on the front of the engine (bank 2) are very easy to access and can be replaced in minutes with a single 10mm bolt each. The three coils on the rear (bank 1) are under the upper intake manifold. Replacing them requires removing the manifold, which is more involved but manageable for a DIYer with basic tools and about 2 hours of time. You will also need a new intake manifold gasket.
🎬 Watch: A complete walkthrough for replacing ignition coils on the V6 engine.Do I need to put grease on the new coil?
Yes, it's recommended to apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the new ignition coil's boot. This helps seal out moisture, prevents the boot from getting stuck to the spark plug, and ensures a good electrical connection.
Helpful Videos
![How To Replace Valve Cover Gaskets | 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima 3.5L | DY [parts numbers]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/PfgNDuYRSHw/mqdefault.jpg)
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 22448-JA10C 22448-JA11C 22448-JA10A 22448-JA12D
Coil-on-Plug (COP) design, 3-pin connector, single bolt mount.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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