A Professional Guide to 2013-2018 Nissan Maxima Fuel Injectors
Everything a Maxima owner needs to know about diagnosing and replacing failing fuel injectors.
- No specific recalls or TSBs exist for 2013-2018 Maxima fuel injectors; failures are typically from normal wear.
- It is strongly recommended to replace all six injectors at once to ensure balanced engine performance.
- Accessing the rear bank of injectors requires removing the upper intake manifold, making this a moderately difficult job.
- New aftermarket brands like Standard Ignition offer a reliable balance of quality and cost, while remanufactured options carry higher risk.
Is Your Maxima Showing Signs of Fuel Injector Trouble?
A failing fuel injector can cause problems that range from annoying to serious. Because the V6 engine in your Maxima has six injectors, a problem with just one can throw off the engine's balance. Watch for these common symptoms.
- Rough Idling: The car may shake or vibrate more than usual when stopped. 🎬 Watch: Troubleshooting low idle and mass air flow sensor issues
- Check Engine Light: The most common sign. A failing injector can trigger codes for engine misfires (like P0300-P0306) 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a misfire and test ignition coils or fuel trim issues.
- Poor Acceleration: The car may feel sluggish, hesitate, or stumble when you press the gas pedal.
- Worse Fuel Economy: If an injector is stuck open or leaking, it wastes gas and you'll notice you're filling up more often.
- Fuel Smell: In severe cases, a strong smell of raw gasoline may be noticeable around the car, which can be a fire hazard.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
For the 2013-2018 model years, there are no widespread fuel injector failures, recalls, or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) specifically for the fuel injectors themselves. A recall was issued for some 2016 Maxima models related to a fuel tank O-ring that could leak in a crash, but this does not involve the injectors. Failures on these vehicles are typically due to age, mileage, and fuel quality rather than a specific manufacturing defect.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Fuel Injector
When replacing a fuel injector, you have options outside of the expensive dealership part. However, quality can vary. It is highly recommended to replace all six injectors at the same time to ensure balanced fuel delivery and avoid repeating this difficult repair in the near future.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers
| Brand | Tier | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Ignition (SMP) | Tier 1: Reliable Aftermarket | Standard Motor Products is a well-regarded aftermarket manufacturer known for producing parts that aim to meet or exceed OEM specifications. They are generally considered a reliable choice for a new aftermarket injector and a good balance of quality and value. |
| Beck Arnley | Tier 2: Import Specialist | Beck Arnley specializes in parts for import vehicles and often sources components from original equipment manufacturers. While they aim for OE fit and function, customer reviews are mixed. Some users have great success, while others report issues, making it a decent but potentially less consistent option than SMP. |
| GBR Fuel Injection | Tier 3: Remanufactured (Budget) | GBR offers remanufactured injectors, which are original injectors that have been cleaned, serviced, and tested. This is the most budget-friendly option, but it carries the highest risk. Multiple owner reports describe receiving injectors that were faulty out of the box or failed soon after, sometimes causing fuel to wash oil from cylinder walls. While some have used them without issue, this option should be considered with caution. |
How Much Does a Fuel Injector Replacement Cost?
The cost can vary significantly based on whether you do the job yourself or use a repair shop. The rear three injectors are difficult to access, requiring removal of the upper intake manifold, which increases labor time.
Cost Comparison: 2013-2018 Maxima
| Part Type | Part Cost (Set of 6) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM | $1000+ | Highest cost, purchased from a Nissan dealer. |
| New Aftermarket | $360 - $1280 | Price range for a set of six new parts from the brands listed. |
| Remanufactured | $300 - $500 | Lowest part cost, but carries higher risk of premature failure. |
| Shop Labor | $310 - $455+ | Estimated cost for professional installation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the one bad injector?
While you can, it's not recommended. Fuel injectors wear out together. If one has failed, others are likely not far behind. Replacing them all at once ensures every cylinder gets the same amount of fuel, providing smooth performance and preventing you from having to do this labor-intensive job again in a few months.
Is this a DIY job?
This is a challenging DIY job for a beginner. While the front three injectors are easy to access, the rear three are located under the upper intake manifold. 🎬 See this walkthrough for removing the manifold and injectors The job requires disconnecting fuel lines, carefully removing the manifold, and properly seating the new injectors and O-rings. It is manageable for an experienced home mechanic, but a novice should consider professional installation. The job typically takes around 3 hours.
Do I need to replace the O-rings?
Yes, absolutely. New fuel injectors should come with new O-rings. Always replace them. An old or damaged O-ring can cause a dangerous fuel leak, which could lead to an engine fire. Use a small amount of silicone-based lubricant on the new O-rings to help them seat properly without tearing.
What happens if I ignore a bad fuel injector?
Ignoring it can lead to bigger problems. A lean condition (too little fuel) can cause engine damage over time. A rich condition (too much fuel from a leaking injector) can wash lubricating oil off the cylinder walls, causing premature engine wear, and can also damage your expensive catalytic converter.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 16600-JK20A
This vehicle uses top-feed, high-impedance multi-port fuel injectors. The 7th generation Maxima (which includes these years) uses 12-hole injectors for better fuel atomization compared to older models.
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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.
- Nissan Maxima:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Maxima Showing Signs of Fuel Injector Trouble?
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Fuel Injector
- Aftermarket Brand Tiers
- How Much Does a Fuel Injector Replacement Cost?
- Cost Comparison: 2013-2018 Maxima
- Frequently Asked Questions
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