A Guide to Ignition Coils for the 2017-2024 Nissan Armada
Experiencing engine misfires or a rough idle? Your Armada's ignition coils could be the reason.
- A flashing Check Engine Light indicates a serious misfire; avoid driving to prevent damage to the catalytic converter.
- Hitachi is the OEM supplier for Nissan, and NGK is a premium alternative, offering the best quality and reliability.
- Replacing spark plugs at the same time as ignition coils is a highly recommended best practice for longevity and performance.
- This is a straightforward DIY repair for most owners, requiring only basic hand tools like a 10mm socket and ratchet.
Is Your Armada's Engine Running Rough?
A failing ignition coil is a common issue on many vehicles, including the Nissan Armada. The constant heat from the large V8 engine can cause the coils' internal components to break down over time. When a coil starts to fail, it can't deliver enough voltage to the spark plug, leading to an engine misfire. This can feel like a stumble, shake, or hesitation, especially when idling or accelerating.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
When shopping for a replacement, you'll find several brands available. They generally fall into three quality tiers, which helps in deciding the best part for your needs and budget.
Tier 1: OEM & Premium Brands
These are the highest quality options, offering the best performance and longevity. For your Armada, this tier includes:
- Hitachi: Hitachi is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for many Nissan vehicles. Choosing a Hitachi coil means you are getting the same part the vehicle was built with, ensuring a perfect fit and original performance.
- NGK: NGK is a top-tier Japanese brand famous for its spark plugs and ignition components. They are a trusted name in the industry and an excellent alternative to the OEM part, known for reliability and efficiency.
Tier 2: Quality Aftermarket Brands
These brands produce reliable parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications and offer a great balance between price and quality.
- Delphi: Delphi is a well-known brand that engineers its coils to withstand extreme conditions and deliver consistent performance. They are a popular choice for those who want a dependable part without the OEM price tag.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): Standard Motor Products is a respected aftermarket manufacturer that produces quality ignition components.
- Denso: Denso is another leading OEM supplier and a strong name in aftermarket parts, known for high-quality ignition components.
Tier 3: Economy Brands
These brands provide a functional replacement at a lower cost, making them suitable for budget-conscious repairs.
- DriveWire, Walker Products, Spectra, Global Parts: These brands offer affordable solutions. While they can resolve a misfire, their long-term durability may not match that of the premium brands. They can be a good option if you're planning to sell the vehicle soon or if the budget is the primary concern.
Pro Tip: Replace in Sets?
Your Armada has eight ignition coils. When one fails, the others may not be far behind, as they have all been exposed to the same heat and wear. While you can replace just the single failed coil, mechanics often recommend replacing all eight at once on a higher-mileage vehicle to prevent future misfires and ensure balanced engine performance. It is also highly recommended to replace all eight spark plugs at the same time. A worn spark plug can strain a new ignition coil, causing it to fail prematurely.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
Searches for the 2017-2024 Nissan Armada did not reveal any specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) directly related to ignition coil failure. However, a recall (NHTSA ID: 21V-373) was issued for some 2020-2021 Armada models for a faulty fuel pump that could cause the engine to stall. While unrelated to ignition coils, an engine stall can sometimes be confused with a severe misfire. Always diagnose the issue properly using an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes.
🎬 Watch a real-world fix for an Armada engine shaking and misfiring.| Part Type | Price Range (Single Coil) |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $134 - $196 |
| New Aftermarket | $30 - $123 |
| Shop Labor | $63 - $92 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which ignition coil is bad?
The easiest way is to use an OBD-II scanner. A code like P0301 indicates a misfire in cylinder 1, P0302 for cylinder 2, and so on up to P0308 for cylinder 8. You can also perform a swap test: move the suspected bad coil to another cylinder, clear the codes, and see if the misfire code follows the coil to the new cylinder.
🎬 See how to diagnose and change coils for codes P0300-P0312.Is replacing an ignition coil a DIY job?
Yes, for most people with basic tools. The coils are located on top of the engine, held by a single 10mm bolt. The process involves removing the engine cover, disconnecting the electrical connector, unbolting the coil, and pulling it straight out. Some coils may be harder to access than others, but it is generally a straightforward repair.
🎬 Follow this step-by-step guide to replacing spark plugs on your Armada.Do I need to replace spark plugs with the ignition coils?
It is highly recommended. Old or worn spark plugs put extra stress on the ignition coils, which can cause them to fail sooner. Replacing them together ensures the entire ignition system is healthy and performs efficiently.
What is the difference between an ignition coil and a spark plug?
The ignition coil transforms the battery's low voltage into a high-voltage charge. The spark plug receives that high-voltage charge and creates the physical spark inside the cylinder to ignite the fuel. They work together, but are two distinct parts.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 22448-1LA0B 22448-1LA0A
The 2017-2024 Armada uses two different ignition coils. Cylinders 1-4 (the two front cylinders on each side) use a different part than cylinders 5-8 (the two rear cylinders on each side). Always verify the correct part for the specific cylinder you are replacing.
We Have This Part in Stock
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 Armada:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Armada's Engine Running Rough?
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
- Tier 1: OEM & Premium Brands
- Tier 2: Quality Aftermarket Brands
- Tier 3: Economy Brands
- Pro Tip: Replace in Sets?
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off