How to Change the Spark Plugs on a 1997 Nissan Maxima
by Jeffrey Caldwell
The spark plugs on a 1997 Nissan Maxima are located in the cylinder head and ignite the mixture of air and gas in the combustion chamber. Periodically, the spark plugs must be replaced; failure to do so will lower the efficiency of your engine and create environmentally-harmful emissions. Spark plugs on a 1997 Maxima can easily be replaced in an hour or two using a few simple tools.
Accessing the Spark Plugs
Step 1
Unhook the ground cable from the negative battery post by loosening the retaining bolt with a socket then pulling the clamp off the post.
Step 2
Check the gap on the new spark plugs using a feeler gauge. It should measure 0.043 inch. Adjust if necessary.
Remove the four screws that secure the coil cover to the cylinder head using a Phillips head screwdriver. Then pull the coil cover off the head.
Replacing the Spark Plugs
Step 1
Disconnect the electrical connector from the first coil (located near the oil drain fill plug) by pulling it off by hand.
Step 2
Remove the two screws that secure the coil to the head using a Phillips head screwdriver. Lift the coil away from the head.
Step 3
Remove the old spark plug from the head using a spark plug socket and extension. Remove the spark plug from the Maxima.
Step 4
Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the threads on the new spark plug.
Step 5
Install the new spark plug into the head using a spark plug socket and extension.
Step 6
Insert the coil onto the new spark plug. Reinstall the two screws that secure it using a Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 7
Press the electrical connector onto the coil by hand.
Repeat this process to replace the other spark plugs on the engine.
Reinstalling the Coil Cover
Step 1
Set the coil cover in place over the cylinder. Reinstall the four screws that secure the cover to the cylinder head.
Step 2
Slide the ground cable onto the negative battery post. Tighten the retaining bolt with a socket.
Run the engine to test the spark plugs.
References
- "Haynes Nissan Maxima Repair Manual 1993 through 2001;" Bob Henderson and John H. Haynes; 1999
Things You'll Need
- Socket set
- Replacement spark plugs
- Feeler gauge
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Spark plug socket
- Anti-seize compound
Warnings
- Wait until the engine is completely cooled before beginning this repair. Failure to do so could cause burns.
- Do not damage the ceramic insulator around the center electrode on the new spark plug as this could ruin the spark plug.
Writer Bio
Jeffrey Caldwell has been a freelance writer for over five months and has published over 250 articles on websites like eHow and Trails.com. Caldwell writes articles on a wide range of topics including travel, camping and automotive mechanics. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millersville University.
