2000 Maxima Coils

[kow]

First off, I'm new to NICO, but it was recommended to me by a friend.

Recently my 2000 Maxima SE had the 'check engine soon' light come on and was driving fairly roughly. It was diagnosed at the dealership as misfires in multiple cylinders and they said they said one or more coils are bad. They want to replace all coils and plugs, because they say when one coil goes bad all eventually will.

So I am wondering is it really necessary to replace all the coils and plugs? The only real work to have been done on this car (other than regular maintenance) is the coils were replaced around 33K miles ago. Is it normal for coils to go out every 30K miles?

Also, if anybody knows of any good mechanics that can service this Maxima in the Athens/Atlanta GA area, I would appreciate it.

Thanks for your help! --Adam

[maxhopper]

Welcome to NICO.Coil packs should DEFINITELY last longer than 33K miles. When was the last time you changed your spark plugs?

[kow]

As far as I know the plugs have never been changed. I've been told I should have done that around 6K miles ago (at 60K miles). I think that is why the dealership is trying to replace both the coils and the plugs possibly. Can bad plugs foul out the coils or does it go the other way around? Also can one bad coil cause other coils to foul out?

For somebody that isn't terribly experienced working on cars, are coil and plug replacements a DIY project, and if so any recommendations on where to get the parts?

Thanks again!

[maxhopper]

My advise would be to change the plugs (use only NGK replacements), and see how that does. Since each plug has it's own coil, I wouldn't think that one bad coil would cause the others to become bad. Changing the plugs and coils is a pretty easy DIY. Two small screws hold in each coil. Be carefull on the screws in the back; I like to have a magnet handy so as not to lose the screws when taking them out. Give the coil a little twist, and it'll pull right off the plug. Then you can change the plugs.As for where to get plugs, try here http://www.sparkplugs.com/ they are one of our sponsors.

NGK part # PFR5G-11
Modified by maxhopper97 at 2:12 PM 1/19/2005

[Fezzik]

I would try Maxhoppers approach first since it was multiple misfire. Another thing you need to know is the 2000 maxima coils were of poor quality and went defective very early. This is a known problem. IF you do get new coil packs try to call Dave Burnette up at 1888-254-6060 and see how much he can get them for you. Tell him that Dave Honey sent you his way. He gets nissan guys good prices. Also another thing. Make sure you new coils have a silver dot on them. This is a sign of the updated coils.