Replacing Ignition Coils

[Capt Caveman]

I only suggested the trade in as the vehicle is about 11 years old. How much longer before something really costly decides to go ? ?

Every year, I seem to have a problem when it comes to inspection time.

3 years ago - all oxygen sensors needed replacing
2 years ago - computer needed to be reprogrammed to increase emission tolerances
1 year ago - SES light bulb needed replacing, brake pads and rotors replaced

I drive less than 5k miles a year and the vehicle is just under 100k in mileage. I've been trying to squeeze as much as I can out of the vehicle before replacing it. I keep saying just one more year. I know the exhaust system will need to be replaced soon. I think it might be finally time.

What do you think about this? Regaping or replacing the sparkplugs myself this weekend, get my local place to reset the code(though I believe if I can leave the car battery disconnected overnight, it will reset the code too) and if the code goes off again, trade it in?

It's supposed to be close to 60F tomorrow, so the weather will cooperate.

 

[Zivic]

I did have the plugs changed the first time when I had the coils replaced. Only problem with just changing the plugs, it's going to be an additional $170 in labor if I have to change the coils.

I could do the plugs and if that doesn't work, do the coils myself.

if you changed them at the same time, don't pay again... it is something else. I wish you were closer, I have a good mechanic that would figure it out for you. probably a cam sensor or some other sensor causing the issue. These motors are good and with only a 100k on it, should go 2-3 times that without much problem.



If you are looking at a new vehicle, I would look strongly at the outback. I like them a lot. If you want more of a truck-like SUV, you cannot beat an Xterra in bang for buck... but then again, maybe you don't want another nissan.

I do like the looks of the new explorer. Would like to drive one. I saw in your other thread you were going to drive a CX9... have to say POS. motor is decent, but other than that, they feel cheap.

Good luck

 

[Capt Caveman]

Alright, I removed and regapped all of the spark plugs. It took a bit of time to remove the airbox and intake boot. I was stumped by the black sensor that was posted below to remove. The screw were stuck and I was only going to strip them.

I called my local shop to ask how they removed it and they didn't. They told me to just remove the throttle body(4 bolts). All coils and spark plugs out.

All of the spark plugs were gapped at .037", so I gapped them to .043" and here is where I became a noob. I tried to install the plugs back with the spark plug socket. After installing them, I couldn't remove the socket(due to the rubber gasket). Only now, do I realize I should have installed the plugs with just a regular 5/8" socket.

I'll complete everything tomorrow thought it's going to be in the 30s.

Could the plugs being at .037" be the cause of my error code? The original plugs had almost no tip left and were gapped over .1" and the error code just came on recently.

Will disconnect the battery reset my computer? If yes, should I disconnect it overnight or will a couple of hours be fine?

 

[Vette73]

No the smaller gap would make it easier on the system not harder.

 

[5150MyU]

Those 100k spark plugs will look worn out. They do not look like your traditional plug.
Best way to gap them is with a drill bit if you want to be accurate.
Your throttle body needs to be cleaned and the green thing you are pointing to appears to be be your Idle Speed Motor-you should clean that too.
Doing that will give you back your throttle snap-not wanting to die out at idle and nice response from a stop light.
I would pull the throttle body and remove the IAC motor and clean it good.
Although this is not related to your code you will appreciate the results.
Generally the Throttle Body gasket will be unharmed-just spray a little Hi-Tac on it and reinstall-or replace it.

 

[5150MyU]

DTC-1320
The ignition signal in the primary circuit is not sent during engine cranking or running.
(Possible Cause)
Harness or connectors(The ignition circuit is open or shorted)
Power transistor unit built into ignition coil.
Camshaft position sensor.
Camshaft position sensor circuit.

 

[exdeath]

If you circled those wondering what they are:

The green is the idle control valve (note the port inside the throttle body that leads to the idle control valve to bypass the throttle plate, there is another port on the other side)

The red is a post metered fresh air source for the PCV if it came off the intake pipe.

 

[SuperSix]

I had a similar issue with my father's Camry - ended up being a small carbon trace shorting a plug. Whomever replaced the plugs didn't use dielectric grease on the plug boot, and oil somehow got into the spark plug cylinder in the head. This was after replacing one of the two coil packs needlessly. I replaced the plugs, and put new wires in, all is good.

This may have nothing to do with your issue, but I would consider replacing, or carefully examining your plug wires for shorts.

 

[bruceb]

Except on the QX4 the plug wires are on the coil. A short section about 6 inches in length. This is a Coil on Plug type of engine. What I do not know, is if the replacement ignition coils come with the plug wire already attached or if the old one gets transferred to the new coils. If the latter, I would suggest replacing them and see if his issue is fixed.

 

[Capt Caveman]

All of the spark plugs have been regapped and everything is back together. It starts and runs smoothly. Even after disconnecting the battery overnight, it doesn't appear that the computer reset b/c the SES goes off from the first crank. All the times it was reset with a OBDII tool it needed to be driven or restarted multiple times before the SES light would go off.

Well, I'll wait to Monday/Tuesday to go back to the local shop to have them reset the code. In the meantime, I'm off to the Volvo, Audi and Ford dealerships. I'll go to Subaru tomorrow.

I'm really leaning towards a Volvo R-Design XC60 though the Outback will be more practical. I think the Explorer is going to be too big for the city.

 

[slag]

Not every car needs NGK/Iridiums ...

I'd get other quotes, if not, do it yourself? Coilpacks on my old Jetta, and A4 were cake.

Now if they're doing the wireing harness, i'd consider having them doing it.

Nissan's love NGKs and with the hassle it is to replace them, it only makes sense to use Iridium or platinum plugs that have a longer lifespan over traditional coppers.

 

[tmd171]

Hi, I was reading your posts about the 2001 infinity and the coil and spark plug issues you were having back in jan '11, and I'm going thru the exact same thing! I was so excited to finally find the answer to the problem and then the thread ended...Did you ever figure it out (coil/plugs/cam sensor)?
Thanks in advance!
Tom