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Nissan Altima & Sentra 2.5 and 3.5L Grounds



For the 02-06 Sentra/Altima 2.5 and Altima and 3.5L (VQ35) Altima and Sentra, it is important that all grounds are checked before diagnosing any electrical issue. One common problem with these Nissans of these years is the main ground cable. That is the ground cable that connects from the negative terminal on the battery to the transmission. This cable has a tendency to corrode, and break causing many electrical issues including PCM damage and ignition coils that appear scorched, or melted. To prevent this, make sure your engine mounts are in good shape, and check the main ground (as well as the other ground). This will ensure that your 2.5 and 3.5 Nissan will run happy and healthy!


2002-2006 Nissan / Altima / I35 3.5L V6 Ignition Coil replacement.

The Nissan / Infiniti vehicles of these year use independedent coils on plugs (also known as COP). There is 1 coil per cylinder.

The replacement process is very similar for the following vehicles with the same 3.5L V6. This process is for a 2002 3.5L Altima, but is very similar for the Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano, Infiniti I35, and NIssan Quest (for the Quest, the wiper cowl will need to be removed to remove the plenum).

 

  • 00-04  Infiniti I35 3.5L V6    
  • 00-06  Nissan Altima 3.5L V6 
  • 02-08  Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6  
  • 03-08  Nissan Murano 3.5L V6  
  • 04-09  Nissan Quest 3.5L V6  


Replacement of ignition coils in these cars may seem intimidating for those who aren't frequently under the hood, but anybody with a basic tool set and a slight knowledge of cars can achieve this job. 


Tools Needed:

T30 Torx Driver (for engine cover removal)

Pliers for vaccum hose removal.

10mm socket or wrench

12mm socket or wrench


Removing the front 3 coils is very easy.  Simply remove the engine cover with the torx driver, and the front 3 coils are immediately accessible.

To remove the rear 3 coils, you need to remove the intake plenum.

  • Start by disconnecting the vaccum lines and electrical connectors all the way around.
  • Remove the intake hose by the throttle body.
  • Remove the support bracket behind the plenum (near the throttle body)
  • Now you can remove the bolts and nuts holding the plenum down. Remove the 2 12mm nuts on the end, and the middle 3 12mm bolts holding the plenum down.
  • From here you will be able to remove the plenum up and out of the way enough to access the rear coils. Make sure to double and triple check for any vaccum lines, electrical connectors, and harness attached to the manifold. 

Installing is the reverse process. Just make sure that all of your vaccum hoses are installed and all electrical connectors are plugged in. When installing the plenum, check to make sure the wiring harness is not interfering with the installation.

For these models, also be sure to check the main ground cable. This cable goes from the negative post on the battery to the transmission, and can corrode and break over time and with engine movement. This is the main groud to check. If it appears coroded or damaged in any way, it must be replaced before proceeding to do any other electrical work on the car.

 

2002-2006 Altima Sentra 2.5 Ignition Coil Replacement.

This procedure will work on both the 2002-2006 Altima and Sentra 2.5 l4 motors.

Tools:

5mm allen

10mm socket

This is a very easy procedure, and can be done by anyone with a basic mechanic background.

1. Using the 5mm allen wrench, remove the plastic engine cover bolts, and remove the engine cover.

2. Using the 10mm socket, remove the bolt holding the ignition coil on, and simply remove the ignition coil. Be careful removing the electrical clip, as these can be brittle over time. Carefully wiggle the clip off instead of tugging on it.

For these models, also be sure to check the main ground cable. This cable goes from the negative post on the battery to the transmission, and can corrode and break over time and with engine movement. This is the main groud to check. If it appears coroded or damaged in any way, it must be replaced before proceeding to do any other electrical work on the car.

 

Ignition Coil Replacement For 2003-2005 Pathfinder 3.5 V6