🔧 Pathfinder - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Pathfinder uses one ignition coil per cylinder (6 total). A bad coil can cause a misfire, rough idle, flashing check-engine light, and poor power. On this V6, the front coils are easy to access; the rear coils usually require removing the upper intake manifold (plenum) for access.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorts.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring—release connectors by pressing the lock tab first.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the intake and spark plug holes; contamination can cause engine damage.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 8mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3" extension
• 6" extension
• Universal swivel joint
• Torque wrench (5–30 Nm range)
• Flat trim tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Shop vacuum
• Painter’s tape
• Marker pen
• OBD2 scan tool
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1-6
• Upper intake manifold gasket set - Qty: 1
• Throttle body gasket - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Disconnect the battery using a 10mm socket (negative cable first) and isolate the cable so it can’t spring back.
• Use painter’s tape and a marker pen to label any hoses/connectors you unplug. This prevents mix-ups during reassembly.
• If your check-engine light was on, plug in an OBD2 scan tool and note the misfire code (P0301–P0306) before disconnecting the battery.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Remove the plastic engine cover fasteners using a 10mm socket or pull-up retainers with a flat trim tool.
• Lift the cover off and set it aside.

Step 2: Identify which coils you’re replacing

• If you’re replacing one failed coil, match the cylinder from your code (example: P0302 = cylinder 2).
• If you’re doing preventive maintenance, plan to replace coils in the same bank or all 6 for consistency.

Step 3: Remove a front-bank ignition coil (easy access)

• Unplug the coil connector by pressing the lock tab and pulling straight back.
• Remove the coil hold-down bolt using a 10mm socket.
• Twist the coil gently, then pull it straight up and out (this breaks the rubber boot seal).
• Install the new coil by pushing it straight down until fully seated.
• Reinstall the hold-down bolt and Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs) using a torque wrench.
• Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 4: Gain access to the rear-bank coils (upper intake manifold removal)

• Remove the intake duct/hose clamps using an 8mm socket and move the duct out of the way.
• Unplug the throttle body electrical connector.
• Disconnect vacuum/PCV hoses as needed using needle-nose pliers and label them with painter’s tape.
• Remove the upper intake manifold (plenum) bolts using a 12mm socket with a 6" extension and universal swivel joint.
• Lift the plenum straight up and off.
• Immediately place clean rags in the lower intake openings. Nothing must fall in.

Step 5: Replace the rear-bank coils

• Use a shop vacuum to remove loose dirt around the coil areas before opening anything.
• Unplug each coil connector by pressing the lock tab.
• Remove each coil hold-down bolt using a 10mm socket.
• Twist and pull the coil straight up to remove.
• Apply a tiny smear of dielectric grease inside the new coil boot (this helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).
• Install the new coil, reinstall the bolt, and Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs) using a torque wrench.
• Reconnect connectors until they click.

Step 6: Reinstall the upper intake manifold (plenum)

• Remove the old upper intake gaskets and install the new upper intake manifold gasket set.
• Make sure the gasket surfaces are clean and dry. Do not gouge aluminum surfaces with metal tools.
• Set the plenum back in place carefully, making sure it sits flat.
• Install bolts finger-tight first, then tighten evenly in a crisscross pattern using a 12mm socket.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.
• Reconnect all hoses and electrical connectors (use your labels).

Step 7: Reinstall intake ducting and engine cover

• Reinstall the intake duct and tighten clamps using an 8mm socket.
• Reinstall the engine cover using a 10mm socket or push retainers with a flat trim tool.

Step 8: Reconnect battery and check your work

• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• Visually recheck: no leftover tools, all connectors clicked in, all hoses attached, no rags left in the intake.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 2–3 minutes. It may idle slightly rough at first if the battery was disconnected.
• Use an OBD2 scan tool to clear codes and confirm the misfire does not return.
• Test drive 10–15 minutes with light to moderate acceleration. Recheck for warning lights.
• If the throttle body was unplugged/removed and idle seems unstable, an idle relearn may be needed (best done with a scan tool).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$420 (parts only)

You Save: $290-$480+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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