🔧 Murano - Spark Plug Replacement

On your Murano’s 3.5L V6, there are 6 spark plugs (3 front bank, 3 rear bank). The rear bank plugs sit under the upper intake plenum, so this job involves removing the intake plenum to reach them safely and correctly.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a fully cool engine to avoid burns and prevent stripping aluminum threads.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to reduce the risk of short circuits while unplugging sensors and coils.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the intake ports—cover openings with clean shop towels immediately.
• ⚠️ Do not use anti-seize on Nissan OEM-style plated spark plug threads unless the plug maker specifically requires it.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" torque wrench (10-60 Nm range)
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 8mm socket
• 14mm thin-wall spark plug socket
• 3/8" extension set (3", 6", 10")
• 3/8" wobble extension
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Trim clip removal tool
• Pick tool
• Compressed air blow gun
• Shop towels
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Iridium spark plugs (OEM equivalent) - Qty: 6
• Upper intake plenum gasket set - Qty: 1
• Throttle body gasket - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
• Throttle body/intake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Murano on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely (ideally overnight).
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
• Take a few photos of hose routing and electrical connectors before removing anything. Photos prevent reassembly mistakes.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover and air intake duct

• Remove the plastic engine cover using a 10mm socket (if equipped).
• Unplug the mass airflow sensor connector (on the intake tube) by lifting the lock tab with a pick tool.
• Loosen the intake tube clamps using an 8mm socket or flathead screwdriver.
• Remove the intake duct/resonator assembly and set it aside using a trim clip removal tool if clips are present.

Step 2: Create access to the upper intake plenum

• Label and disconnect any vacuum hoses on the plenum using needle-nose pliers for spring clamps.
• Disconnect electrical connectors around the throttle body and plenum using a pick tool to release locks.

Step 3: Remove the throttle body from the plenum

• Remove the throttle body mounting bolts using a 10mm socket.
• Carefully move the throttle body aside without stressing the wiring harness; support it with shop towels.
• Remove and discard the old throttle body gasket using a pick tool.
• On reassembly later: Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lb).
• Don’t push the throttle plate by hand.

Step 4: Remove the upper intake plenum

• Remove the upper plenum bolts/nuts using a 12mm socket with a 3/8" extension.
• Lift the plenum straight up and off; use a flashlight to confirm nothing is still connected.
• Immediately cover the exposed intake ports with clean shop towels.
• Remove and discard the old upper plenum gaskets using a pick tool.
• On reassembly later: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lb).

Step 5: Remove ignition coils (front and rear bank)

• Unplug each ignition coil connector by releasing the lock using a pick tool.
• Remove each coil retaining bolt using a 10mm socket.
• Twist the coil boot slightly, then pull the coil straight up by hand.
• On reassembly later: Torque to 7 Nm (62 in-lb).

Step 6: Remove the old spark plugs

• Blow out each spark plug well using a compressed air blow gun so debris doesn’t fall into the cylinder.
• Remove each plug using a 14mm thin-wall spark plug socket with a 3/8" extension and 3/8" ratchet.
• A spark plug socket is a deep socket that grips the plug’s ceramic so it lifts out safely.

Step 7: Install the new spark plugs

• Check each new plug matches the old one (length and seat style) using a flashlight.
• Start each plug by hand using the 14mm thin-wall spark plug socket and a 3/8" extension only (no ratchet) to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten each plug with a 3/8" torque wrench: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lb).
• Apply a small dab of dielectric grease inside each coil boot (not on the plug threads).

Step 8: Reinstall ignition coils

• Push each coil straight onto its plug until fully seated by hand.
• Install coil bolts using a 10mm socket, then tighten with a 3/8" torque wrench: Torque to 7 Nm (62 in-lb).
• Reconnect each coil connector until it clicks.

Step 9: Reinstall the upper intake plenum with new gaskets

• Remove the shop towels from the intake ports and verify nothing fell in using a flashlight.
• Install new upper plenum gaskets in place.
• Set the plenum down evenly, then start bolts/nuts by hand.
• Tighten with a 12mm socket and finish with a 3/8" torque wrench: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lb).

Step 10: Reinstall the throttle body and intake duct

• Install a new throttle body gasket.
• Reinstall the throttle body using a 10mm socket, then torque with a 3/8" torque wrench: Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lb).
• Reconnect throttle body and nearby electrical connectors.
• Reinstall the intake duct and tighten clamps using an 8mm socket or flathead screwdriver.
• Reconnect the mass airflow sensor connector.

Step 11: Reconnect the battery

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the key on (engine off) for 10 seconds, then off for 10 seconds (helps the throttle system re-initialize).
• Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes; the idle may hunt briefly, then should smooth out.
• Listen for vacuum leaks (hissing) around the plenum and intake tube.
• If you get a check engine light or misfire, re-check every coil connector and any vacuum hose you removed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹12,000-₹25,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹4,500-₹12,000 (parts only)

You Save: ₹7,500-₹13,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹1,000-₹2,500/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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