Nissan Altima
Spark Plugs Replacement Guide
How to change the spark plugs in a 6th
gen 2019 to 2024 Nissan Altima with the PR25DD 2.5L I4 engine.
By Paul B. Michaels Author & Photographer Auto Mechanic Since 1989 |
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![]() 2020 Altima 2.5L I4 |
![]() Pull Off Plastic Cover |
![]() Engine Cover Removed |
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the sixth generation 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and the revised or "face lifted"
2023 and 2024 Nissan Altima sedan in checking or changing the spark plugs in
the PR25DD 2.5 liter inline four cylinder engine. Owners of other Nissan, Infiniti or related Renault vehicles such as the Rogue, X-Trail, Note, Versa, Rogue Sport / Qashqai, Maxima, Sentra, Juke, Kicks, Murano, Pathfinder, Armada, Frontier, Titan, Quest, NV200, Q50, Q60, QX50, QX60 and QX80 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The tools and other items needed to complete this procedure include a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet, a 14mm spark plug socket, a long extension bar, a 3/8" drive ratchet and a tube of dielectric grease. The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) iridium tipped spark plug part number is Denso DXE22H11C. Another compatible replacement spark plug is the Bosch 9621. The first two steps are to open the hood and then pull off the plastic engine cover. Set the engine cover aside in a safe place. |
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![]() Four Ignition Coils |
![]() Gray Power Plug |
![]() Push Down Release Tab |
Once the engine
cover has been removed, you'll have easy access to the four ignition coils. To help prevent from having debris fall down into the spark plug wells, clean off the top of the engine with a wet/dry shop vacuum or use compressed air. I also recommend only checking or changing one spark plug at a time to help further reduce the risk of having a foreign object fall down into the spark plug well. Push down the release tab on the gray plastic electrical connector before sliding it straight off the ignition coil. |
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![]() Disconnect Power Plug |
![]() Loosen Counterclockwise |
![]() 10mm Bolt Removed |
Loosen the black metal ignition coil bolt by turning it in the counterclockwise direction with a 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet. | ||
![]() Remove Ignition Coil |
![]() Ignition Coil Removed |
![]() Old Spark Plug In Well |
Gently loosen the
ignition coil from the top of the spark plug by rotating it back and forth a
few times. Lift the ignition coil straight out of the spark plug well. |
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![]() 14mm Spark Plug Socket |
![]() Loosen Counterclockwise |
![]() Spin Out Old Spark Plug |
Attach the
14mm spark plug socket to the
extension bar and a 3/8" drive ratchet. (A 9/16" spark plug socket would also work.) Loosen the old spark plug by turning it in the counterclockwise direction. Once the old spark plug is loose, detach the ratchet and spin it out the rest of the way by hand. |
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![]() Inspect Old Spark Plug |
![]() Spin In New Spark Plug |
![]() Tighten Clockwise |
Inspect both ends of the old spark plug. If the electrode end of the old spark plug looks ashy white, the plugs might have been exposed to high temperatures due to engine overheating or they could be the incorrect heat range for your driving conditions or environment. On the other hand, if the old spark plug is grey or covered in dark black soot, the engine might be burning oil and should be inspected by a professional mechanic. If you have a spark plug gap gauge tool, check the gap on the new spark plugs. The OEM Denso plugs should be gapped to .043" (or 1.1mm). Check the box for the correct gap if you purchased a different spark plug. Insert the new spark plug into the socket. The spark plug socket should have a magnet or a rubber insert to securely hold the new spark plug in place. Carefully lower the new spark plug down into the well. Spin in the new spark plug by hand in the clockwise direction until it makes contact with the cylinder head. Tighten the spark plug in the clockwise direction with the 3/8" drive ratchet until is snug. The service manual for the previous generation Nissan Altima with the QR25DE 2.5L I4 engine had a spark plug torque specification of 15 to 21 lb-ft. I imagine it is a similar if not the same torque value for this PR25DD 2.5L I4 engine. |
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![]() Apply Dielectric Grease |
![]() Lower In Ignition Coil |
![]() Replace 10mm Bolt |
Apply some
dielectric grease to the opening at the end of the rubber boot on the
ignition coil. The dielectric grease will help ensure a reliable electrical connection by keeping out any dust or moisture. Lower in the ignition coil and push it down on to the top of the new spark plug. Line up the bolt holes and replace the 10mm ignition coil bolt. Tighten the 10mm bolt in the clockwise direction until it is snug. |
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![]() Push On Power Plug |
![]() Replace Engine Cover |
![]() Spark Plugs Replaced |
Push on the power
plug until it clicks securely into place. Push on the plastic engine cover. Be sure to record the spark plug change in your vehicle's service records. According to the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual, the spark plugs should be replaced every 105,000 miles (or every 168,000 km). Please
take a look at all of my
2019-2024 Nissan Altima DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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