Replacing spark plugs on a Nissan Terrano: instructions with photos and videos

Replacing spark plugs with Nissan Terrano - a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute, until the engine starts to “trouble” or fuel consumption increases by 10-15%. Meanwhile, the stability of the engine, acceleration dynamics and even the service life of the catalyst depend on the condition of the spark plugs. In this article we will look at how to change spark plugs yourself. Terrano with engines HR16DE (1.6 l) And MR20DE (2.0 l)without contacting the service.

The manufacturer recommends replacing spark plugs every 30,000–40,000 km for ordinary nickel and 60,000–100,000 km for iridium or platinum. But the actual service life depends on the quality of the fuel, driving style and operating conditions. For example, if you frequently drive short distances (when the engine does not warm up completely) or use low-quality gasoline, the spark plugs may fail after 20,000 km. On Nissan Terrano 2014–2020 MR20DE engines often encounter the problem of “oil” spark plugs - when oil penetrates into the wells through worn valve seals. We will also talk about this below.

Which spark plugs are suitable for Nissan Terrano: original vs analogues

Original candles for Terrano supplied by the company NGK — their articles depend on the engine type and year of manufacture. For motor HR16DE (1.6 l) fit:

• 🔧 NGK IFR6T11 (iridium, original) - article 22401-JK01A or 22401-JK00A
• 🔧 Denso FXE20HR11 (iridium, analog) - article K20HR-U11
• 🔧 Bosch 0242235666 (platinum, analogue) - suitable for replacement, but require checking the clearance

For engine MR20DE (2.0 l) recommended:

• 🔧 NGK PLZFR6A-11 (platinum, original) - article 22401-4M015
• 🔧 Denso PK20PR-P8 (platinum, analog) - article FK20HR11
• 🔧 Champion OE203/T10 (nickel, budget option) - suitable for temporary replacement

Important: if you choose analogues, be sure to check heat number (must be 6 for Terrano) and gap between electrodes. For iridium spark plugs it is 0.8–1.0 mm, for platinum - 1.0–1.1 mm. Nickel spark plugs can be adjusted by bending the side electrode, but iridium and platinum spark plugs cannot.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Terrano 2017–2020 with system Direct Injection (direct injection) spark plugs with extended life are installed - NGK 94686 or Denso IXUH22I. Their replacement is required less frequently (every 80–100 thousand km), but they cost 2–3 times more than usual.

Signs of worn spark plugs: when is it time to change them?

Mileage is not always the only criterion for replacement. There are several “symptoms” that indicate problems with candles:

• 🚗 Engine tripping - especially noticeable at idle or during acceleration. One or more cylinders are unstable.
• ⚡ Misfires - lights up on the dashboard Check Engine with error code P0300 (random omissions) or P030X (where X is the cylinder number).
• 💨 Increased fuel consumption - if consumption increases by 1-2 liters per 100 km for no apparent reason, the spark plugs may be to blame.
• 🔥 Poor engine starting - especially in cold weather when starting requires several attempts.
• 🛢️ Oil deposits on the electrodes - indicates oil has entered the combustion chamber (diagnostics of oil seals or rings is required).

To accurately determine the condition of the spark plugs, they need to be unscrewed and inspected. A normal candle has grayish-brown soot on the electrodes, without oil stains and traces of melting. If the electrodes are covered black soot deposits - this indicates a rich fuel mixture (problems with the oxygen sensor or injectors). White coating indicates a lean mixture or overheating.

Preparing for replacement: tools and safety precautions

To replace spark plugs yourself Nissan Terrano you will need:

• 🔧 Candle key with magnetic grip (size 16 mm for most models).
• 🔧 Extension cord for a key (at least 10 cm) - deep spark plug wells.
• 🔧 Ratchet or crank with flexible head for convenience.
• 🔧 Torque wrench (optional, but recommended for precise tightening).
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (For example, WD-40) - if the candles are “stuck”.
• 🧤 Gloves And rags - so as not to get dirty and not drop dirt into the wells.

Before starting work, be sure to:

1. Allow the engine to cool (working on a hot engine is dangerous - you can strip the threads).
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to avoid short circuit).
3. Clean the area around the spark plug wells with compressed air or a brush (dirt getting into the cylinders can damage the pistons).

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Terrano with engine MR20DE The spark plug wells are located under the ignition coils. When removing the coils, be careful - their contacts are fragile, and damage can lead to misfires. Don't pull the wires!

Step-by-step instructions for replacing spark plugs on a Nissan Terrano

The process of replacing spark plugs Terrano with engines HR16DE And MR20DE similar, but there are nuances. Let's consider both options.

For HR16DE engine (1.6 l)

1. Remove decorative cover engine (it is plastic, fastened with latches).
2. Disconnect the connectors from ignition coils (there are 4 of them, one for each cylinder).
3. Unscrew the coil mounting bolts (usually 10 mm) and carefully remove them. Don't pull the wires!
4. Using a spark plug wrench with an extension, remove the old spark plugs. If they get stuck, apply WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.
5. Install new spark plugs tightening with a force of 20–25 Nm (no torque wrench - hand tighten until snug, then back 1/4 turn).
6. Reassemble everything in reverse order.

For MR20DE engine (2.0 l)

1. Remove intake manifold (on some modifications it interferes with access to the coils). To do this you need to unscrew 4 bolts 12 mm and disconnect the pipes.
2. Disconnect the ignition coil connectors and unscrew their fastenings (bolts 10 mm).
3. Remove the spools by pulling them up exactly (do not twist so as not to damage the O-rings).
4. Unscrew the old spark plugs. Be prepared for the fact that there may be oil in the wells - this is a sign of wear on the valve seals.
5. Install new spark plugs tightening with a force of 25–30 Nm. For Terrano with Direct Injection tightening torque increases to 30–35 Nm.
6. Check the condition before assembly o-rings coils - if they become hard or torn, replace them (part no. 22445-JK00A).

After replacement, start the engine and check its operation at idle speed. If misfires occur or Check Engine, this means that one of the coils is connected incorrectly or the spark plug is not tightened enough.

Common mistakes when replacing spark plugs and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to expensive repairs. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Re-upholstery of candles - leads to damage to the threads in the cylinder head. On aluminum cylinder heads (like Terrano) this is especially critical.
• 🔧 Lack of spark plugs - Causes overheating and misfires. The spark plug must be tightened certain moment (see table below).
• 🔧 Dirt getting into wells — even small particles of sand can scratch the cylinder mirror.
• 🔧 Using the wrong candles - for example, with an incorrect heat rating or gap.
• 🔧 Damage to ignition coils When removing, they must not be dropped or pulled by the wires.

Engine	Spark plug tightening torque (Nm)	Recommended clearance (mm)	Type of candles (original)
HR16DE (1.6 l)	20–25	0.8–1.0	NGK IFR6T11
MR20DE (2.0 L, without Direct Injection)	25–30	1.0–1.1	NGK PLZFR6A-11
MR20DE (2.0 L, with Direct Injection)	30–35	0.9–1.0	NGK 94686

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the spark plugs the engine begins to run worse (vibrations appear, fuel consumption increases), check coil connection order. On Nissan Terrano The cylinders are numbered from right to left (when looking at the engine from the radiator side). Incorrect connection will result in ignition timing failure.

Oil spark plugs on Nissan Terrano: causes and solutions

One of the most common problems in Terrano with engine MR20DE — oil getting into the spark plug wells. This is manifested by the following symptoms:

• 🛢️ Oil on candle threads or in wells.
• 🔥 Smoke from the exhaust pipe when starting (especially after a long stay).
• 📉 Loss of compression in one or more cylinders.

Causes of oil candles:

1. Wear of valve seals (oil seals) is the most common reason. On Terrano with mileage over 150,000 km this is almost the rule.
2. Position of piston rings — oil penetrates into the combustion chamber, and then into the spark plug wells.
3. Valve cover gasket damage — oil flows along the outside of the cylinder head.

Solutions:

• 🔧 Replacement of valve seals (requires removal of the cylinder head, cost of work ~15,000–20,000 rubles).
• 🔧 Decoking of rings (if the problem is in the position, and not in wear).
• 🔧 Installation valve stem seals from Nissan X-Trail T32 (article 13270-4M000) - they are more durable.

Temporary solution (if it is not possible to repair immediately):

• Use candles with increased clearance (up to 1.2 mm) so that the oil has less influence on the spark.
• Check the oil level and top up more often high temperature synthetics (For example, Mobil 1 5W-50).

What happens if you ignore oil candles?

If the cause of oil getting into the wells is not eliminated, over time this will lead to:

- Broken ignition coils (oil destroys insulation).

- Occurrence of rings and a drop in compression.

- Damage to the catalyst (unburnt oil clogs the honeycomb).

- Water hammer (if oil accumulates in the cylinder in large quantities).

Video instructions and additional tips

For clarity, we recommend watching a video on replacing spark plugs with Nissan Terrano:

Video 1: Replacing spark plugs with Terrano with HR16DE engine (1.6 l) - YouTube link.

Video 2: Replacing spark plugs and diagnosing oil wells on MR20DE (2.0 l) - YouTube link.

Additional tips:

• 🔧If you are using iridium spark plugs, do not clean them with sandblasting or a wire brush - this will damage the coating.
• 🔧 After replacing spark plugs, reset fuel system adaptation (can be done through a diagnostic scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes).
• 🔧 If there are candles red plaque (gasoline additives), try changing the gas station.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing spark plugs on a Nissan Terrano

Is it possible to install non-original spark plugs on Terrano?

Yes, but only if they correspond to the original parameters: heat rating 6, correct gap and electrode material. The best analogues - Denso And Bosch. Cheap candles (for example, Beru or Champion from a low price category) can last 2–3 times less.

What to do if the spark plug breaks off when unscrewing?

Do not try to remove the fragment yourself - contact service. Craftsmen use special extractors or drill out the remains of the candle. If a metal particle gets into the cylinder, it will lead to scuffing on the piston or block walls.

Do I need to lubricate the spark plug threads before installation?

No, no lubrication is required. Modern spark plugs have an anti-corrosion coating, and lubrication can lead to overtightening (as it reduces friction) or oil getting into the combustion chamber. An exception is if you install spark plugs in an engine with aluminum cylinder head (for example, after repair), then a thin layer can be applied copper paste.

How often do you need to check the spark plugs if the car is rarely used?

Even with a short mileage, spark plugs age - the electrodes oxidize, and the ceramic insulator loses its properties. It is recommended to check their condition every 2 years, even if the mileage is less than 20,000 km. With infrequent use, condensation may accumulate in the wells, which accelerates corrosion.

Is it possible to drive with misfires due to spark plugs?

Short term - yes, but this leads to:

- Damage to the catalyst (unburned fuel burns out in it).

- Overloading of the remaining cylinders (accelerated wear).

- Increased fuel consumption (up to 20–30%).

If it is not possible to replace the spark plugs right away, at least swap the ignition coils - if the misfires “move” to another cylinder, the coil is to blame, not the spark plug.