Replacing Spark Plugs on a Nissan Murano Z52: A Complete Guide from A to Z

Replacing spark plugs with Nissan Murano Z52 - a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute, until the engine begins to “triple” and fuel consumption increases by 10-15%. Meanwhile, timely replacement of these “small but important” parts not only saves gasoline, but also extends the life of the catalyst, preventing expensive repairs. In this article we will figure out how to choose the right candleswhat tool will be needed, and why even experienced professionals sometimes make critical mistakes when working with VQ35DE - legendary engine Murano second generation.

If you have never held a spark plug wrench in your hands, it doesn’t matter: our guide is designed for beginners, but also contains exclusive life hacks for professionals (for example, how to avoid breaking the ceramic insulator when dismantling “stuck” candles). And for those who doubt their abilities, we have prepared diagnostic checklist - using it you can determine whether the problem is really in the spark plugs, and not in the ignition coils or fuel system.

When to change spark plugs on a Nissan Murano Z52: signs and regulations

Official regulations Nissan requires replacement of spark plugs with Murano Z52 every 100,000 km - but this rule only works for ideal conditions: high-quality fuel, moderate climate and absence of overheating. In reality 70-80% of owners are faced with the need for replacement already at 60-70 thousand km, especially if:

• 🛢️ The car is filled with gasoline with a lower octane rating AI-95 (even one-time use AI-92 reduces spark plug life by 15-20%).
• 🌡️ The engine often operates in “city traffic jams” mode (short trips, warming up in winter, frequent stops).
• ⚡ There are signs of detonation or misfire (more about them below).
• 🔥 The smell of gasoline or black soot on the electrodes appeared in the exhaust gases.

Indirect symptoms of spark plug wear that cannot be ignored:

• 🚗 The engine “troits” at idle or during acceleration (especially noticeable at speeds of 60-90 km/h).
• ⚡ “Dips” when you press the gas pedal - as if the engine is “thinking” before accelerating.
• 💨 Increase in fuel consumption by 1-2 liters per 100 km (provided that other systems are normal).
• 🔊 Popping sounds in the exhaust system or uneven engine operation after a cold start.

⚠️ Attention: If the dashboard lights up Check Engineand the scanner shows errors P0300-P0306 (misfires), don’t be so quick to blame the spark plugs. First check the ignition coils and high-voltage wires - for Murano Z52 they fail more often than the spark plugs themselves.

Which spark plugs are suitable for Nissan Murano Z52 (VQ35DE)

Engine VQ35DE, installed on Murano Z52, extremely sensitive to the quality of candles. Original parts from Nissan have an article number 22401-9M215 (iridium) or 22401-9M205 (platinum), but their price is often high (from 1,200 to 1,800 rubles per piece). Fortunately, there are worthy analogues:

Brand	Article	Type	Gap (mm)	Average price (per piece)
NGK	IFR6G-11K	Iridium	1.1	800-1,100 rub.
Denso	IKH20TT	Iridium	1.1	900-1,300 rub.
Bosch	FR7DPX	Platinum	1.1	600-800 rub.
Champion	OE201/T10	Nickel	1.1	300-500 rub.

Important nuances when choosing:

• 🔧 Gap must be strict 1.1 mm. Even a deviation of 0.1 mm will lead to misfire or detonation.
• 🔥 Iridium spark plugs They last longer (up to 120,000 km), but are sensitive to fuel quality. Platinum - the gold standard for VQ35DE.
• ⚡ Nickel spark plugs cheaper, but their resource rarely exceeds 30,000 km. Suitable for temporary replacement only.
• 🚫 Avoid “universal” spark plugs with adjustable gap - on Murano Z52 they often cause engine vibrations.

Tools and preparation for replacing spark plugs

To replace spark plugs Nissan Murano Z52 you will need:

• 🔧 Candle key on 14 mm with a rubber bushing (so as not to damage the insulator).
• 🔩 Extension cord and ratchet (length at least 15 cm - otherwise you won’t be able to reach the candles).
• 🛠️ Torque wrench (optional, but highly recommended - tightening torque 20 Nm).
• 🧲 Magnetic “fishing rod” or tweezers for removing candles from wells.
• 🧴Dielectric grease (e.g. CRC 2-26) for high-voltage wires.
• 🧹 Compressor or can of compressed air (for cleaning spark plug wells from dust).

Vehicle preparation:

1. Allow the engine to cool (working on a hot engine is dangerous - there is a risk of breaking the spark plug).
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (this will reset the errors Check Engine, if they were).
3. Remove the plastic engine cover (it is secured with 4 latches).
4. Clear the area around the spark plug wells of debris to prevent it from getting into the cylinders.

What happens if the wells are not cleaned before replacing?

Dust and sand trapped in the cylinder act as an abrasive - this leads to scoring on the walls and accelerated wear of the piston rings. In advanced cases, a major engine overhaul will be required.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z52 the candle wells are deep and narrow. If you drop a nut or bolt there, it is almost impossible to remove it without disassembling the intake manifold. Work carefully!

Step-by-step instructions for replacing spark plugs

The process of replacing spark plugs VQ35DE more difficult than on most other engines due to the inconvenient location of the wells. Follow the instructions strictly step by step:

1. Disconnect the high voltage wires. First, remove the connector from the ignition coil (press the lock and pull up). Then unscrew the coil mounting bolt (the key is on 10 mm) and remove it. Do not pull on the wires - they are fragile!
2. Blow out the well with compressed air. This will remove dust and prevent it from entering the cylinder.
3. Unscrew the old spark plug. Use an extension cord and ratchet. If the candle is “stuck”, do not use excessive force - it is better to treat the well WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes.
4. Check the condition of the spark plug. Carbon deposits on the electrode, oil or traces of antifreeze are signs of other problems (more on this below).
5. Install a new spark plug. Screw it in first by hand (so as not to distort the threads), then tighten with a torque wrench to 20 Nm. Without a dynamometer, pull it all the way and turn it another 1/8 turn.
6. Repeat for all cylinders. On VQ35DE The spark plugs are arranged in the order 1-3-5 (radiator side) and 2-4-6 (interior side).

After replacement:

• Connect the ignition coils in reverse order.
• Connect the battery terminal.
• Start the engine and check the idle speed (the vibrations should disappear).
• Carry out a test drive: accelerate to 100 km/h - if there are no “failures”, the replacement was successful.

Typical mistakes when replacing spark plugs and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that cost owners Murano Z52 in thousands of rubles. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Re-upholstery of candles. Tightening torque more 25 Nm leads to deformation of the threads in the block head. In the worst case, the cylinder head will need to be replaced.
• 🧲 Using non-original spark plugs with the wrong heat rating. Candles are “colder” than standard ones (NGK IFR6G-11K) cause carbon deposits, “hot” ones cause detonation.
• ⚡ Debris entering the cylinder. Sand or metal shavings cause scoring on the cylinder walls and wear on the piston rings.
• 🔩 Damage to the insulator when unscrewing. If a spark plug breaks off, it can only be removed with a special extractor (service cost starts from 5,000 rubles).
• 🛢️ Ignoring the state of the ignition coils. On Murano Z52 they often fail at the same time as the spark plugs (symptoms: error P0351-P0356).

How to avoid problems:

• 🔧 Always use torque wrench (or at least a ratchet with a torque limiter).
• 🧴Apply copper grease onto the thread of the candle (in a thin layer!) - this will prevent “sticking”.
• 📸 Take pictures of the process - this way you won’t confuse the order of connecting high-voltage wires.
• 🔍 Before installation, check the spark plugs for hidden defects: microcracks in the insulator or crooked electrode.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the spark plugs the engine began to work worse (vibrations appeared, fuel consumption increased), most likely you mixed up the order of connecting the coils. On VQ35DE it should be: 1-5-3-6-2-4 (cylinders are counted from the radiator).

Diagnostics based on the condition of old spark plugs

Spark plugs are the “mirror” of the engine. Their appearance can reveal hidden problems. VQ35DE:

Candle condition	Possible reason	What to do
Black oily soot	Oil getting into the combustion chamber (wear of valve stem seals or rings)	Check compression, prepare for cylinder head repair
White or gray coating	Over-enriched mixture (lambda probe malfunction or air leak)	Diagnose the fuel system, check MAF sensor
Red coating (like rust)	Use of iron or manganese additives in fuel	Change gas station, flush the fuel system
Melted electrode	Detonation (incorrect gasoline octane number or pre-ignition)	Check the ignition timing, refuel AI-98
Cracks on the insulator	Mechanical damage or manufacturing defect	Replace the spark plug, check the gap in the well

If traces of antifreeze are found on the spark plugs (white coating with a greenish tint), this is a sign broken cylinder head gasket or cracks in the block. In this case, replacing spark plugs is only a temporary measure; urgent repairs are necessary.

How to distinguish oil deposits from fuel deposits?

Oil soot is greasy to the touch and has a characteristic burning smell, while fuel soot (from a rich mixture) is dry and black, like soot. If in doubt, wipe the electrode with a clean cloth; the oil residue will not completely disappear.

Cost of replacing spark plugs at a service center vs self-repair

Prices for replacing spark plugs Nissan Murano Z52 in services in Moscow and regions (as of August 2026):

Service type	Cost of work (6 candles)	Cost of spare parts (set)	Total
Official dealer Nissan	3,500 - 5,000 rub.	7,200 - 10,800 rub. (original)	10,700 - 15,800 rub.
Unofficial service	1,500 - 2,500 rub.	3,600 - 6,000 rub. (analogues)	5,100 - 8,500 rub.
Self-replacement	0 rub.	3,600 - 7,200 rub.	3,600 - 7,200 rub.

Is it more profitable to change the spark plugs yourself?

• ✅ Savings: Up to 8,000 rub. (if you use analogues of candles).
• ✅ Quality control: You know exactly which parts are installed and with what tightening torque.
• ✅ Experience: A useful skill for further vehicle maintenance.
• ❌ Risks: If there is an error (a spark plug breaks, debris gets into the cylinder), repairs will cost 10-20 times more.
• ❌ Time: The first replacement will take 2-3 hours (for a specialist - 40-60 minutes).

Our verdict: if you have torque wrench, car experience And patience, independent replacement is justified. In other cases, it is better to trust a proven service.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with faulty spark plugs?

Technically yes, but this will lead to:

• Increased fuel consumption by 10-30%.
• Overloading the catalyst (it may melt).
• Risk of detonation and damage to pistons.

If the spark plug is completely out of order (for example, the electrode has broken off), the cylinder will stop working - you can drive, but change the spark plug urgently!

What happens if you don't change the spark plugs at all?

The consequences depend on the condition of the candles:

• 100-120 thousand km: Misfires, vibrations, increased fuel consumption.
• 150+ thousand km: Risk of insulator destruction (debris may damage the cylinder).
• 200+ thousand km: Critical wear of the catalyst (replacement will cost 50,000+ rubles).

On Murano Z52 with a mileage of more than 150,000 km, worn spark plugs are often the cause water hammer (if antifreeze gets into the cylinder through a broken cylinder head gasket).

Which spark plugs are better - iridium or platinum?

For VQ35DE optimal choice:

• Iridium (NGK IFR6G-11K): They last longer (up to 120,000 km), self-clean better, but are more expensive.
• Platinum (Denso IKH20TT): Iridium is cheaper, but the resource is up to 100,000 km. They tolerate bad fuel better.

Nickel spark plugs (Champion OE201) are suitable only for temporary replacement - their service life is Murano Z52 rarely exceeds 30,000 km.

Do I need to lubricate the spark plug threads?

Yes, but only with copper grease (For example, Liqui Moly Kupfer-Spray) and thin layer. This will prevent:

• “Sticking” of spark plugs to the block head.
• Rusting of threads (relevant for regions with a humid climate).

❌ Don't use: Graphite grease (conducts electricity), WD-40 (burns out at high temperatures), lithol (cokes).

Why does the engine run worse after replacing spark plugs?

Probable reasons:

1. The order of connecting the coils is mixed up (should be 1-5-3-6-2-4).
2. Incorrect spark plug gap (should be 1.1 mm).
3. Debris entering the cylinder during replacement.
4. Defective new spark plugs (check for warranty).
5. Malfunction of ignition coils (check resistance with a tester).

Check first wire connection order And spark plug gap. If the problem remains, diagnose the coils.