2005 Nissan Maxima Spark Plug Replacement Guide

There’s a good probability you will need to replace your worn out spark plugs several times during your ownership of a 2005 Nissan Maxima. Spark plugs are one of the most critical components inside your engine as they start the entire combustion process that starts and keeps your engine running for many thousands of miles. Similar to most engine components, spark plugs experience wear over time and eventually need to be replaced, but fortunately this is a repair you can do yourself. Odds are, if you’ve found yourself here, you have no idea how to do that, or potentially you’d just like to know what kind of spark plugs you need to buy. The entire process of changing your spark plugs should take about 20-45 minutes. This article will go over everything you’ll need to know about your Nissan Maxima’s spark plugs, whether you need some general information or a full, step-by-step guide to performing a spark plug change.

Correct spark plugs on a 2005 Nissan Maxima

For any 2005 Nissan Maxima, you can use AUTOLITE APP5325 spark plugs. These will be an exact fit and will match the required specifications of your engine. As this 2005 Nissan Maxima features a 6 cylinder engine, ensure you purchase 6 spark plugs. We always try to recommend the best possible spark plugs for the money, and these spark plugs are either a factory recomendation or an equivalent replacement available now at an affordable price.

How often should I change my spark plugs?

Generally, it is advised that you replace spark plugs once every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Of course, please make sure to check your owner’s manual to determine the exact interval determined by Nissan for the 2005 Maxima. Of course, if you drive your vehicle more aggressively or own a Maxima with some modifications, you may want to consider changing your spark plugs closer to the 20,000 miles end of that spectrum.

However, there are also telltale signs of a car that needs a spark plug replacement earlier than the recommended schedule, such as:

• Engine misfiring
• Rough idle
• Problems starting your engine

Note that this list is certainly not comprehensive, and these problems on their own do not necessarily point to the spark plugs being the standalone culprit. However, the best way to prevent any issues with your vehicle is to take care of it with organized maintenance, and you are definitely doing so with the responsible decision to replace your Nissan Maxima’s spark plugs on a regular basis.

Changing spark plugs on a 2005 Nissan Maxima

This is a process you can do on your own with some ordinary garage tools. Of course, consult your owner’s manual, as well as a factory service manual (FSM) or an equivalent Haynes or Chiltons manual. The video shown below does a good job of outlining the process.

Helpful Tools

As noted before, you should be able to do a spark plug change with some regular tools you likely already have. However, there are a few tools that are specific to this job that you may not have, and we also want to recommend some commonplace tools that you should absolutely have in your toolbox if you don’t already.

• A set of spark plug sockets – These come in extremely handy because many standard sockets are not deep enough for spark plugs. Also, some spark plug holes are a bit smaller, so it requires a thinner wall like the one featured in the product here to fit. The linked product also features a magnet to keep a good hold of the spark plug so you do not drop it into your engine bay!
• A spark plug tester – this is definitely a niche tool, but it can save you a ton of time. Although we’ve discussed spark plug replacement being a good thing to replace regularly and not just when issues occur, you may also be replacing your spark plugs because of a problem. This tool can help you diagnose the definite problem.
• A spark plug gap tool. This allows you to check the gap of your spark plugs and increase or decrease it if necessary. Most plugs will come pregapped, but if not, you should absolutely have one of these.
  • I also highly recommend you have a feeler gauge as it makes it a bit more straightforward to check the exact gap, and it is helpful for countless other jobs.
• A torque wrench is a essential tool to have in your collection. You should check your FSM (factory service manual) or owner’s manual to determine the correct torque rating to use when inserting the new spark plugs for your 2005 Nissan Maxima to be certain they are installed properly.

Tips for changing spark plugs on your 2005 Nissan Maxima

Ensure you reference the video above before you attempt to repair the spark plugs on your 2005 Nissan Maxima, as well as review your factory service manual. Be sure to check the tips shown here to help you as you do this repair.

• Your engine should be completely cold before you replace your spark plugs. You should wait at least 30 minutes after any kind of operation before attempting to replace the spark plugs on your 2005 Nissan Maxima
• First, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. It is wise to disconnect the battery anytime you work on the electrical system of your Nissan Maxima or any other vehicle.
• It isn’t a bad idea to use dielectric grease when installing new spark plugs. You can apply a small amount to the inside of the boot and the ceramic part of your spark plugs. It prevents voltage leak and helps avoid the misfortune of the boot fusing to the spark plug over time.
• During this process, one of the most vital things to ensure you do is to avoid overtightening the plugs or worse, cracking them due to overtightenting. Use a torque wrench capable of lower, more precise torque ratings to be sure that you don’t make this mistake.
• Note that this is not official advice as many spark plug manufacturers advise against the use of anti-seize. However, I have heard from numerous old-school mechanics that they always apply a light coating of anti-seize to the threads of their spark plugs, especially on older vehicles.