2014 Nissan Xterra Spark Plug Replacement Guide

Spark plugs are one of the most critical components inside your engine that need to be maintained. There’s a good chance you will need to replace your worn out spark plugs several times during your ownership of a 2014 Nissan Xterra. Spark plugs are one of the most critical parts inside your engine as they begin the entire combustion process that starts and keeps your engine running for many thousands of miles. Like most engine components, spark plugs experience wear over time and eventually need to be replaced, but fortunately this is a repair you can do on your own. Odds are, if you’ve found yourself here, you have no idea how to do that, or perhaps 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 roughly 20-45 minutes. This article will go over everything you’ll need to know about your Nissan Xterra’s spark plugs, whether you need some baseline information or a full, step-by-step guide to performing a spark plug change.

Correct spark plugs on a 2014 Nissan Xterra

For any 2014 Nissan Xterra, you can use AUTOLITE APP5325 spark plugs. These will be an exact fit and will match the required specifications of your engine. As this 2014 Nissan Xterra 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?

In general, 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 specific interval determined by Nissan for the 2014 Xterra. Of course, if you drive your vehicle more aggressively or own a Xterra 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 classic signs of a car that may need a spark plug replacement early, such as:

• Engine misfiring
• Rough idle
• Problems starting your engine

As a quick note, keep in mind that this list is of course 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 regular maintenance, and you are definitely doing so with the responsible decision to replace your Nissan Xterra’s spark plugs on a regular basis.

Changing spark plugs on a 2014 Nissan Xterra

This is a process you should be able to do on your own with some standard 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 accomplish a spark plug change with some ordinary tools you most 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 spark plug tester – this is definitely a niche tool, but it can save you lots 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 an issue. This tool can help you diagnose the exact problem.
• A torque wrench is a essential tool to have in your collection. You should check your FSM (factory service manual) to determine the correct torque rating to use when inserting the new spark plugs for your 2014 Nissan Xterra to be sure they are installed properly.
• A set of spark plug sockets – These come in very 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 gap tool. This allows you to check the gap of your spark plugs and change it if necessary. Most plugs will come pregapped, but if not, you should for sure have one of these.
  • I also highly recommend you have a feeler gauge as it makes it a bit easier to check the exact gap, and it is useful for a decent number of other jobs.

Tips for changing spark plugs on your 2014 Nissan Xterra

Please make sure you review the video above before you attempt to repair the spark plugs on your 2014 Nissan Xterra, as well as review your FSM (factory service manual). Additionally, we have some tips below here to help you as you do this repair.

• Before you begin, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. It is wise to disconnect the battery anytime you work on the electrical system of your Nissan Xterra or any other vehicle.
• 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.
• It’s not a bad idea to use dielectric grease when installing new spark plugs. You can apply a a tiny amount to the inside of the boot and the ceramic part of your spark plugs. It lessens the chance of voltage leak and helps avoid the misfortune of the boot fusing to the spark plug over time.
• Your engine should be completely cold before you replace your spark plugs. Wait at least 30 minutes after your engine has been running before attempting to replace the spark plugs on your 2014 Nissan Xterra
• One of the most important things to remember 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.