2002 Nissan Xterra Spark Plug Replacement Guide

There’s a decent probability you will need to replace your old spark plugs several times over the course of owning a 2002 Nissan Xterra. Spark plugs are one of the most important components inside your engine as they trigger the entire combustion process that starts and keeps your engine running for many thousands of miles. Like most engine parts, spark plugs experience wear over time and eventually need to be swapped out for new replacements, but fortunately this is a repair you can do yourself. Chances 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 will 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 2002 Nissan Xterra

This is a great option for any 2002 Nissan Xterra: NGK (5464) BKR5EIX-11 Iridium IX Spark Plug (4 Pack)
For any 2002 Nissan Xterra, you can use NGK 5464 spark plugs. These will be an exact fit and will match the required specifications of your engine. Make sure you purchase the correct quantity of spark plugs for your engine corresponding to the number of cylinders. Often, manufacturers will bundle spark plugs in quantities that make it nearly impossible to buy the exact amount you need for your engine. In this case, it can’t hurt to purchase enough for your next two spark plug changes just so you will always have a new set ready. 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 in today’s market at an affordable price.

How often should I change my spark plugs?

As a general recommendation, 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 2002 Xterra. Of course, if you drive your vehicle more aggressively or own a Nissan 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 telltale signs of a car that may need a spark plug replacement prematurely, such as:

  • Engine misfiring
  • Problems starting your engine
  • Rough idle

As a quick note, keep in mind that this list is absolutely not comprehensive, and these problems on their own do not definitively point to the spark plugs being the solitary culprit. However, the best way to prevent any issues with your vehicle is to take care of it with routine maintenance, and you are definitely doing so with the responsible decision to replace your 2002 Nissan Xterra’s spark plugs on a regular basis.

Changing spark plugs on a 2002 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 or an equivalent Haynes or Chiltons manual. The video shown below does a good job of outlining the process.

Helpful Tools

We recommend having a spark plug gap tool in your arsenal. It’s an inexpensive tool that will come in handy frequently.
As noted before, you should be able to do 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 general tools that you should definitely have in your toolbox if you don’t already.

  • A set of spark plug sockets – These come in very handy because many standard sockets are not deep enough for spark plugs. Additionally, 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 torque wrench is a very important tool to have in your collection. You will want to check your FSM (factory service manual) to determine the correct torque rating to use when installing the new spark plugs for your 2002 Nissan Xterra to be certain they are installed properly.
  • 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 something going wrong. 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 modify it if necessary. Most plugs will come pregapped, but if not, you should absolutely have one of these.

Tips for changing spark plugs on your 2002 Nissan Xterra

It is a great idea to have some dielectric grease handy.
Please make sure you review the video above before you attempt to repair the spark plugs on your 2002 Nissan Xterra, as well as review your factory service manual. Additionally, we have some tips below here to help you as you complete this repair.

  • You should replace spark plugs on a cold engine. Ensure you wait at least 30 minutes after any kind of operation before attempting to replace the spark plugs on your 2002 Nissan Xterra
  • You might consider using dielectric grease when installing new spark plugs. You can apply a a very light coating 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Before you begin, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. You should always disconnect the battery anytime you work on the electrical system of your Nissan Xterra or any other vehicle.

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