A Nissan Murano Owner's Guide to Ignition Coil Replacement (2003-2008)
Experiencing a rough idle or engine misfire? Your ignition coils might be the problem.
- The rear three coils (cylinders 1, 3, 5) are difficult to access, requiring removal of the intake manifold.
- If a rear coil fails, always replace all three rear coils and all six spark plugs at the same time to avoid future labor costs.
- Stick with OEM (Hitachi) or top-tier aftermarket brands like NGK and Denso for reliability, especially for the rear bank.
- Before replacing coils, check for oil in the spark plug wells, which indicates a leaking valve cover gasket that must also be replaced.
Is Your Murano Shaking, Sputtering, or Losing Power?
Ignition coil failure is a common issue on the VQ35DE engine in the 2003-2008 Nissan Murano. When a coil goes bad, the engine misfires, which you'll feel as a rough idle, shaking, or a serious lack of acceleration. Your check engine light will almost certainly come on, and it might even flash. A flashing check engine light is serious; it means unburnt fuel is entering the exhaust, which can quickly damage your expensive catalytic converters. You should not drive the vehicle for long if the light is flashing.
The Murano's Big Secret: Front Coils vs. Rear Coils
Your Murano's V6 engine has two sets of cylinders. The front three (Bank 2, cylinders 2, 4, and 6) are located near the radiator and are very easy to access. Replacing these coils is a simple, 30-minute job. However, the rear three coils (Bank 1, cylinders 1, 3, and 5) are hidden underneath the upper intake manifold against the firewall. Replacing these requires removing the entire intake manifold 🎬 Watch this detailed guide on removing the intake manifold., a much more involved and time-consuming job.
Pro Tip: Replace in Sets
Because of the significant labor involved in accessing the rear ignition coils, it is strongly recommended to replace all three rear coils at once, even if only one has failed. It is also the perfect time to replace all six spark plugs. This preventative step can save you from having to remove the intake manifold again in the near future.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
Not all aftermarket coils are created equal. For a part that can be difficult to replace, choosing a quality brand is critical to avoid doing the job twice. Here’s a breakdown of brand quality for your Murano:
- Tier 1 (OEM Quality): Hitachi is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for Nissan. Buying a Hitachi coil from an aftermarket supplier is like getting the dealer part without the dealer price. NGK and Denso are also top-tier Japanese brands known for excellent reliability in ignition components. For the hard-to-reach rear coils, sticking with these brands is your best bet.
- Tier 2 (Quality Aftermarket): Brands like Delphi and Standard Ignition (SMP) are well-known aftermarket manufacturers that offer a good balance of quality and price. They are generally considered reliable choices for daily drivers.
- Tier 3 (Economy): This category includes many other brands like DriveWire, Spectra, and various private labels. While their low price is appealing, their long-term reliability can be inconsistent. These are best used for the easily accessible front coils where a future replacement isn't a major project. Avoid unbranded, no-name coil packs from online marketplaces, as they have a high failure rate.
Check for Oil Leaks!
A very common related issue on the VQ35DE engine is a leaking valve cover gasket. This leak allows engine oil to fill the spark plug tubes, which can soak the bottom of the ignition coil boot and cause it to fail. When you remove the old coil, look for signs of wet oil in the tube. If you see oil, you must replace the valve cover gasket 🎬 See how to fix a misfire caused by oil leaks. to solve the root cause of the problem.
How Much Does an Ignition Coil Replacement Cost?
The cost varies significantly based on whether you need to replace front or rear coils and if you do the work yourself.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Ignition Coil (Single) | $35 - $90 |
| New OEM (Hitachi) Ignition Coil (Single) | $90 - $135 |
| Shop Labor (Front Coils Only) | $50 - $100 |
| Shop Labor (Rear Coils - Manifold Removal) | $300 - $500+ |
| Total Shop Visit (All 6 Coils & Plugs) | $750 - $1,400+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just one ignition coil?
Yes. If a front coil fails, it's perfectly fine to replace only the single failed coil. However, if a rear coil fails, it is highly recommended to replace all three rear coils and the spark plugs at the same time due to the high labor cost to access them.
How do I know which coil is bad?
A mechanic or an OBD-II code reader can identify the specific cylinder that is misfiring. The codes are P0301 (Cylinder 1), P0302 (Cylinder 2), and so on. On your Murano, the rear bank (under the intake) is cylinders 1, 3, and 5. The front bank is 2, 4, and 6.
🎬 Watch this video to see the Murano firing order explained.Are there any recalls for the 2003-2008 Murano ignition coils?
No, there are no active recalls or specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Nissan for widespread ignition coil failure on this vehicle. Failure is typically due to age and heat cycles.
Should I replace my spark plugs with the coils?
Absolutely. If you are already replacing coils, especially the rear ones, it is the perfect time to install new spark plugs. Worn spark plugs can strain the ignition coils, leading to premature failure. Always use high-quality NGK or Denso Iridium plugs for best performance and longevity.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 22448-8J115 22448-8J11C 22448-8J111 22448-8J100
Coil-on-Plug (COP) design. One required per cylinder, for a total of six.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Nissan Murano: