3.5L V6 Engine Complete Assembly for 2017-2020 INFINITI & Nissan • Pathfinder, QX60 - Front
Product Notes Read before buying
This engine fits vehicles with the 3.5L VQ35DD engine, which can be confirmed by the 4th digit of your vehicle's VIN being 'D'. When interchanging between 2017 and 2018 models, the front cover may need to be inspected or swapped. Your original electrical and induction system components may need to be transferred to this replacement engine.
Voice or type your vehicle details and Wrenchy will confirm fitment in seconds.
Vehicle Fitment Guide
This part fits the following vehicles:
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 - 2020 |
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 - 2020 |
Know This Engine Before You Buy
The research behind our purchase interview — recalls, bulletins and real install economics for this engine family:
A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:
- Verify that the 4th digit of the 17-digit VIN is 'D'.
- Confirm whether the vehicle is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to prepare for transferring the upper oil pan and brackets.
- Inspect the PCV hose to see if it is squishy, sticky, or deformed, and order a replacement if necessary.
What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:
Special tools this job needs:
- Engine hoist/crane or subframe lift table
- Flywheel/Flexplate Holder Tool
- Fuel pressure release tool and high-pressure fuel line disconnect tools
- OEM-compatible scan tool (Nissan CONSULT-III plus or equivalent)
Budget for these consumables at install:
- Engine Oil (5.1 quarts of full synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-30)
- OEM-spec Oil Filter
- Nissan Long Life Blue Coolant (50/50 pre-diluted mix)
- New OEM PCV Valve & PCV Hose (Part # 11823-6KA0A)
- Six new OEM-spec iridium spark plugs
- Intake manifold gaskets (upper and lower plenum)
- Exhaust manifold gaskets
- Thermostat and gasket
- Valve cover gaskets (with integrated spark plug tube seals)
- Rear main seal (highly recommended)
- Serpentine/Drive Belt
- Torque-to-Yield (TTY) crankshaft pulley bolt and flexplate-to-crankshaft bolts
What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:
What’s involved: Immobilizer Re-marriage (NATS) and Electronic Relearns
Sources differ on ECU re-marriage: one indicates no block-level re-marriage is needed, while another states that the vehicle's ECU must be re-synced with security components (NATS) to start. A dealer-level scan tool is required to perform the mandatory Idle Air Volume Learn, Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning, Accelerator Pedal Released Position Learning, and Crankshaft Position Sensor Phase Relearn.
Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:
- AWD Transfer Case (PTU) Alignment: On AWD models, the PTU bolts directly to the upper oil pan and transmission. Misalignment can bind the intermediate shaft or cause severe vibrations. Replace PTU seals during reinstallation.
- High-Pressure Fuel System Safety: Relieve fuel system pressure before disconnecting lines. High-pressure fuel lines and injector O-rings are single-use items and must be replaced to prevent fire hazards.
- Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: The crankshaft pulley bolt and flexplate-to-crankshaft bolts must be replaced with brand-new OEM fasteners.
- Fragile eVTC Connectors: The electronic Variable Timing Control solenoids on the front timing covers have fragile plastic connectors that crack easily.
- Integrated Spark Plug Tube Seals: These are integrated into the valve cover; if oil is leaking into the spark plug wells, the entire valve cover must be replaced.
- Internal Water Pump: Driven by the primary timing chain. Consider replacing it while the engine is out to avoid massive future labor costs.
Easy to get right once you know them:
- Reusing the old PCV valve and hose, which traps blowby gases and quickly ruins the replacement engine with sludge.
- Ignoring the FWD vs. AWD upper oil pan differences, which requires transferring the upper oil pan and brackets to match the vehicle's drivetrain.
- Failing to thoroughly clean and degrease the intake manifold of metal debris from a previous catastrophic engine failure.
- Not performing the Idle Air Volume Learn and other electronic relearn procedures, leading to erratic or high idle issues.
- Following factory-recommended long oil change intervals instead of committing to shorter 3,500-5,000 mile intervals to prevent sludge.
- Ignoring a brief metallic rattle on cold starts, which is a critical warning sign of timing chain tensioner wear.
Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer:
🔎 Recommended at install: Frequent oil changes (3,500-5,000 miles) using high-quality full synthetic oil, and mandatory replacement of the PCV valve and hose at install.
🔎 Recommended at install: Address cold-start rattling immediately; maintain clean oil and consistent oil pressure to prevent hydraulic tensioner failure.
🔎 Recommended at install: Manual cleaning process such as walnut blasting.
🔎 Recommended at install: Reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) and perform an Idle Air Volume Learn.
🔎 Recommended at install: Highly labor-intensive replacement as it is driven by the primary timing chain inside the front timing cover. Consider replacing while the engine is out.
Researched from factory recalls, TSBs and OEM service data (reference unit 300-77100-5390847). Unit-specific details — mileage, condition, warranty, freight — are covered in the checkout interview.
Policies, in plain English.
Shipping & Handling
- Ships by LTL freight on a pallet — a real freight truck, not a parcel van
- Your checkout freight quote covers delivery to your door (liftgate service included for residential addresses)
- The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window — someone must be present to receive it
- Typically palletized and picked up within 2–3 business days; transit time depends on distance
120-Day Warranty
This part includes a 120-day warranty.
- If the part fails within the warranty window, we'll replace it or refund per the coverage terms
- Coverage is parts-only — installation labor is not included
- Warranty covers defects — not installation errors, misuse, or damage after installation
Your pre-purchase interview reviews these exact terms with you before anything is charged.
Returns (30 Days)
We accept returns of uninstalled parts within 30 days of delivery for this part.
- Defective parts: We will replace the part or issue a refund at our discretion
- Programming: "Needs to be programmed to my vehicle" is not a valid return reason. Many modules require dealer programming — we're happy to help connect you with resources if your dealer says it's not programmable
- Return shipping: This part ships by freight (LTL) — the part price is refundable per the terms above, but shipping costs are non-refundable and return freight follows the seller's return terms. Your pre-purchase interview walks through the exact numbers before you buy
- Parts must be returned in original packaging and unmodified condition
- Poorly packaged returns that arrive damaged will not be credited
Damaged in Shipping?
Freight damage is rare — and you're fully protected when you do two things at delivery:
- Inspect before you sign — you're allowed time to look the pallet over while the driver waits
- Write any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that one line is what makes a freight claim succeed
- Severe damage? Refuse the delivery — it goes back at no cost to you and we make it right
- Photograph the pallet before unwrapping; report concealed damage within 24 hours of delivery
We handle the carrier claim — you just help document it. Your pre-purchase interview walks through this checklist too.
Order Cancellation
Cancel before shipment for a full refund. Once the pallet has been built, a preparation charge may apply — and once the freight carrier picks it up, shipping costs are non-refundable and standard return terms apply. Your pre-purchase interview shows the exact numbers before you pay.
Expert Guides
2017-2020 Pathfinder & QX60 3.5L VQ35DD: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement
Identify the VQ35DD engine, understand what causes sludge and timing chain failures, and learn when to replace it with a used OEM unit.
Read Full Guide →Related Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
4 matching guidesIf your scan tool is showing one of these trouble codes, this part is a common fix. Each guide explains the code, how to diagnose it, and exactly what to replace.
Miscellaneous Information
OEM Part Numbers:
Nissan: 101026KA0A
Fits Years: 2017 2018 2019 2020
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This unit ships with the selling yard's 120-day warranty. Longer plans can be requested during checkout.
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