2000 Nissan Maxima SE from North America - Comments

When my Maxima reached about 55000 miles, My Check Engine light came on. The initial code was for an O2 sensor. Upon recommendation from a technician, I tried running higher octane fuel and fuel injector cleaner. The light continued to return after a few days of driving. When the car reached around 60000, the TCS and Slip lights came on as well. The car would hesitate and struggle when this occurred. The problem occurs at random intervals. I took it to a Nissan dealer to have them diagnose the problem. They told me I would have to replace all 6 ignition coils at a cost of $920. Based upon the posts on this forum, this issue seems to be a common theme. Does anyone know if this is a potential "Do It Yourself" job? If so, does anyone have any documentation/recommendations on how to procede?

When my Maxima reached about 55000 miles, My Check Engine light came on. The initial code was for an O2 sensor. Upon recommendation from a technician, I tried running higher octane fuel and fuel injector cleaner. The light continued to return after a few days of driving. When the car reached around 60000, the TCS and Slip lights came on as well. The car would hesitate and struggle when this occurred. The problem occurs at random intervals. I took it to a Nissan dealer to have them diagnose the problem. They told me I would have to replace all 6 ignition coils at a cost of $920. Based upon the posts on this forum, this issue seems to be a common theme. Does anyone know if this is a potential "Do It Yourself" job? If so, does anyone have any documentation/recommendations on how to procede?

I looked into doing it myself and was told you have to remove a lot of parts to get to the coils.

By the way - I am starting to notice the same symptoms about 1 year after the work was done.

Any reason why they could not just replace the O2 sensor?

Yes - you can buy the coils for about $60/each at http://www.nissan-auto-parts-dealer.com/ and install them... its fairly easy except the back row is kind of a tight fit. Here are the directions for the spark plugs... you can leave those in though as the ignition coils fit over them.

http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/sparkplug.html.

-Dave.

I have had the exact same problem with my 99 MAX SE at about the same mileage. They may be a known defect. The computer isolated it to #3 cylinder. We replaced it now the problem is back, perhaps with another cylinder. If I remember correctly there are two part #'s. One is for the front and one for the back three cylinders. Not hard to change, but an annoying problem that I would not expect in a Maxima.

Mike D.

I am having a similiar issue. 99 Maxima SE.

At 3k dealer replaced coil #6 and also replaced what they called a master coil, said it sends the signals to the coils. Now at 66k having issue again and dealer said that need new #6 coil and plugs all around. They just did the 60k service 3500 miles ago, I guess they didn't check the plugs or maybe they did and cracked the coil putting it back in.

Is it worth going ahead and getting all new coils or just the one?

I am now replacing another batch of coils on my 2000 Maxima, at only about 30,000 miles. This appears to be a general defect that Nissan should fix, but isn't. There is an ignition coil recall petition for 2000-2003 Maximas at http://www.petitiononline.com/NIS_IGN/petition.html that already has 1,400 signatures, including mine! I used to love the car, but I will never buy a Nissan again.

Nissan Maximas suck. The defective coil and spark plugs for my 1999 Maxima. Nissan, no guts to take the responsibility. People are smart, they will not buy another Nissan again. Nissan just don't look at the long term goal. Greedy and dumb. The CEO probably makes too much money.