Comments: 1-15, 16-25
Most Nissan Maxima from year 95-00 have ignition coil problem. This year car uses distributorless and was a first designed by Nissan. Instead of using a single coil with distributor, it uses each individual ignition coil for each individual cynlinder. The coils have a flaw design that caused one or more engine misfire after you have driven ~50K on it. Nissan knew this problem, but did not offer a recall, rather re-designed the replacement coils more reliable. New Maxima is using this new design coil. Replace these coils are not cheap (over $700 parts and labor) for 95-00 Maxima owner, most dealer recommended to replace all six coils even only one cynlinder found misfire. There is Nissan Maxima Group in groups.google.com where you can find sources of how to read ECM code and replace new coils your self. It may save you hundreds of dollars.
That seems more like a technical paper on ignition coils rather than a review.
Thank you for your contribution. I ran into this problem with my 2000 Maxima and had heard of this same problem. This confirms what I suspected.
My 2000 Maxima is in the shop today and was just notified about the ignition coil problem that will cost $670. I'm disappointed to learn that Nissan knew about the problem when they built the vehicles, but chose not to do anything about it. I was ready to trade my 2000 for a 2004 Nissan. Now I'm not so sure.
This problem occurred for me at 42K miles, the dealer recommended changing the whole bank (3 cylinders). I just wanted to confirm their recommendation.
Regards,
Add me to the list of people with this problem. My 2000 Maxima had about 35K miles on it.
Cost to replace all six coils with labor is $540 at the dealer. So although it ain't cheap, I am glad to see it's less than some people have had to pay for the repair.
I ran into the same problem today with my 2000 Nissan Maxima (~31.5k). It started with "Service Engine Soon" light. I took it to the dealer and they found out the problem with ignition coil. Estimate is about $650. Its very disappointing to know that consumers are made to pay for Nissan's mistake.
I ran into the same problem in Nov. 03 with 60,000 miles on my car. I contacted Nissan Maxima Corporate and they covered it under their good will policy.
I'm having the exact same problem with my 2000 Maxima SE. SES light is on, all the other symptoms are there. I just called the dealer and they charge $117 per coil plus $89.90 per hour in labor.
How do I contact Nissan Corporate to get this covered under the good will policy?
My 2000 Maxima GXE hit over 75K before SES light and coil problem existed. Luckily, I have extended warranty, but will also seek Nissan Corporate assistance. Any further information on how to proceed?
It wound up being coil number three. I had to take it to the dealer to get a proper diagnosis. The total cost was just under $300. It was expensive, but not really bad enough to call the corporate office. I'll be keeping an eye out for the other coils. If it becomes a problem they'll be hearing from me.
Earlier this month (02/04) we noticed a lack of "zip" in our 2000 Maxima, then Service Engine Soon light lit up at 49300. The dealer diagnosed the problem - 1 or more of the ignition coils was bad. Unable to tell which, all 6 needed to be replaced. The quote is $628. Glad to see this is a common problem, now how do I contact Nissan for some good will?
We paid some extra money for our diagnosis. (More than just the standard computer diagnosis) At first glance we had the same issue. They couldn't tell which coil was bad. So we had them individually check each coil until the bad one was found.
If you're going to have to replace all six coils, I'd call Nissan at 1-800-NISSAN-1. Have your VIN ready. Hopefully they'll work with you on the cost.
Good luck. Let us know how it works out.
I have a '98 Maxima and I simply love the car. It is comparatively easy to work on. The ignition coils, though they can be expensive bargains can be found. Check out www.advanceautoparts.com (There are others out there google "maxima ignition coils"). Coils can be as low as $65 each. Remove and replace is merely taking out 2 screws per coil & 1 connector. I agree the Dealerships can be expensive, but self maintenance is not prohibitive or impossible. Get a Haynes or Chilton manual and look it through. If nothing else you learn how to get the check engine codes before you take it in for service.
I had the same ignition coil problem at 40K on my Maxima GLE. I called 1-800-NISSAN-1 as per the previous post. Spoke to Ryan at extention 3757. Ryan then called up the dealer and got the replacement done at no cost to me (1 time good will from Nissan), saved me 800$.
Please have your VIN ready when you call him. thanks to the guy who posted the 1-800 number. I hope this helps few more customers.
I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima, also, June 9, 94, my service engine soon light and traction control system lights have come on, and the ride in my car is the sport car kind, because the traction control system is off. I serviced the engine, the light did not go out, I am suprised to find out about the problem nissan has had with ignition coils and did not offer a recall. Thank you for the information on the good will program! I will call them asap!
Lisa.