Parts for your 2008 Nissan Maxima-Ignition coils

2008 Nissan Maxima ignition coils – what they do and when to replace them

Ignition coils are absolutely used on the 2008 Nissan Maxima. Nissan’s Factory Service Manual for the 2008 Maxima (A34/J31, VQ35DE 3.5‑litre V6) and the Nissan FAST parts catalogue both specify a coil‑on‑plug setup with six individual ignition coils, one per cylinder, mounted directly over the spark plugs in the cylinder heads. This design is standard across that model year and engine family.

On this Maxima, each coil transforms the 12‑volt supply into the high voltage needed to jump the spark plug gap under load. Because they’re coil‑on‑plug, there are no high‑tension leads to worry about, which helps reliability and spark energy. When a coil gets tired, drivers often notice a rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, poorer fuel economy, or the check engine light with misfire codes (P0300–P0306) or specific coil circuit codes (P0351–P0356).

Coils aren’t a set‑schedule service item, but they’re closely tied to spark plug condition. The VQ35DE uses long‑life iridium plugs typically serviced around 160,000 km. That’s the perfect time to inspect all six coils, boots and connectors. Look for heat‑hardening, oil contamination in the plug tubes, or carbon tracking on the boots. If any coil is cracked or its boot is chewed up, replace it. Quality OEM or OEM‑equivalent coils are strongly recommended to avoid repeat faults.

Whether to replace one or all six depends on budget and kilometres. If the car’s under about 120,000 km and only one cylinder is misfiring, replacing the single faulty coil alongside fresh plugs is reasonable. On higher‑kilometre cars, many workshops will fit a matched set for long‑term peace of mind, especially if multiple coils test marginal.

• Basic fitting tips:
  • Disconnect the battery and remove the engine covers to access the banks.
  • Blow out plug wells before removing plugs to keep debris out.
  • Coil hold‑down bolts are light torque (around 7 N·m). Don’t overdo it.
  • Install new plugs to spec torque (typically 18–25 N·m) and avoid anti‑seize unless the plug maker specifies it.
  • Use a tiny smear of dielectric grease inside the boot if desired, keeping it off the plug electrode.

If the Maxima throws a misfire code and the engine note goes a bit crook, sort it promptly. Driving with a dead coil can overheat the catalytic converters and cost a lot more than a straightforward coil and plug job.

Popular questions about 2008 Nissan Maxima ignition coils

How many ignition coils are in a 2008 Maxima?
There are six coils, one for each cylinder on the VQ35DE V6. They’re mounted directly on the spark plugs under the engine covers, three per bank.

When should the coils be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Replace a coil when there’s a confirmed fault or during plug service if inspection shows heat damage, cracking, oil contamination, or carbon tracking. Many owners inspect at around 160,000 km when the iridium plugs are due.

Can a failing coil damage other components?
Yes. A persistent misfire can dump unburnt fuel into the exhaust, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. If there’s a misfire or coil code, it’s smart to fix it sooner rather than later.