Parts for your 2013 Nissan Dualis-Ignition coils

2013 Nissan Dualis ignition coils: what they do and how to look after them

Yes — the 2013 Nissan Dualis uses ignition coils. On petrol models fitted with the MR20DE 2.0‑litre engine, Nissan specifies a coil‑on‑plug setup with four individual coils. This is documented in the Nissan Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for the J10 Dualis/Qashqai (EC section: Ignition System, COP type) and reflected in Nissan’s parts catalogue, which lists Coil Assy–Ignition for the MR20DE under part numbers commonly seen as 22448‑ED000 and 22448‑JA00C. If a market‑specific Dualis is a diesel, it won’t have ignition coils (diesels use compression ignition and glow plugs instead), but the 2013 Australian and New Zealand petrol models are coil‑equipped.

On the 2013 Dualis, each ignition coil sits directly on top of a spark plug under the engine cover. Their job is to step up the battery’s 12 volts to the high voltage needed to fire the plugs, giving clean combustion, decent power, and good fuel economy. When one starts to fail, owners usually notice a rough idle, flat spots under load, higher fuel use, or a flashing check engine light. The ECU typically stores misfire codes like P0301–P0304.

Coils aren’t a scheduled replacement item and can last well past 150,000 km, but heat and vibration take their toll. A sensible approach on a Dualis service is to:

• Replace spark plugs at the recommended interval (around 100,000 km for iridium types) and inspect coil boots for cracking, carbon tracking, or oil contamination from a rocker cover leak.
• If there’s a persistent misfire, swap the suspected coil to another cylinder to see if the fault follows, replace that coil if it does.
• Use quality OEM‑spec coils and avoid mixing brands. Lightly apply dielectric grease to the inside of the boot to help sealing.

DIYers should disconnect the battery, lift the engine cover, unplug the coil connector, remove the hold‑down bolt (typically torqued around 7–9 N·m), and pull the coil straight up. Refit carefully so the boot fully seats on the plug. Spark plugs on the MR20DE are usually pre‑gapped iridium, don’t force the gap. If multiple coils are original and the vehicle has high kilometres, it’s reasonable to replace the full set to restore smooth running.

Using the right coils and keeping the plugs fresh helps the Dualis start crisply on cold mornings, run smoother under the bonnet, and sip less fuel on the open road.

Popular questions

How long do ignition coils last on a 2013 Nissan Dualis?
Many last 150,000–200,000 km or more. Heat, stop‑start driving, and oil leaks around the plug wells can shorten life. If the vehicle is misfiring or logging P030x codes, test and replace as needed rather than waiting for a roadside drama.

Should coils be replaced when changing spark plugs?
Not automatically. On the Dualis, replace plugs at the proper interval and inspect the coils and boots. If the boots are perished, there’s evidence of arcing, or there’s a history of misfire, replacing the affected coils (or all four on higher‑km cars) is smart preventive maintenance.

What’s the best coil brand for the Dualis MR20DE?
Use OEM or OEM‑equivalent coils that meet Nissan specs for the MR20DE. Genuine‑spec units matching the 22448‑ED000/22448‑JA00C application tend to give the most consistent fit and longevity.