Parts for your 2016 Nissan Pulsar-Ignition coils

2016 Nissan Pulsar Ignition Coils

Ignition coils are absolutely relevant on the 2016 Nissan Pulsar. Nissan’s factory service information for the B17 (sedan) and C12 (hatch) Pulsar/Sylphy platforms with the MRA8DE 1.8L and MR16DDT 1.6L turbo petrol engines specifies a coil-on-plug ignition system, with one ignition coil mounted directly on each spark plug. That setup is standard across these engines and is confirmed in Nissan’s Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for the model series.

What do they do? Each coil steps the 12‑volt battery supply up to tens of thousands of volts to jump the spark plug gap and ignite the air–fuel mix. With four cylinders, the Pulsar runs four individual coils, improving spark accuracy and reducing lead losses compared to old-school distributor systems.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for ignition coils on this model, they’re typically replaced on condition. As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the coil boots for cracking, check for oil in the plug tubes (a rocker cover gasket leak can contaminate coils), and make sure the electrical connectors are secure and corrosion-free. Spark plugs should be renewed per the service schedule (often around 100,000–160,000 km for iridium types, check the owner’s handbook). Fresh plugs protect coils from working overtime.

Common signs a coil is on the way out include a rough idle, hard starting, poor fuel economy, loss of power under load, and an engine light with misfire codes (P0300–P0304). If a misfire is ignored, unburnt fuel can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, so it’s best to sort it promptly.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent home mechanic: remove the engine cover, unplug the coil connector, undo the retaining bolt, and lift the coil out. When refitting, seat the coil boot cleanly onto the plug, snug the bolt to spec (around 8 N·m is typical), and click the connector home. A dab of dielectric grease on the boot helps future removal and seals out moisture. Quality matters here—genuine or reputable-brand coils usually outlast the cheapest options.

If the Pulsar has a persistent misfire, a workshop can swap-test coils between cylinders, scope the ignition pattern, and confirm whether the fault is the coil, plug, or wiring before parts are replaced.

• Rough idle, lack of power, and higher fuel use are common coil symptoms.
• Inspect coils whenever spark plugs are serviced.
• Fix oil leaks into plug wells to prevent repeat coil failures.

FAQs

Does a 2016 Nissan Pulsar have ignition coils?

Yes. The 2016 Pulsar’s petrol engines use a coil-on-plug system with one ignition coil per cylinder. Diesel variants use glow plugs instead, but in Australia and New Zealand the 2016 Pulsar range was primarily petrol, so ignition coils are part of the setup.

How often should ignition coils be replaced?

There’s no set interval. Coils are replaced when faulty, often lasting well past 150,000 km. Check them when plugs are changed and whenever there’s a misfire. Keeping good plugs in and fixing oil leaks will help coils live longer.

What are the symptoms of a failing coil, and is it safe to drive?

Expect rough running, engine light, hesitation under load, and worse fuel economy. Short trips to a workshop are usually fine, but driving for long with a misfire can damage the catalytic converter, so it’s best to get it diagnosed and repaired quickly.