Parts for your 2020 Nissan Pathfinder-Ignition coils

2020 Nissan Pathfinder ignition coils — what they do and when to service them

Ignition coils are absolutely relevant to the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. Technical documentation confirms this: the Nissan Factory Service Manual for the R52 Pathfinder (2017–2020), Ignition System (IG) section, specifies a coil-on-plug setup for the VQ35DD 3.5‑litre V6, with six individual coils (one per cylinder). Nissan’s Electronic Parts Catalogue also lists the ignition coil assembly (commonly referenced under 22448-xxxxx) for this model and engine. In short, this Pathfinder runs six coil-on-plug ignition coils as standard equipment.

The job of the ignition coil is to step up the 12V battery supply into a high-voltage spark that fires the iridium spark plugs at exactly the right moment. With coil-on-plug, each cylinder gets its own coil, improving spark energy, timing accuracy and reliability, while trimming misfire risk and emissions. The engine control module triggers each coil based on crank and cam signals, delivering smooth starts, steady idle and decent fuel economy on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for coils on the R52, they’re typically changed only when faulty. During routine servicing—especially when the spark plugs are due (many markets specify around 160,000 km for the VQ35DD with iridium plugs, always follow the owner’s manual for local intervals)—it’s smart to inspect coil connectors and boots. Signs a coil may be on the way out include rough idle, hesitation under load, higher fuel use, a flashing or steady Check Engine lamp, and fault codes like P0300–P0306 or P035x.

Good practice when replacing coils:

• Use quality parts (OE-equivalent such as the original supplier) and keep coil boots clean and dry, a light smear of dielectric grease inside the boot can help future removal.
• Check for oil or moisture in plug tubes—fix any cam cover seal leaks first, or the new coil may fail early.
• Torque the hold-down bolts correctly (around 7–8 N·m) and avoid yanking the harness plugs.
• It’s fine to replace just the failed coil, some owners choose to carry a spare for remote trips.

Look after the coils and plugs, and the VQ35DD will stay happy, with crisp starts and a smooth pull through the revs, whether it’s the school run or a long trek across regional NZ or Australia.

Popular questions about 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ignition coils

How long do the ignition coils typically last?
On the VQ35DD, coils often run well past 150,000 km, and many last the life of the vehicle. Heat, oil intrusion into plug tubes, or poor-quality plugs can shorten lifespan. If the engine is well serviced and leaks are sorted early, coil failures are uncommon.

What are the common symptoms of a failing coil?
Owners often notice a rough idle, a stumble under load, poor fuel economy, or a Check Engine light. Scan tools may show misfire codes (P030x) or coil circuit codes (P035x). If the issue appears mainly when wet or after heavy rain, inspect for moisture around the coil boots.

Do all six coils need to be replaced at once?
Not necessarily. It’s acceptable to replace only the faulty coil after proper diagnosis. If multiple coils are original and high-kilometre, replacing the affected one and keeping an eye on the rest (or carrying a spare on long trips) is a practical approach.