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Help replacing spark plug without removing intake manifold on a R51 v6 2007 Pathfinder engine

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I'm trying to remove and replace the 3rd cylinder spark plug, and ignition coil without removing all the engine cover and manifold. I have previously managed to remove the coil and clean the electrical clip and replace it but was unable to get to the spark plug. Not sure if I need to replace it anyways as initially it ran without misfire after checking and replacing the coil pack but it shortly played up again. So I've bought a new coil and plug and will try the coil first but if it still misfires want to replace the spark plug, without going to all the trouble of removing everything. Apparently its possible. Should I use some extra Knuckle joints on my socket wrench and remove it from straight above through the gap in the manifold? Or is there a special tool or technique. I'm not a confident backyard mechanic so any advice is appreciated. Thanks
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Welcome to the forum maybe.

It’s been awhile since I did this on my SO’s ‘06 Pathy, but I am pretty sure I did it without removing the intake manifold.

I’m sure someone else will be along to chime in.


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That's a pretty awful design it you need to remove the intake manifold in order to replace spark plugs. I haven't messed with spark plugs on my 06 yet. It's too cold out still to check that out. But I'll keep an eye on this thread in case I ever need to.
That's a pretty awful design it you need to remove the intake manifold in order to replace spark plugs.
Very common on transverse V6 engines. Can't get to the ones against the firewall.
I think it’s designed that way by Nissan. The intake manifold had to be removed to replace the spark plugs on both my 2007 V6 Altima and my 2014 Maxima.
Thanks everyone. I have some great news on this topic. I've managed to change the engine coil on the 3rd cylinder without removing any cover or intake plenum. Think I was mistaken there its not the manifold but the intake plenum. Anyways its running like a dream again. All engine warning lights and error message are off, including my catalytic convertor error message and the check mass airflow sensor circuit message.
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@maybe.. you may want to find the FREE downloadable Nissan Factory Service Manual for your ‘07 Pathy on the internet. You can save it as a searchable PDF on you iPad, or computer, or whatever.. it has been very valuable to me in keeping my SO’s ‘06 Pathy mended and running.


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@ultane do you have a link you used for your free '06 service manual?
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That's a pretty awful design it you need to remove the intake manifold in order to replace spark plugs. I haven't messed with spark plugs on my 06 yet. It's too cold out still to check that out. But I'll keep an eye on this thread in case I ever need to.
Intake Plenum , Not the manifold. My mistake. Can get to most of the plugs just not number 1 and number 3. I think if i bought some small Knuckle joints for my socket I should reach it reasonably well from over the top, through the gap 9in the Intake plenum. Wont need to worry for now as i managed to change the coil, leaving the spark plug and it's running great.
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Intake Plenum , Not the manifold. My mistake. Can get to most of the plugs just not number 1 and number 3. I think if i bought some small Knuckle joints for my socket I should reach it reasonably well from over the top, through the gap 9in the Intake plenum. Wont need to worry for now as i managed to change the coil, leaving the spark plug and it's running great.
Thanks for the info! Glad your Pathfinder is running well again.
For what it’s worth, when the spark plugs in my Maxima were replaced at 95k, the auto shop (not a Nissan dealer) also replaced the intake manifold gasket.

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@ultane do you have a link you used for your free '06 service manual?
Duck Duck Go search..

Nissan Pathfinder Service Manual PDF

Should get you to



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I've got an 2007 4.0. Get a 10mm stubby wrench, that's all you need. There's a video out there on how to tilt and
twist the coil to get it off. It works.
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