2013 Nissan Altima Spark Plug Replacement 3.5L V6

I go through the process of replacing the spark plugs on a 2013 Nissan Altima 3.5L V6. I tried to cover most of the information, like socket sizes. Tools you will need are a 9/16 spark plug socket, a long extension, 2 three-inch extensions (these will work instead of a long one, and are needed for the rear 3 plugs), a ratchet, a pair of pliers, a 10mm Socket, a 10mm hex head wrench.
Two points of advice:
1. DON'T pull the coil packs out without first twisting them and the rubber boot together in the hole.
2. DON'T pull on the vacuum hoses or any other hoses when disconnecting. Be sure to pry or push them off or they will break.
Let me know if you like this video. I have been working on cars for about 24 years and do almost all repairs and maintenance myself. I have found videos on the 2013 Altima to be hard to find so I'm trying to help fix that.
Leave a comment if you have any questions on this video.
Leave a comment if you would like to see more like this.
Please leave a like if I have earned it.
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[@davidrios133]

Finally a video of a 3.5 engine instead of the weak 2.5 engines

[@thedaddyshow01]

It is hard to find videos on the 3.5L. I’ll keep making them as I work on my car.

[@nemesisd2010]

I know right. god damn.

[@charlycharly4645]

Why it's so hard to see 3.5 altimas?

[@Je559_]

Damn 🤣 . But these are the weak years , I need the 2017s lolol

[@dalereese9018]

3.5 v6 much more power than 2.5 4 cyclinder

[@joehead2190]

Just watched the video and it gave me the confidence to tackle this job myself!!! Thanks!!

[@thedaddyshow01]

That’s excellent! I’m glad it helped

[@michaelangelo6947]

Thank you for sharing theses instructions. I have a Nissan Murano 2012 with an engine light on, so trying it investigate.

[@vinceleto]

Thanks for this video. Helped me tremendously. I used Denso oe plugs part 3442 fxe22hr11 and a Felpro gasket 97220. The hardest part of this job is removing that back bracket bolt. If I knew it was a 10mm with a phillips center that would have been helpful to loosen, maybe that helps someone else. Otherwise this job is relatively straight forward. I plan on posting a video but won't be as good as this one.

[@865WALTER]

Thank you so much brother 👍🏼

[@ELCLAVE300]

Can you tell me what was the gap measurement on your spark plugs?

[@vinceleto]

​@@ELCLAVE300The Denso plugs are pre gapped and I believe the gentleman said 44 thou. Good luck.

[@drewskilove8120]

THANKS for posting this video. It was very helpful and it has given me a good idea of what the job entails.....

[@thedaddyshow01]

Im glad it helped!

[@pmventura41]

Love that you recorded your work… I haven’t read any comments as of yet. Would of been a good time to replace intake gaskets and throttle body gasket if there was one. I use a foot of 3/8 inch transmission hose to take out spark plugs after loose and replace so they don’t get stripped. Then tighten with socket. That’s again for recording. Changed out the back plugs, found oil in spark plug tube. Had to get new valve cover and gaskets. The 3/8 inch hose is too big for these skinny spark plugs. Used a magnetic tool to get them out. Had to make the correction.

[@thedaddyshow01]

Thank you! Great advice

[@pawichpromthong-we2eg]

Thank you , I fixed my car spark plug cuz of I saw this vdo.

[@thedaddyshow01]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@tuhj0k4r]

life saver with this video

[@thedaddyshow01]

That is good to hear!! I'm glad it was able to help you out.

[@toneographystudios3591]

Thank you for the video, my girl has a 2013 Maxima and it’s due for a tune up but I’ve never touched a car newer than ‘94 and my cars are all American so I wasn’t sure if it was the same or not especially with all the computers they have. This I will say looks very tedious but definitely doable

[@thedaddyshow01]

It is tedious but very easy to complete. Let me know if you have any issues with anything.

[@fridapena826]

Nice video. Thank you for taking your time to make it ..

[@thedaddyshow01]

Thank you! I hope it was helpful

[@fridapena826]

Yes it is Very Helpful. Thank you so Much and again Thank you for your Time Sr

[@darenhouser427]

To take out or to reinstall the spark plugs, I use a piece of fuel line. Works great every time.

[@thedaddyshow01]

That’s a great idea!

[@mubarakkhan537]

Thanks for the video.

[@thedaddyshow01]

You are welcome!

[@ruddyrid]

Great video!

[@thedaddyshow01]

Thank you!

[@christopherhuggins3212]

Not as bad as I thought it would be recently purchased a 08 with some shady maintenance done just wish the aftermarket was bigger especially with the clutch side of things unless someone has done the research with a 350z clutch and flywheel

[@skunkedagain]

nice job, thanks for sharing. tough to do one handed while holding camera though.....

[@thedaddyshow01]

Thank you for watching!! I did have some help with recording for most of it. Let me know if there are other videos you want to see me do.

[@blacknightassassin54]

Good shit man, thanks.

[@thedaddyshow01]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@thedaddyshow01]

Stay tuned for a video about replacing the starter. Mine just went out so I will be filming the replacement and uploading soon!

[@thedaddyshow01]

Just an update: the starter video was uploaded a while back. Please feel free to check that out and let me know what you think.

[@ttautogarages]

So i see most people remove the winshield. To get to the back. Did you have a hard time. Remove the manifold.

[@thedaddyshow01]

@@ttautogarages I did not have a hard time removing the intake upper plenum. I show which bolts to remove in the video. If you don’t feel you can complete the process definitely seek the help of a mechanic

[@ttautogarages]

@@thedaddyshow01 thank you..

[@josel1364]

good work

[@thedaddyshow01]

Thank you!

[@humbertofonseca8563]

Very good.

[@kaydynanddaddy5045]

Thank you!

[@thedaddyshow01]

Thank you Humberto Fonseca! I hope it was helpful

[@mattmgarza]

A piece of garden hose also works great for placing the spark plugs down into the hole

[@thedaddyshow01]

I will save my old garden hose next time I replace it just to have a section for this reason!

[@mattmgarza]

@@thedaddyshow01 yes, this is a very common trick from what I gather. I think the low-end "economy" grade garden hose will not work too well as it collapses and doesn't retain its shape. Anything but the bottom-of-the-barrel garden hose should do great.

[@thedaddyshow01]

I believe that! It will be a while before I have extra hose as the one I have now is good quality

[@biggmike04]

Sweet

[@jasonarchambeau1506]

Thank you for the video. Do you have any tips on reattaching the bolt in the back of the plenum? That's a tough one

[@thedaddyshow01]

It is a very tough one. I don’t have any pointers on that one. I just felt for the hole with my pinky while holding the bolt with my index finger and thumb and remained patient until I got it started. Then I was able to get a wrench on it.

[@thedaddyshow01]

Please be on the lookout for an upcoming video on replacing the fuel pump on the 2013 Altima 3.5L 4 door.

[@1stock1not]

Hey buddy doing this job tomorrow. See we need the extensions , 5mm hex, 10mm socket, spark plug socket. What size are the bolts holding the plenum down eh? Won’t be at the shop so I’ll need to make sure I bring everything with me. Thanks bud.

[@Karan-xw9jy]

Thanks for posting video of Altima 3.5. You need to explain in detail how did you adjust gap in new spark plug. Checkout video from Chris fix. Good luck!

[@thedaddyshow01]

I will remember that next time.

[@coderexe30]

Is there any sort of gasket you need to be concerned about between the intake plenum and the cylinders?

[@thedaddyshow01]

Yes there is. It is actually a gasket that seals the upper half of the intake plenum with the lower half. That should be replaced when changing the spark plugs.

[@rich1958]

where can you buy service manuals for 2014 altima? I don't see any where after 2012. Any help appreciated.

[@thedaddyshow01]

I apologize for my tardy reply. You cannot obtain manuals. I looked everywhere and no one sells them nor can they get them. Not in the U.S. anyway.

[@Iceman-kr6df]

What size hex driver do you need for the throttle body fasteners? Edit: I went and checked, 5mm like the engine cover

[@thedaddyshow01]

Thank you for the Edit!! I’m glad you got it figured out.

[@rexhepjaha4852]

HI, very nice video Is it the same for the maxima 3.5 2013 ? when shift from 1 to 2 in automatic, it slips a little bit. I did the oil transmission change and use 2 more bottles to flush and take the debri out, and i changed the filter in the Cvt transmission as well. It is way better, but sometimes I feel it again. I have 105 000 miles, and I dont know I am thinking maybe it can be the spark plug doesnt help? no light on dash What would you suggest me

[@thedaddyshow01]

I know these CVTs are all prone to some slippage. Some have a rubber belt inside and some have metal. I’m not sure what the Maxima has. I know my car has a little bit of a stutter to it sometimes. I don’t know that spark plugs have anything to do with what you are describing.

[@jonyarbrough509]

Great video and I can now confidently approach my 2012 Coupe and take that cover off, lol. So is it very important to replace the plenum gasket? Also, what plags would you recommend?

[@thedaddyshow01]

It is important to replace the gasket. If there is any tear, or debris that gets between the gasket and the intake, or any other issue it could affect the airflow which would allow air to leak in and basically bypass the Mass airflow sensor and also create a decrease in vacuum, both of which will make the car run incorrectly, foul the plugs, etc. I havent done a lot of research on the plugs so I dont have a specific recommendation as to what plugs to use. I used the manufacturer recommended plugs.

[@thedaddyshow01]

I am glad the video was helpful. Once I get a moment to edit and upload I will have a video on replacing the starter as well.

[@Muttaqi757]

Which is the first cylinder coil? Is it the one in front left or back left?

[@renejuarez6435]

Thx 4 the video.. since gasket is rubber do i need sealant if replace it?

[@thedaddyshow01]

You do NOT need sealant

[@renejuarez6435]

@@thedaddyshow01 thx

[@user-xm1ti6xq7f]

About how long does it take to change spark plugs on 2013 Altima from start to finish you think

[@thedaddyshow01]

I think it took me between 1 and 2 hours. I want to say 1 hour, but since I was recording I really didn’t pay attention to the time and I don’t recall how long it took. It wasn’t too long though

[@eman8290]

What size/style socket did you use for the spark plug itself? Was it a thin walled socket? None of my sockets fit down inside far enough to latch on to the spark plug

[@thedaddyshow01]

It is a 9/16 spark plug socket. Not anything special, just a normal 9/16 spark plug socket. I hope that helps.

[@chim7741]

@@thedaddyshow01 bam 💥👍just the info i needed thanks

[@thedaddyshow01]

@@chim7741 Glad to hear it!! Stay tuned for a doozy of a video on replacing the Lower Control Arm/Main Spring Support. I just had to do that over the weekend.

[@samirbey6405]

Could you pweeasse give a list of tools used/needed for this job?

[@thedaddyshow01]

Off the top of my head I don’t recall every tool. However, if you have a set of metric sockets for a 3/8 drive ratchet ranging from 9mm to 18mm you should have all the sockets needed. You then need a 3/8 drive ratchet. You will need a flat-head screw driver, possibly a phillips head. You will need at least (2) 3-inch extensions but it would be best to have an 18-inch as well as a couple 3-inch. An assortment of extensions is recommended. If I recall correctly I used 3 or 4 extensions at different times. You will also need a spark plug socket (I don’t recall the size - 5/8 I think). What you can do is get the correct replacement plugs and while at the store use those plugs to find the right sized spark plug socket. You will want a pair of pliers as well. You may want a torque wrench also. I hope this helps. It may not be everything but it should be close.

[@stevewaclo167]

Thanks for this! I have an ‘08 Coupe with 135k that runs excellent on OEM plugs. How many miles on yours and what did they look like when they came out? Any issues breaking the plugs loose? Also, just one bolt and hoses on the rear of the intake manifold? I’ll watch again. Yep, looks like just one. I use plastic tubing to grab spark plugs. I see you use the tighten till just before the bolt snaps technique 😀.

[@thedaddyshow01]

Steve Walco, thank you for the comment!! I had around 90,000 miles when I changed the plugs. I had no issues getting them out. I also did not use a torque wrench, that is correct. I have been tightening plugs in aluminum heads for quite some time. I used to drive a race car and I have a lot of wrench time, so I have a good feel for tight versus overtight. I currently have over 110,000 miles on the car so almost 20,000 since the video was made and I have had no issues and havent had to open the hood except for oil changes. Thanks again for the comment and let me know if I can be of any more service!

[@stevewaclo167]

The Daddy Show Thanks for your reply👍 But you missed one item: how did the plugs that came out appear? I’ve read many accounts of owners saying the iridium plugs they pulled at 100k looked almost new. And thanks for the tip of grasping the coil pack properly. I would have learned my lesson the hard way. 😩

[@thedaddyshow01]

@@stevewaclo167 I apologize for missing that piece of information. I also agree, the plugs looked great. They did look very clean. I will add that since replacing the plugs my fuel mileage went up almost 2 miles per gallon, so it definitely made a difference. You're welcome for the tip on grabbing the coil pack.

[@dalereese9018]

I use a magnetic sparkplug socket bought on Amazon

[@dalereese9018]

98000 on my 2013 v6 have everything I need job doesn't seen to bad replacing old plugs with B2401 ja01 nw plugs

[@elvispresley3327]

Somehow I did this without removing the throttle body

[@Jamie-pf9jv]

Thanks for the video. I have 3.5 too. Looking for more vids on the o2 sensors. I got a code today P0158 bank 2 sensor 2. doing some research on how tos. I dont have to replace my plugs yet but will use your vid as a reference. cheers

[@thedaddyshow01]

Any word on the O2 Sensors? I haven't had to replace mine yet, but I am getting high enough in mileage I may have to within the next year or two. I will definitely make a video when I have to do that.

[@MikeySee563]

How do you make sure the spark plug has the correct gap?

[@thedaddyshow01]

That is a great question! I use two things: a spark plug gap gage and feeler gauges. I use the gap gage to open the gap if needed and I use the feeler gauges to measure. To close the gap I gently and firmly press the top of the spark plug ground electrode against a flat piece of metal in my other hand so as not to cause any damage.

[@juanguerra7534]

Did you need to replace the intake gasket or put some kind of seal ?? Great video

[@a-a-ron21]

Juan, you will want to replace the intake plenum gasket. It is a single piece gasket and it can only go in one way. It takes no sealant, just remove the old, make sure the gasket runner area is free of any debris on both halves of the plenum and reinstall new gasket.

[@juanguerra7534]

@@a-a-ron21 Thank you Aaron for your help

[@mystkalalchemy]

Thanks for this! I feel like I can do it myself, maybe, but I have no clue where to get all of those tools from, especially the long one with the grip on it.. Also, I'm a woman and I know nothing about card but how hard is is to watch this a few times and follow instructions?!😁 P.S. i will look for the plugs from the dealer, and my ex has a lot of those wrench things. All I think I need is that long stick. He can help me maybe. What is it called and where can I get it from? Thanks so much!!

[@thedaddyshow01]

All major auto parts stores should have one of the grabbers. Napa, Oreillys, Auto Zone, Advance Auto Parts to name a few. I dont know exactly what they are called, but if you describe it to a clerk they should know what it is you're looking for.

[@mystkalalchemy]

@@thedaddyshow01 thank you!!

[@dalereese9018]

Amazon has the sparkplug socket I bought with plugs

[@thomashamlett5777]

How long did it take to do that spark plug change from start to finish ?

[@thedaddyshow01]

It only took an hour or so. With filming it took me a bit longer than normal.

[@austinhoffa99]

DO you have to replace the plenoms gasket when it goes back on?

[@thedaddyshow01]

I certainly would. They are cheap and ensure you dont end up with an air leak that could effect your vehicle's performance or fuel mileage.

[@thedaddyshow01]

Also, the plenum gasket is one piece, it is rubber, and SUPER easy to change out.

[@terrymcvicker7064]

Did you have to replace the gaskets on the intake?

[@thedaddyshow01]

I highly recommend replacing the intake gasket. It is affordable and easy to replace.

[@tdatilma]

What is the size of that little hose you connected around 9:40 in the video? Thanks I have a broken one that needs replacement.

[@thedaddyshow01]

I am not sure the exact size of that hose. I didnt' have purchase any new hose so I do not know.

[@tdatilma]

@@thedaddyshow01 ok thanks. I took a broken piece to Autozone. They were able to match it for me. I ended up changing quite a few of them.

[@thedaddyshow01]

That doesn’t surprise me. Sorry for the late reply. I have had to replace a few vacuum lines myself as any leaks make the engine stutter at certain rpms.

[@tonywolek2608]

Whats a reasonable price to have a mechanic do the replacement. Dealer quoted $790 today. Seems expensive.

[@thedaddyshow01]

That sounds like a pretty competitive quote. What did they charge the hourly labor at?

[@Infamoustwin213]

How much did you torque it down to?

[@thedaddyshow01]

I have been turning wrenches for 24 years and I have a feel for torque for each thread length and bolt size. I did not use a torque wrench. However, the car has run about 30,000 miles since the video was recorded and I've had zero issues.

[@user-xd1ju8oh8d]

Which one is number 4

[@thedaddyshow01]

If you are asking which cylinder is number 4; according to a Nissan Mechanic they are numbered 2,4,6 across the front and 1,3,5 across the back starting with 2 being on the passenger side and 6 toward the driver side and 1 toward the passenger side and 5 toward the driver side.

[@AltimaV6SportsCar]

5:43 What size is this bolt?

[@thedaddyshow01]

I don’t recall off the top of my head but it looks to be around an 11mm. That should be a good starting point to put it on the bolt and see if it works and adjust the size accordingly

[@jamieculver9833]

Stuff the intake with some rags to keep stuff out of there.

[@coderexe30]

what spark plugs do you recommend?

[@thedaddyshow01]

I don’t have a preference on the Altima. I used what was middle of the road in price at my local auto parts store, but I don’t have a specific recommendation.

[@dalereese9018]

Value Advantage B2401-jA01-NW

[@dalereese9018]

2013 v6 with 98000 miles will change gap .44

[@dalereese9018]

Value advantage plugs B2401-ja01j-nw nissan group v6 2013 altima

[@uncapabrew4807]

Is this same on a 2015?

[@thedaddyshow01]

I don't have a 2015 so I can only speak to my car, however, the Manager at a local auto shop says he belives it is the same or very close to the same

[@jpaldesignsrock]

Or you could use a fueler guage to gap the plug correctly, not a needle nose.

[@thedaddyshow01]

A feeler gage will work to measure the distance but I do not recommend using it to pry open the space as that can damage or bend the feeler gage making it inaccurate.

[@kikinnit]

Why didn’t u just use a magnetic socket?

[@thedaddyshow01]

That would work as well. . . . I simply did not have one on-hand to use.

[@kikinnit]

@@thedaddyshow01 well to each his own I guess

[@uncapabrew4807]

Is this same on 2015

[@lucasbaca4653]

Was wondering the same. You ever get an answer?

[@thedaddyshow01]

I don't have a 2015 so I can only speak to my car, however, the Manager at a local auto shop says he belives it is the same or very close to the same

[@daffaellong6557]

V6 engines are Pain in the butt to tune…

[@thedaddyshow01]

That they are! I had an 06 Impala and had to detach the too motor mount and roll the engine forward in the car to get to the rear plugs.

[@TheLifestyleOfOscar]

I can't take clip off at 9:32!!!!

[@thedaddyshow01]

Were you able to get the clip issue figured out?

[@WingoTribe704]

Too much in the cold lol

[@uncapabrew4807]

Bejesus ! Another take all that other stuff off Just get to spark plugs!!

[@alkarim5890]

These Nissan 3.5 engines are junk ! Well known with early major timing chain noise , also their CVT transmission is junk not as toyota cvt . Bottom line Nissan quality has gone very bad after they merged with Renault.

[@ELCLAVE300]

I have a 2008 Altima with this same engine attached with a 6 speed manual transmission. It is indestructible and extremely reliable. Too bad these newer ones used cheaper parts and CVT transmissions. Nissan really sealed their fate one that one.

[@cedricmiller4370]

@@ELCLAVE300 do 09 and up maxima drivers be trying to challenge your 6speed v6 Altima?

[@darenhouser427]

Al Karim My daughter has a 2015 Murano V6 with 90k miles and hasn’t had ant problems. I perform all the maintenance on it but the transmission fluid flush. That’ll be done this week by Nissan. Can’t complain.

[@thedaddyshow01]

I have not had anyone try to challenge this car.