2003 NISSAN ALTIMA spark plugs

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-7
Engine cooling system.............................8-9
Checking engine coolant level...................8-9
Changing engine coolant.......................8-10
Engine oil........................................8-10
Checking engine oil level.......................8-10
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-13
Automatic transmission fluid.......................8-14
Temperature conditions for checking.............8-14
Power steering fluid...............................8-15
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-16
Brake fluid....................................8-16
Clutch fluid...................................8-17
Window washer fluid.............................8-17
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-17
Battery..........................................8-18
Jump starting.................................8-19
Drive belts.......................................8-20
Spark plugs......................................8-21Replacing spark plugs.........................8-21
Air cleaner.......................................8-22
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped)..............8-22
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-25
Cleaning.....................................8-25
Replacing....................................8-25
Parking brake and brake pedal.....................8-26
Checking parking brake........................8-26
Checking brake pedal..........................8-26
Brake booster.................................8-27
Fuses...........................................8-27
Engine compartment...........................8-27
Passenger compartment.......................8-29
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-30
Lights...........................................8-31
Headlights....................................8-31
Front park/turn/sidemarker light.................8-31
Fog lights (if so equipped)......................8-31
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-33
Wheels and tires.................................8-40
Tire pressure..................................8-40
Types of tires..................................8-41
Tire chains....................................8-42
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-42
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
04/21/03Ðdebbie
X

REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as conventional type
spark plugs because they last much longer. Fol-
low the maintenance schedule, but do not reuse
the spark plugs by cleaning or regapping.
cAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect socket
can damage the spark plugs.
QR25DE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the coil pack bolt.
3. Remove the coil pack/spark plug boot from
the spark plug.
4. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug
socket.
The plug socket has a rubber seal that holds
the spark plug so it does not fall when it is
pulled out. Make sure each spark plug is
snugly fitted into the spark plug socket.5. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug socket and install them.Use
only the specified spark plugs.Turn
each plug several full turns by hand, then
tighten with the spark plug socket to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque:
14 - 22 ft-lb (20 - 29 N·m)
6. Install the coil pack/spark plug boot on the
spark plug by pushing it on until you feel a
snap.
7. Install the coil pack bolt.
Coil pack tightening torque:
48 - 65 in-lb (5.4 - 7.3 N·m)
8. Connect the negative battery cable.
VQ35DE
If replacement is required, please see your
NISSAN dealer for assistance.
WDI0005
SPARK PLUGS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
04/21/03Ðdebbie
X

ENGINE
ModelQR25DE VQ35DE
TypeGasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder in-line 6-cylinder, V-block, Slanted at 60°
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.5 x 3.9 (89.0 x 100.0) 3.760 x 3.205 (95.5 x 81.4)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 151.82 (2,488) 213.45 (3,498)
Firing order1–3–4–2 1–2–3–4–5–6
Idle speed
M/T
A/T (in “N” position) See the “Emission Control label” on the underside of the hood.
Ignition timing (degree B.T.D.C. at idle
speed)
CO % at idle
Spark plugStandard PLFR5A-11 PLFR5A-11
Hot PLFR4A-11 PLFR4A-11
Cold PLFR6A-11 PLFR6A-11
Spark plug gap (Nominal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain Timing chain
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information9-7
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
04/21/03Ðdebbie
X