The ignition coils in a 2007 Nissan Murano are six coil-on-plug units mounted directly over each spark plug on the 3.5-liter V6 engine, arranged as three on the front bank and three on the rear bank. There is one coil per cylinder, making maintenance more targeted than a single coil pack.
Location and appearance of the ignition coils
On the Murano’s 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE), every cylinder has its own coil mounted directly on top of the spark plug. The coils sit along the valve covers in two rows, and you’ll see six small black coil modules with electrical connectors when you look under the hood after removing the engine cover.
- Six individual coil-on-plug units, one per cylinder.
- Three coils sit along the front portion of the engine on the left valve cover and three on the rear portion of the engine on the right valve cover.
- Each coil has its own wiring harness connector, making diagnosis straightforward by cylinder.
- Coils are accessed from the top of the engine bay and are usually visible once the engine cover and, if needed, the intake components are removed.
- The coils connect directly to the spark plugs via a boot, forming the coil-on-plug arrangement.
In practice, this layout means you can identify a faulty coil by misfire codes or testing individual coils with proper diagnostic equipment, without dismantling the entire ignition system.
Replacing a faulty coil
If you’re planning a coil replacement or diagnosing a misfire, here are the general steps to follow. Always consult the service manual for exact torque specs and safety precautions.
Tools and safety considerations
Having the right tools and taking basic precautions makes the process safer and quicker. You’ll typically need a ratchet, metric sockets, a small extension, a torque wrench, a screwdriver or trim tool to lift components, and fresh ignition coils. Always disconnect the negative battery cable before starting to prevent shocks or shorts.
Before starting the replacement, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and that the engine is cool to avoid burns from hot components.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts while servicing the ignition system.
- Remove the engine cover and any obstructing intake ductwork to access the coils.
- Identify the faulty coil by performing a diagnostic scan or swapping suspect coils to confirm misfire on a particular cylinder.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the coil you’re replacing.
- Remove the retaining bolt(s) that secure the coil to the cylinder head, then lift the coil straight up and off the spark plug.
- Inspect the spark plug in the well; replace the plug if it’s worn or fouled.
- Install the new coil, ensuring the boot seats firmly onto the spark plug and reconnect the wiring harness.
- Reassemble any components you removed, reconnect the battery, and run the engine to verify that the misfire is resolved.
Concluding paragraph: If the misfire persists after replacing a coil, the problem could lie with a faulty spark plug, a bad ignition harness connection, or another ignition or fuel system issue requiring further diagnostic work.
Summary
For a 2007 Nissan Murano, ignition coils are coil-on-plug units—six in total—mounted directly over each spark plug on the 3.5L V6 engine. They’re arranged in two rows along the valve covers and are accessible from the top of the engine bay once the engine cover is removed. Replacing a coil involves disconnecting the electrical connector, removing the mounting bolt, and swapping in a new coil, followed by a system test to ensure proper operation. If problems persist, broader diagnostic steps may be needed.