How to Check the Ignition Coil for a 2004 Nisssan Altima

Iskandar Blogger 11:22 AM

The 2004 Nissan Altima base model was named the Altima 2.5, after its engine, a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. The engine's ignition system consists of a coil-on-plug system, or COP, in which each plug has a separate ignition coil. There are four ignition coils to test on the base model 2004 Altima 2.5. The other two models that included the 2.5-liter engine were the 2.5-S and the 2.5-SL.

Instructions

    1

    Open the Altima's hood. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery, using a ratchet and socket. Remove the three mounting fasteners from the engine cover, using a ratchet and socket. Remove the engine cover from the top of the engine.

    2

    Disconnect the electrical connector from one of the ignition coils, by hand. Remove the single ignition coil mounting screw, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the ignition coil straight upward and off of the spark plug. Inspect the entire body of the coil for cracks. If there are any signs of cracks, replace the coil. Check the spark plug end of the coil for burn marks. If burn marks exist, replace the coil.

    3

    Set the dial indicator on your multimeter to the ohms setting. Position the ignition coil so that you are looking directly at the prongs of the electrical connector, with the locking tab facing upward. The prongs are numbered 1 through 3 from left to right. Insert the red probe from the multimeter onto prong 1 and the black probe onto prong 2. If you receive no reading or an infinite amount of random numbers from the connection at these two prongs, replace the ignition coil.

    4

    Move the black probe over to prong number 3, keeping the red probe on 1. You should receive a steady measurement above zero ohms. Position the red probe onto prong 2. If you receive no reading from either one or both of these measurements, replace the ignition coil.

    5

    Install the ignition coil back into the spark plug hole and onto the plug. Install the single mounting screw and tighten the screw to between 46 and 64 inch-pounds, using a 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench and socket. Install the electrical connector by hand.

    6

    Repeat steps 2 through 5 to complete the ignition coil tests on the other three coils. Install the negative battery cable onto the battery, once the coils have all been tested and installed. Tighten the cable snug with a ratchet and socket.