Things You'll Need:
- Wire removal pliers
- Bicycle air pump
- Ratchet, spark plug socket
- Ratchet extension
- Wire feeler gauge
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Step 1
Park your Nissan Altima in a safe place, open the hood and disconnect the black, negative battery cable.
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Step 2
Remove one of the spark plug wires from the spark plug. Grasp the wire from its boot; then twist and pull the wire off the plug--never pull the spark plug wire from the wire or you may damage the conductor. If you prefer, use wire removal pliers to remove the wires from the spark plugs. Replace one spark plug at a time.
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Step 3
Blow the dust from the spark plug hole using compressed air or a bicycle air pump to keep dust from falling into the cylinder when you remove the plug.
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Step 4
Unscrew the spark plug using a ratchet, ratchet extension (if necessary) and a spark plug socket.
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Step 1
Set the spark plug gap on the new plugs. Slide a wire feeler gauge between the plug side and center electrodes using the wire size for the correct gap. The wire should drag slightly between the electrodes. Use the wire gauge tool to bend the side electrode (if necessary) to set the correct distance between the electrodes.
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Step 2
Install the spark plug using the spark plug socket and ratchet extension only. Start the plug by hand and thread it a few turns to avoid damage to the threads; then tighten the plug using the ratchet but do not over tighten. Torque to 14 to 22 foot-pounds.
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Step 3
Install the spark plug wire on the spark plug. Sit the wire boot fully over the spark plug until the boot connector snaps over the plug terminal. Install the rest of the spark plugs following Steps 2 through 7; then connect the black, negative battery cable.
