If you've replaced your ignition coils recently, read in here!
03-14-2005, 08:23 PM
#1
If you've replaced your ignition coils recently, read in here!
Hi all,
My coils are faulty in my 99 Max. It just about killed my wife first when the car hesitated a while ago during a busy traffic, and me Friday as I was turning left onto my street. It's no longer a reliability issue, it's a safety one.
If you have recently replaced your faulty ignition coils, please read on. Most 1999 (personally, I think it's all 1999 Maximas) have poor coils. I think there is a relationship between the spark plugs Nissan put in all 99's and the coil failure. But that's for Nissan to figure out.
We all love our Maximas'. In fact, this one is my second 4th gen SE. Nissan however has put us in a hard situation, forcing us to replace our coils. Strange that my 95 SE got 150'000 on the odo before I sold it without a single problem. Yet my 99 with just 92'000km (that's just 57000 miles for my southern cousins), my coils go. Each coil costs over $100 each plus labour. That's over well over $700 if you can't put them in yourself.
I'm filing a claim against Nissan Canada for failure of implied warranty and with the Department of Transport for a possible Vehicle Safe investigation.
Being a fed, I'm pulling a couple of strings to get the second one expidated.
I hate to go after the manufacturer of a car that I love, but come on, 57000 miles on a part that is suppose to last the lifetime of a car is a bit much. Especially a part failure that can kill you.
If you own a 1999 Maxima or earlier model, and you've had to replace your engine ignition coils, please send me an email to mr.fork@shaw.ca. If you live in Canada, this is of interest to you in particular to get your money back.
My coils are faulty in my 99 Max. It just about killed my wife first when the car hesitated a while ago during a busy traffic, and me Friday as I was turning left onto my street. It's no longer a reliability issue, it's a safety one.
If you have recently replaced your faulty ignition coils, please read on. Most 1999 (personally, I think it's all 1999 Maximas) have poor coils. I think there is a relationship between the spark plugs Nissan put in all 99's and the coil failure. But that's for Nissan to figure out.
We all love our Maximas'. In fact, this one is my second 4th gen SE. Nissan however has put us in a hard situation, forcing us to replace our coils. Strange that my 95 SE got 150'000 on the odo before I sold it without a single problem. Yet my 99 with just 92'000km (that's just 57000 miles for my southern cousins), my coils go. Each coil costs over $100 each plus labour. That's over well over $700 if you can't put them in yourself.
I'm filing a claim against Nissan Canada for failure of implied warranty and with the Department of Transport for a possible Vehicle Safe investigation.
Being a fed, I'm pulling a couple of strings to get the second one expidated.
I hate to go after the manufacturer of a car that I love, but come on, 57000 miles on a part that is suppose to last the lifetime of a car is a bit much. Especially a part failure that can kill you.
If you own a 1999 Maxima or earlier model, and you've had to replace your engine ignition coils, please send me an email to mr.fork@shaw.ca. If you live in Canada, this is of interest to you in particular to get your money back.
03-14-2005, 08:40 PM
#2
Its not hard to replace the coils!!! Its just like changing the spark plugs. Two screws hold down each coils, then unplug the connector.....done. I've replaced 2 coils in my '95 SE only because the boot had split due to oil getting into the spark plug chamber. Fixed that by replacing the valve cover gaskets and plug "O" rings. Now that is 10 times harder than replacing the coils.
03-14-2005, 09:01 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,327
How is it a safety issue again? The car has 57k miles on it. You live in Canada which qualifies for extreme driving area. I think you are going to lose your case big time.
If your engine dies that won't be a safety issue. If you pull out in front of someone instead of waiting for them to pass then that is a safety issue on your part. Brakes, airbag, side impact bars on doors, lights and electrical/fuel which may lead to fires is a safety issue.
Sorry, but I can't wish you luck with your percieved problem, unless you want to clarify a few more things.
If your engine dies that won't be a safety issue. If you pull out in front of someone instead of waiting for them to pass then that is a safety issue on your part. Brakes, airbag, side impact bars on doors, lights and electrical/fuel which may lead to fires is a safety issue.
Sorry, but I can't wish you luck with your percieved problem, unless you want to clarify a few more things.
03-14-2005, 09:06 PM
#7
There's only two directions anyone can go whenever a car needs some repair work: 1) do it yourself and save yourself a lot of $$$ and have the peace of mind that you did the work yourself thus you know its done right or 2) be under the mercies of a stealership. Since I started driving a car, old and new, I never took the car to the dealership for little things, not even for major things. If its not a warranty repair, I would either try fixing it myself thru the help of a service manual or the org, OR find an trustworthy independent shop usually referred by friends and collegues.
Never let the stealership shaft you! And if it happened to you, you brought it on yourself in the first place. Like I said before, warranty service is a different story because if they f'k that up, its on them and I'd raise hell like Fork is going to be doing. But I'd still stay away from the stealership as much as I can.
Be glad this org exists because when I bought my previous 95 Max in April of 95, this forum did not exist and there's no place to get any help from. Still I managed to do most of the work on my Max thru the use of a service manual.
Never let the stealership shaft you! And if it happened to you, you brought it on yourself in the first place. Like I said before, warranty service is a different story because if they f'k that up, its on them and I'd raise hell like Fork is going to be doing. But I'd still stay away from the stealership as much as I can.
Be glad this org exists because when I bought my previous 95 Max in April of 95, this forum did not exist and there's no place to get any help from. Still I managed to do most of the work on my Max thru the use of a service manual.
Originally Posted by thezeroproject
I think his point here was that he shouldn't have to change them.
03-14-2005, 09:21 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,327
I am not to familiar with the queens bar in Canada but he is really going to have to get off his butt to prove something that doesn't seem to be there. I am sure their Transportation Commision is similar to the States and it's just going to be noted and he will be sent a letter asking him for more information or telling him they are opening up an investigation, then in about a month later they will close the investigation saying nothing notable.
03-14-2005, 09:21 PM
#11
Is that sarcasm??? It's totally uncalled for!
Originally Posted by Armelius
The author of this thread is intested in starting a recall for Nissan Canada for the 99 max and possibly sueing Nissan Canada for endangering lives. Southern California is not known for it's public education.
03-14-2005, 09:22 PM
#12
Dr-Max - et all who said it's an easy fix - I know. It's an easy fix. But not that cheap. Armelius - thanks for point out the obvious to the um... ones who over-looked the obvious.
My point is a safety one. %*$*@ - it just about killed me Friday night as a god-dam semi just about t-boned me in a busy intersection.
Why should anyone spend $300 on a part that is designed to last the life of the engine? I know it only takes 30 minutes to replace all 6 - heck, I took all mine off in under 10 when I checked them.
Point is, it's a safety issue, and Nissan knows about this. What has to happen? Someone get killed? I'm guessing there's a few who've had issues with this already.
So please, don't reply with 'DUDE - IT'S EASY TO FIX'. I know that. But almost killing my wife or me is not cool.
My point is a safety one. %*$*@ - it just about killed me Friday night as a god-dam semi just about t-boned me in a busy intersection.
Why should anyone spend $300 on a part that is designed to last the life of the engine? I know it only takes 30 minutes to replace all 6 - heck, I took all mine off in under 10 when I checked them.
Point is, it's a safety issue, and Nissan knows about this. What has to happen? Someone get killed? I'm guessing there's a few who've had issues with this already.
So please, don't reply with 'DUDE - IT'S EASY TO FIX'. I know that. But almost killing my wife or me is not cool.
03-14-2005, 09:31 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,327
Originally Posted by Fork
BTW Armelius - I'm a Canadian Fed. It'll get attention.
I think you will have an even harder time proving your case. If I remember my history correctly, very few safety issues ever originated or was resolved in Britain or the Queen's commonwealth.
I don't want to totally dissuade you or quash your hopes but it looks to me like you are trying to climb a tall wall with only your high hat to stand on.
03-15-2005, 06:16 AM
#16
Only 99 maxima's have that problem. I just replaced my coil packs yesterday with better ones that mitsubishi makes. They are still oem nissan ones but mitsubishi makes them. I picked them up from another org. member for 100 bucks and had less than 50k on them. Took me no more than 10 min to install all 6. My old ones had almost 105k and no sign of failure but I just wanted to be on the better side and get better ones with less miles. Also these coil packs came out of a 96 maxima.
03-15-2005, 06:52 AM
#17
Well hoody hoo! My max is at 108k. That adds up to 102k miles of boost! On my 99 I have replaced my spark plugs (every few thousands miles), fuel filter at 60k, rotors and brake pads (still have factory pads in rear) oh and my alternator just a 1k miles ago. So im not seeing any issues that others are experiencing. I think boost is good for the max, keeps things cleaned out and working at max. 
03-15-2005, 09:25 AM
#18
please explain how the faulty ignition coils lead the the endangerment of your wife. if your car was hesitating, what was it actually doing? if you lost total control of the vehical, what did you do? just to let you know. most all 95-2001 maxima's have ignition problems. not really a problem if your car is 100,000 miles plus, since ignition coils are a maintance item. i had to replace mine at 122,000miles.
03-15-2005, 12:53 PM
#22
Well I'm not sure what you meant by your sarcasm but I'll keep my own opinions to myself about Florida. 
Originally Posted by Armelius
I wouldn't say totally, because I called for it. But I still wouldn't call it sarcasm I would call it correct.
03-15-2005, 01:14 PM
#24
Anyone consider just pulling replacements out of another year Max sitting in a junkyard? I did it so long ago I can barely remember (though I never had problems with the coils in my 99, the boot separated during a spark plug replacement at 60k, so I had to replace one), and I distinctly recall getting my coils either from a 97 or a 2k+ at a junkyard (this was one of 1000 trips I made to a junkyard 2 years ago, so forgive my recollection.) 3 of them cost me something like $27-$30 TOTAL. I'm at 100k now, STILL no problems.
03-15-2005, 02:54 PM
#25
The endangerment probably refers to making a turn/ pulling out in front of someone and going to stomp the gas and the car hesitated. Try 93 octane. 
Should have purchased a ford so you wouldn't have this problem
Plus you would have saved so much $ that you could af ford to fix the pos
Should have purchased a ford so you wouldn't have this problem
Plus you would have saved so much $ that you could af ford to fix the pos
03-15-2005, 04:04 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,327
Originally Posted by DR-Max
Well I'm not sure what you meant by your sarcasm but I'll keep my own opinions to myself about Florida.
Faulty coils do not kill people. I would definately like to hear some better proof than an engine stalling.
03-15-2005, 07:55 PM
#27
Originally Posted by Armelius
Faulty coils do not kill people. I would definately like to hear some better proof than an engine stalling.
03-15-2005, 08:01 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,207
You will lose. Any vehicle and vehicle part has the potential for failure.
Safety is brakes, airbags, and structure. Not acceleration. In my opinion you should have waited until you had enough room to turn before you did so, once an attorney says so, your case will be lost.
No judge will ever rule in your favor due to this argument. If you are contending that your 200 hp vehicle was reduced to maybe 140 hp with one faulty coil, that insinuates that vehicles with 140hp are unsafe.
Nissans have faulty coils just as Fords have crappy transmissions. When you're under warranty you are covered. When you are not, its your responsibility.
Part of owning a vehicle
Safety is brakes, airbags, and structure. Not acceleration. In my opinion you should have waited until you had enough room to turn before you did so, once an attorney says so, your case will be lost.
No judge will ever rule in your favor due to this argument. If you are contending that your 200 hp vehicle was reduced to maybe 140 hp with one faulty coil, that insinuates that vehicles with 140hp are unsafe.
Nissans have faulty coils just as Fords have crappy transmissions. When you're under warranty you are covered. When you are not, its your responsibility.
Part of owning a vehicle
03-16-2005, 11:18 AM
#33
Point is, it's a safety issue, and Nissan knows about this. What has to happen? Someone get killed? I'm guessing there's a few who've had issues with this already. - Fork
It's not a safety issue, it's a mechanical issue. Cars are mechanical, they come with no guarantees other than warrantee issues. Why not sue the manufacturer of the coils themselves? After all, they designed and built the coils that failed didn't they? Not all 99 Maxima's have coils that fail. And where do you get the notion they are supposed to last the life of the car? I've never heard any car manufacturer say a part will last the life of the vehicle, there are too many variables.
Sounds to me like you're just pissed about them going out so soon after your warrantee ended. You can cry about safety all you wish, and since you're a big shot Canadian Fed I guess you can practice Canada's socialist mentality and sue the big evil capitalist Nissan all you want.
Personally, I think you're just being a wheeny whose crying wolf about a non issue. Be pissed about your coils probably failing prematurely, but don't try to play games and accuse Nissan of safety violations because you think they should make sure all mechanical parts affiliated with acceleration are guaranteed for the life of the vehicle. That's pure bull***t.
But then again, you work for a socialist government with a guaranteed job for the rest of your life. So I guess your "guaranteed for life" mentality shouldn't be so surprising.
Sorry if this hurts your feelings, but I hope you lose the battle on the grounds you've chosed to fight on.
It's not a safety issue, it's a mechanical issue. Cars are mechanical, they come with no guarantees other than warrantee issues. Why not sue the manufacturer of the coils themselves? After all, they designed and built the coils that failed didn't they? Not all 99 Maxima's have coils that fail. And where do you get the notion they are supposed to last the life of the car? I've never heard any car manufacturer say a part will last the life of the vehicle, there are too many variables.
Sounds to me like you're just pissed about them going out so soon after your warrantee ended. You can cry about safety all you wish, and since you're a big shot Canadian Fed I guess you can practice Canada's socialist mentality and sue the big evil capitalist Nissan all you want.
Personally, I think you're just being a wheeny whose crying wolf about a non issue. Be pissed about your coils probably failing prematurely, but don't try to play games and accuse Nissan of safety violations because you think they should make sure all mechanical parts affiliated with acceleration are guaranteed for the life of the vehicle. That's pure bull***t.
But then again, you work for a socialist government with a guaranteed job for the rest of your life. So I guess your "guaranteed for life" mentality shouldn't be so surprising.
Sorry if this hurts your feelings, but I hope you lose the battle on the grounds you've chosed to fight on.
03-16-2005, 02:02 PM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,207
Originally Posted by theshawn
Point is, it's a safety issue, and Nissan knows about this. What has to happen? Someone get killed? I'm guessing there's a few who've had issues with this already. - Fork
It's not a safety issue, it's a mechanical issue. Cars are mechanical, they come with no guarantees other than warrantee issues. Why not sue the manufacturer of the coils themselves? After all, they designed and built the coils that failed didn't they? Not all 99 Maxima's have coils that fail. And where do you get the notion they are supposed to last the life of the car? I've never heard any car manufacturer say a part will last the life of the vehicle, there are too many variables.
Sounds to me like you're just pissed about them going out so soon after your warrantee ended. You can cry about safety all you wish, and since you're a big shot Canadian Fed I guess you can practice Canada's socialist mentality and sue the big evil capitalist Nissan all you want.
Personally, I think you're just being a wheeny whose crying wolf about a non issue. Be pissed about your coils probably failing prematurely, but don't try to play games and accuse Nissan of safety violations because you think they should make sure all mechanical parts affiliated with acceleration are guaranteed for the life of the vehicle. That's pure bull***t.
But then again, you work for a socialist government with a guaranteed job for the rest of your life. So I guess your "guaranteed for life" mentality shouldn't be so surprising.
Sorry if this hurts your feelings, but I hope you lose the battle on the grounds you've chosed to fight on.
It's not a safety issue, it's a mechanical issue. Cars are mechanical, they come with no guarantees other than warrantee issues. Why not sue the manufacturer of the coils themselves? After all, they designed and built the coils that failed didn't they? Not all 99 Maxima's have coils that fail. And where do you get the notion they are supposed to last the life of the car? I've never heard any car manufacturer say a part will last the life of the vehicle, there are too many variables.
Sounds to me like you're just pissed about them going out so soon after your warrantee ended. You can cry about safety all you wish, and since you're a big shot Canadian Fed I guess you can practice Canada's socialist mentality and sue the big evil capitalist Nissan all you want.
Personally, I think you're just being a wheeny whose crying wolf about a non issue. Be pissed about your coils probably failing prematurely, but don't try to play games and accuse Nissan of safety violations because you think they should make sure all mechanical parts affiliated with acceleration are guaranteed for the life of the vehicle. That's pure bull***t.
But then again, you work for a socialist government with a guaranteed job for the rest of your life. So I guess your "guaranteed for life" mentality shouldn't be so surprising.
Sorry if this hurts your feelings, but I hope you lose the battle on the grounds you've chosed to fight on.
Never thought this would turn into a diplomatic conflict
03-16-2005, 02:43 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,207
If you were a bad guy you could get someone elses bad coils and take some of your good coils... put the bad ones on. Keep the good ones as extras in a secret place.
But you're not a bad guy and you would never do that.........
But you're not a bad guy and you would never do that.........
03-16-2005, 03:07 PM
#39
I was about to post the same thing until you beat me to it.
Originally Posted by PAREDLINE
....you could get someone elses bad coils and take some of your good coils... put the bad ones on. Keep the good ones as extras in a secret place.
03-16-2005, 03:08 PM
#40
Originally Posted by DR-Max
Its not hard to replace the coils!!! Its just like changing the spark plugs. Two screws hold down each coils, then unplug the connector.....done. I've replaced 2 coils in my '95 SE only because the boot had split due to oil getting into the spark plug chamber. Fixed that by replacing the valve cover gaskets and plug "O" rings. Now that is 10 times harder than replacing the coils.
