2014 Nissan Frontier Spark Plug Type & Gap

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

Choosing the correct spark plug for your 2014 Nissan Frontier is critical for optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. Spark plugs are not one-size-fits-all components; they are engineered with specific heat ranges and electrode materials to suit individual engine designs and operating conditions.

• Heat Range: The heat range of a spark plug dictates its ability to dissipate heat from the combustion chamber. A plug that's too "cold" (dissipates heat too quickly) can lead to carbon fouling, while a plug that's too "hot" (dissipates heat too slowly) can cause pre-ignition and engine damage. The OEM-specified plugs for your Frontier are designed with the ideal heat range for its 2.5L I4 or 4.0L V6 engine.

• Electrode Metal: The material of the center and ground electrodes significantly impacts a plug's lifespan and performance:

  • Iridium: Both the NGK PLFR5A-11 and Denso FXE20HR11 are iridium-tipped spark plugs. Iridium is an extremely hard and durable metal, allowing for very fine electrodes that produce a more consistent and powerful spark. This results in excellent fuel efficiency, reduced misfires, and a long service life, typically exceeding 100,000 miles.
  • Platinum: While not OEM for your Frontier, platinum plugs offer a longer lifespan than copper but less than iridium. They are a good durable choice for many engines.
  • Copper: Copper plugs have excellent conductivity but wear much faster due to the soft nature of copper. They are generally used in older vehicles or high-performance applications where frequent replacement is expected. They are not recommended for your 2014 Frontier due to the specified long service interval of the OEM iridium plugs.

Using anything other than the specified iridium plugs will likely result in reduced performance and require much more frequent replacement, leading to increased maintenance costs.

How to gap a spark plug

The spark plug gap is the distance between the center and ground electrodes. An incorrect gap can lead to misfires, poor fuel economy, and reduced engine power. For your 2014 Nissan Frontier, the specified gap is 0.043 inches (1.1 mm).

While the OEM iridium plugs typically come pre-gapped, it's always a good practice to double-check them before installation. However, use extreme caution when gapping iridium plugs, as their fine electrodes are delicate.

1. Use a wire-type spark plug gapping tool: These tools are designed to measure the gap accurately. Avoid using a disc-style gapper, as it can damage the delicate iridium tip.
2. Gently adjust the gap: If adjustment is needed, use the bending tool on the gapper to very carefully bend the ground electrode. Never pry or bend the center electrode, as this will damage the plug. Make small, incremental adjustments until the wire gauge slides through with a slight drag.

Replacement procedure tips

Replacing the spark plugs on your 2014 Nissan Frontier is a straightforward DIY task for moderately experienced enthusiasts, as both the 2.5L I4 and 4.0L V6 engines utilize a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system.

1. Access: For the 2.5L QR25DE I4, the spark plugs are generally easily accessible under the coil packs on top of the valve cover. For the 4.0L VQ40DE V6, the coil packs for cylinders on the passenger side are relatively easy to access, but the driver's side rear cylinders can be a bit more challenging due to the intake manifold.
2. Coil-on-Plug Removal: Disconnect the electrical connector from each ignition coil. Then, unbolt the coil pack (usually a 10mm bolt) and gently pull it straight up to remove it. Avoid twisting or prying, which could damage the coil or the spark plug boot.
3. Anti-Seize Debate: There is a common debate regarding the use of anti-seize on spark plug threads. Nissan, like many manufacturers, does not recommend using anti-seize on spark plugs with nickel-plated shells, as it can alter the torque readings and lead to over-tightening. The OEM spark plugs for your Frontier typically have nickel-plated shells. If you choose to use anti-seize, apply a very thin coat to only the threads, avoiding the electrodes, and reduce the torque specification by approximately 10-20%.
4. Dielectric Grease: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the spark plug boots (the part that connects to the top of the spark plug). This helps to seal out moisture, prevents sticking, and makes future removal easier.
5. Torque: Always torque the new spark plugs to the manufacturer's specifications (14-22 lb-ft / 19-30 Nm). Over-tightening can damage the spark plug and cylinder head threads, while under-tightening can lead to blow-by and misfires.

Known issues

Fortunately, the 2014 Nissan Frontier engines (QR25DE and VQ40DE) do not have widespread "known issues" related to spark plug breakage or unique removal challenges like some other vehicles (e.g., the Ford 3-valve engines with their problematic 2-piece spark plugs). Adhering to the recommended service interval and using the correct OEM-specified iridium spark plugs will be key to preventing any spark plug-related problems.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.