2017 Nissan Frontier Spark Plug Type & Gap

Quick Reference

Why the Right Plug Matters

Choosing the correct spark plug for your 2017 Nissan Frontier is crucial for optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. The "right plug" encompasses several key characteristics:

• Heat Range: This refers to the plug's ability to dissipate heat from the combustion chamber. A plug that's too "cold" (dissipates heat too quickly) can lead to fouling, while one that's too "hot" (dissipates heat too slowly) can cause pre-ignition and engine damage. The OEM plugs for the Frontier are designed for the ideal heat range.

• Electrode Metal: Modern vehicles, including the 2017 Frontier, primarily use iridium or platinum spark plugs. These precious metals are much harder and more resistant to erosion than traditional copper. This allows for finer electrode designs, which concentrate the spark and improve ignition efficiency, leading to longer service intervals. The NGK PLFR5A-11 and Denso FXE20HR11 are iridium-tipped plugs, offering excellent durability and performance.

  • Iridium: Extremely hard and durable, allowing for very fine electrodes and extended life (typically 100,000+ miles).
  • Platinum: Offers good durability and performance, often used as a more affordable alternative to iridium or for double-platinum applications (where both the center and ground electrodes are platinum-tipped).
  • Copper: While excellent conductors, copper electrodes erode quickly and aren't typically found in modern engines like the Frontier due to their short lifespan.

How to Gap a Spark Plug

While most iridium and platinum plugs come pre-gapped, it's always a good practice to verify the gap before installation, especially with traditional copper or platinum plugs. The 2017 Nissan Frontier requires a spark plug gap of 0.043 inches (1.1 mm).

1. Obtain a Gap Gauge: Use a specific spark plug gap tool (either a wire-type or a feeler gauge) that allows precise measurement. Avoid using coin-style gap tools, as they can damage the fine electrode tips of iridium and platinum plugs.
2. Measure the Gap: Carefully insert the appropriate wire or feeler blade into the gap between the center and ground electrodes. It should slide in with a slight drag.
3. Adjust (if necessary): If the gap is too small, gently bend the ground electrode outwards using the adjustment tool on your gauge. If it's too large, carefully tap the ground electrode on a clean, hard surface to close the gap. Be extremely careful not to damage the delicate iridium or platinum tip.

Important Note: For iridium and platinum plugs, it is generally recommended not to adjust the gap unless absolutely necessary, as even a slight mishandling can damage the delicate electrode. If the gap is off, it's often better to replace the plug.

Replacement Procedure Tips

Replacing spark plugs on your 2017 Nissan Frontier is a manageable DIY task, but a few tips can make the process smoother:

• Coil-on-Plug (COP) System: The 2017 Frontier utilizes a coil-on-plug ignition system, meaning each spark plug has its own ignition coil directly mounted above it. To access the spark plugs, you'll need to carefully disconnect the electrical connector from each coil and then remove the coil-on-plug unit by unbolting it. Take care not to pull on the wires when disconnecting.
• Anti-Seize Debate: There's an ongoing debate about using anti-seize compound on spark plug threads. Nissan, like many manufacturers, generally recommends against it for plugs with a special coating (such as those from NGK). If you choose to use it, apply a very thin layer sparingly and reduce the torque specification by about 10-20% to prevent over-tightening, as anti-seize acts as a lubricant and can lead to inaccurate torque readings. For the 2017 Frontier, it is generally best to not use anti-seize, as the plugs are typically nickel-plated from the factory to prevent seizing.
• Dielectric Grease on Boots: Applying a small amount of dielectric grease inside the spark plug boot (the part of the coil pack that slides over the spark plug) can help prevent moisture intrusion, make future removal easier, and improve electrical insulation. Ensure you don't get grease on the electrode tips.
• Tightening Procedure: Always start threading the new spark plugs by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once snug, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the specified torque of 14-22 lb-ft (19-30 Nm). Over-tightening can damage the cylinder head threads or the spark plug itself, while under-tightening can lead to combustion gas leaks and misfires.

Known Issues

Fortunately, the 2017 Nissan Frontier, with its QR25DE and VQ40DE engines, does not have widespread, notorious spark plug-related issues like the two-piece spark plug breakage seen in some Ford 3-valve engines. The design is robust, and as long as the correct plugs are used and replaced at the recommended intervals, you should experience trouble-free operation.

Need plugs replaced? Find a shop on Repairius.