How can a tune up cost $400? CAR WIZARD explains how modern maintenance is done on this '11 Frontier
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ธ.ค. 2024
- The days of simple, routine "tune-ups" are gone. Today's cars are much more complex and follow a different set of rules. Let the CAR WIZARD 🧙♂️ show you why a modern 'tune up' can cost several hundred dollars.
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Cost of tuning up the old 70's Chevy V-8. 8-plugs $32, Cap and Rotor $40, Wire Set $40, Fuel Filter $12, Points $10, Air Filter $10, PCV $5 Labor to install parts and make minor adjustments on choke and carb 2 hours @ a give away rate of $50/hr so.... $100. That's about $240 bucks parts and labor... every 30,000 miles. So in 90k the "better car because it's older V-8" will cost $720 in basic maintenance. The *not a POS Nissan* (according to the Wizard) will be around $400 every hundred K or so to slap a set of plugs in it. Let's not forget the Nissan (or any modern car) will start when it is 30 below zero outside and idle. You don't have to pump the hell out of it to get it going everyday and drive it with two feet till it warms up, you won't smash your face into a steel dash board when you hit a tree from texting. The list goes on folks. Old cars suck and they were in no way cheaper to maintain dollar per mile.
Would rather drive a toyota beater and save the monthly payments. In 6 months the car pay itself
Compared to new stuff they're terrible. The brakes aren't as good, the parts are harder to get, you always see rust somewhere, you leave the radio off so that you can listen to it for new noises, the gearbox doesn't shift as well as it used to, the jobs list feels like it never ends.
Still want one.
The '83 Pontiac Phoenix (with the big 2.8L) my mom gave me back in high school never started when it was below -10C, needed to be in the shop every three months for some service or repair and was showing rust around the wheel wells. This car was 5 years old when she gave it to me.
Decades later my dad gave me his 2001 Civic that I sold a few years later in 2017 with 400,000km. In the four years I had it I had to replace the starter and a motor mount.
Our current cars have needed a coolant and brake fluid flush and tires. They sure don't make them like they used to.
That’s right... until the warranty is up . You can’t afford to fix the turd but the kind folks at the dealership will let you roll over your dept in your next turd . Just keep repeating the process till your broke. I drive a 2003 corolla to
It cost me 300 dollars just to do plugs on my 4 cylinder ranger because they had to take the intake manifold off
I’ve had my 2013 for a year now. Very happy with the truck. Always good to hear I made the right choice
All automotive engineers should have to work in a shop for a year before they're allowed to start designing cars.
My old service manager used to say "an engineer will step over 100 virgins to fuck one mechanic" 😂
Engineers are given direction from the bean counters to design a car to be assembled as easily as possible. Not to be easily serviced.
Tell that to zee Germans
@@geblah187 that's amazing
@@geblah187 this is a criminally under liked comment. 😆
I had the 2.5L Frontier and now I have the 4.0L. Frontiers ROCK!
Wanted a Tacoma for years. When I finally had the money, I did some research and comparison among mid sized pickups, Ranger, Colorado/Canyon, Ranger, Dakota and Tacoma. Hands down, the Frontier SV had the best bang for your bucks. Better than the Tacoma in many ways, bigger bed, stronger frame, faster, with more horsepower, and far less recall issues. Solid, great handling little piggy.
completely agree Tacoma‘s are a lot more expensive now and frankly, most of them aren’t worth the money unless they’re new
Depends....I didn't realize the Frontier was bigger than 6'1" bed of the Taco. My '09 Regular cab nearly outturns 2 door wranglers. 180k miles later and the 2.7 with the 5 speed just hums, and very easy to do maintenance on, especially with the huge engine bay. I haven't heard of any recalls either. If yours is an '05-'10 and an auto, just be aware of the "strawberry milkshake" catastrophic failure.
@@ExtremelyAverageMan if the strawberry milkshake is the trans cooler issue, i have a 2014 Pro4x so ill be fine. yeah there aren’t many issues with this platform and when there are any its from the first couple of year models
@@4ringk1ng as it is with many vehicles. Hope your fronty is doing well, prices on all vehicles are stupid at the moment.
@@ExtremelyAverageMan yeah they’re ridiculous. Thank you. It has treated me very well. and it’s pretty much been bulletproof. I got a steal on it even though I paid five grand over sticker because of dealer fees, but its a one owner no accident truck.
My 2007 Frontier ran 300,000+ miles before I replaced the plugs, wires, and coils. Got 400,000+ miles on the truck now and still going strong.
Why wait that long for maintenance?
@@carstuff4u942 I pretty much did what the wizard mentioned in the video, I waited until it started misfiring and immediately did the maintenance.
My 07 frontier went 204k before I had a coil die. I replaced em all and put new plugs in. Should last another 150k at least.
Yep. I have same Frontier. These were made with lots of Hitachi Japanese parts unlike new Nissans.
I bought some spark plugs for a frontier 2011 pro4x
And they gave me some longer ones that I removed, how could I know which ones are correct if I don't have the manual? Thank you 🙏
It's a Festivus Miracle!! The Car Wizard doing a Nissan Frontier video!!
I have a 2015 Frontier SV with the 4.0 and it runs fantastic! No fluid leaks ever and no check engine lights ever! It just runs and runs.
I highly recommend this vehicle!
😂 for the restevus
Great video, thank you. I have a 2015 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4. 192,000 miles. Have not changed the plugs, still runs great. Have changed transmission fluid once and a tensioner and serpentine belt. Regular synthetic oil changes. Rear brakes have been changed. Front brakes are on the list to be changed. It has been a terrific truck. I flat out love it. I will drive it till it leaves me sitting in the road with nothing but a seat.
I love doing my own repairs, saving money, best parts, done right. The satisfaction that comes with it. Just replaced all the coils and plugs, NGK and Motorcraft, on my 2000 Town Car 330,000 miles, full synthetic oil and filter, air filter, PCV Valve, cleaned and greased the battery, greased the suspension/12 zerk fittings, tire pressure, topped the fluids, washed and waxed. All for less than $300 bucks.
Dude where do you live I need a honest mechanic there so hard to find !!
I have a 2008 Lincoln MKX and replaced the coils and plugs. The cost of the coils were almost dbl the price you paid for everything. You must of got a great deal.
Big difference when a Town Car plugs takes 20mins to change since all 8 are easily accessible unlike almost all FWD v6 engines that requires the upper intake to be removed to change 3 of the 6 plugs which can triple the cost.
@@kccodex8931 I did buy the coils, plugs, and gaskets from Rock Auto. They were the most reasonable in price. My MKX is running like new.
@@kccodex8931 Motorcraft plugs or Autolite plugs are the best plugs for Fords. Both are technically OEM because Autolite makes Motorcraft plugs. I have a friend who drives a 4.6 mustang and he put NGK plugs in and his car was idling all wonky so I told him to take them back and get Motorcraft plugs and after he did that the car ran perfectly fine.
Nissan recommends the plugs change at 120k, I did mine at 107k, it made a difference in how it ran and idled. Now at 147k on my ‘15 Frontier, it’s still amazingly reliable
rock on brother
My 12 started to do a slight misfire every so often at 115,000 miles, I swapped the plugs and it started running again like it was new.
Just shy of 60k on my 2019 I noticed the engine sounding different and changed the spark plugs out..... sounds so much better now and I can feel the difference in the power
I have 190k on my '09 and that intake is the only thing that stops me from changing my plugs. Seems like I will just follow the advice of the experts and wait until the truck tells me. If it ain't broke, why fix it? That sounds like good advice to me.
@@ACantu-bl4sw weirdly enough it's not that hard to do, but I agree pulling off that manifold is the hardest part of the job..... so long as the truck is running good don't worry about them
I had purchased a 2008 Camry and after a few months if ownership I did change the spark plugs as it had 120K miles, alongside new tires that had increased my mileage by a about 2-3mpg. When buying a used car, changing some things even if not necessary can just be a peace of mind item to take care of.
I had a 90 ranger. That thing was great
$400 is a bargain compared to many of the exotic cars on which you can't access the spark plugs at all.
Doesn’t have to an exotic. Dealer wants $400 to change 4 spark plugs because Subaru only gives you 1” of space between the coil and the frame.
@@MrSleepProductionsInc can confirm, WRX. Tuner showed me how to do it myself to make it easier. The flat 6 are terrible, almost have to pull the motor out to get to them
@@MrSleepProductionsInc i removed the washer bottle and the plugs on 04 outback were easy to do
Just loose the mounts and jack it up on the bank you're on for a hard angle. Repeat for opposite. Easy peazy
@@salvationbygracethroughfaith it's a flat engine dude
The 4 cyl version is a great truck as well and so easy to work on. With basic maintenance mine has 284k and I’m pretty happy with it.
The D40 generation is very underrated because of the whole SMOD ISSUE which they fixed in 2011 I think it’s overshadowed obviously by the taco
My 05 Pathfinder had this issue before I bought it. I am glad you said it, or I would have! The PO told me it cost 8000 bucks under dealer warranty in 2013 with 95000 miles on it.
@@billknoble4188 yup mine thankfully has a trans cooler even with the 2.5 lol
And its such an easy thing to address. I bought a 2008 Pathfinder this year ( with the V8). It also has the "bad" part number for the radiator so I sweet talked my brother to change the radiator for me the same weekend I got it. I paid i think $115 for griffin radiator.
Absolutely, had one in an Xterra and with a quick bypass or radiator replacement this engine is very very powerful and soild, 190K on mine and not a single issue with preventive maintenance.
@@ahmadghosheh3104 Nice hopefully I make them with no issues just replaced my coolant for the 2nd time and my transmission fluid.
love my 16' frontier, 93k miles running strong shes got a long life ahead of her
I have a '15. You do NOT have to take off the intake manifold to change those plugs. A mini 10mm ratchet socket and the right swivels and it's a 1 hr job. Did mine at about 110k. Truck is running like a top.
@SmokeNGunsBBQ thanks man I was wondering if you could sneak by the intake manifold
Some people just don't understand the type of work we do as mechanics and think it'll take 20 minutes to do, done a handful of these engines and it may not be difficult but it does take time and time is money, people pay for expertise and tools
"It will only take you five minutes."
Yeah. the ones that take. the longest have the least "expertise" is what I have found out..
H
True but sometimes you get quoted to change one tail bulb at half an hour. When I as a non mechanic did both in 15 mins. Grant it, it was a dealership so…
Yea, I’ve looked at the spark plug issue on my 2011 frontier and I’m gonna pay for a mechanic to do that. Earning that money.
Greetings from South Africa. I'm so glad the spark plug life was mentioned. I drive a Daihatsu Materia 2009 with a 1.5 vvti (looks kind of like Nissan Cube) still with the original plugs. As light on fuel as when we bought it new! Has done 340000km (212000 miles). As usual a realy professional review and production!!
I gladly paid $400 for a “tune up” on a 1996 olds cutlass supreme long time ago. Garage clearly laid out what they would do before I gave them the car. It was basically just a general service.
New plugs, all new fluids/filters, serp belt (easiest belt to change ever) and I can’t remember what else…. Maybe greased suspension points or something. It’s honestly something I could have done myself in a weekend, but I didn’t have a garage, or even a jack/stands.
It desperately needed it too. Ran great after that. 100% worth it.
Gotta know what you would pay for convenience.
Yes. I'd say 75% of what you paid for is peace of mind. Totally worth it
They were maintenance items.
Thing I noticed about older cars is that you give them a good tune up, but they fall out of tune pretty quick - not run terrible but they loose that edge.
A good majority of people these days never lift the bonnet/hood until something goes wrong.
Totally feeling this video. I have a 1972 Cadillac Eldorado with a carburetor and it is nearly impossible for me to find a reputable place that has the knowledge to "tune-up" these old cars. It is becoming a lost art, which is why I appreciate TH-cam enthusiasts that are willing to document and pass on the knowledge! Cheers!
Edelbrock carb problem cured.
I had a Chevy Blazer back in the 90's and I was getting ready to change the spark plugs on it until I looked down at them and saw how hard they were to get to. After a little research, I found out all you needed is an socket extension and you could get them out by going through the wheel wells on the sides of the car. Once you knew the trick, it wasn't hard at all.
Glad to hear your high praises on this truck. I have a 2012 in the bright blue metallic and I love it. The only thing I found different in your information is my 4.0 only gets 19 highway and 15 city(rated) I actually pull about 14mpg on a 50/50 mix of the 2. Thanks again for going over these simple and functional trucks!
My 2006 gets about the same mpg as yours.
My wife's 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Hemi. The switch to Iridium plugs cost $500 over 10 years ago. But, wow, what a step up in power. Efficiency went up too. We never had a check-engine light despite the plugs being totally worn out. We never had a single issue with that engine as a matter fact.
I tried the NGK Iridiums with the element Ruthenium added. They added throttle sensitivity where I have only socks not shoes to control the vehicle. Just to add too i replaced the ignition coils with Denso units.
Here in Australia they are called a d40 Nissan navara the best one here to buy is the v6 diesel love the channel mate all the best for the new year 👍🦘🇦🇺
These D40s have a bad rep in Australia - lots of 2.5 diesel 4cyl and a few 3.0 V6 diesels. These motors are complete rubbish and they’re transmissions aren’t much better. Whereas a similar aged Hi-Lux is virtually indestructible. Bloody crappy Nissans.
These D40s have a bad rep in Australia - lots of 2.5 diesel 4cyl and a few 3.0 V6 diesels. These motors are complete rubbish and they’re transmissions aren’t much better. Whereas a similar aged Hi-Lux is virtually indestructible. Bloody crappy Nissans.
US has no v6 diesel option 😭
Maybe the our US versions are different, but we have had excellent reliability with the Series 2 Frontier. My 2008 Frontier had 266 thousand miles and ran perfectly. A hit and run driver totaled it before I could find out the actual longevity of the platform. Original engine, transmission, and rear end. I liked mine so much that I replaced it with a 2012 and it is the same. Starts every time, runs like a top, and never quits on me. Currently over 166 thousand miles.
Really enjoy your show. I agree to not replace spark plugs based on mileage, but I would change them when doing other maintenance work that requires removal of j take manifolds and the like anyway (such as a timing belt). Just like e timing belt replacement when you proactively change the other belts, water pump, timing belt tensioners, coolant, and the like….replace the plugs and check the coils / boots at the same time. Pay now or pay later.
it's got a timing chain no belt.
It is a general statement, not specific to this engine,
David, normally I completely agree with everything you recommend. I politely disagree with your spark plug replacement suggestion. I recently replaced the plugs on my 2011 Ford Escape with the Duratec 2.5L 4-cyl. The factory plugs are iridium; the Ford Owners manual says the plugs need to be replaced at 100k miles. My Escape just turned 60k miles; it has had zero misfires... BUT the Duratec has aluminum heads. I have heard from friends and trusted mechanics that plugs can be a PITA to remove out of aluminum heads, and the longer they are in there the worse it can get. I did get all 4 plugs out without damaging the threads, but a couple of them were beginning to get more "fused". All the plugs were VERY worn, huge gaps. Since the replacement I have noticed quicker starts, improved throttle response and slightly better mileage. So I believe your spark plug replacement suggestion should depend on the vehicle; any model that has a history of excessive wear or problem plug removal should have the plugs replaced BEFORE the "money" light comes on.
Same with the Crown Vic/Grand Marquis 4.6L V8 which also has aluminum heads. The manual says 100K spark plug interval, but after even 50K, the gaps really increase....and that causes strain on the coils and power loss. I change mine every 30K or two years with cheaper platinum plugs because it is an easy and quick job on this car. And don't forget cleaning the MAF sensor while you are at it.
These are excellent pickups. I bought a Frontier like this new in 2005 and proceeded to drive it for 177,000 miles. I never changed the spark plugs. Timing chains and tensioners...yes, at around 110,000 miles. I bought my next Frontier new in 2016 because they are such great vehicles.
Shouldn't need a timing chain that early
@@DaDaDo661 Think he's going by mfr recommended and/or just doing it premptively to be sure of avoiding issues. He sounds wise to me.
@@NVRAMboi pre-emptive I get. I don't think chains have change intervals
Thank you Wiiiizard for telling people what I have been trying to explain for years. The semi-annual "tune-up" was to check/replace points, wires, cap, rotor, and plugs, and to re-adjust the carburetor(for easy cold starts and to prevent running rich or lean) and timing for the season change. The PCM performs a tune-up within the first 30 seconds of every start up by compensating for temperature, altitude, and humidity(hot-rodders running fuel injection are constantly fiddling with their tunes to do this, because it is very difficult to engineer those adjustments to just happen as needed). Unless the computer is getting bunk data from a bad sensor, the engine's PCM will adjust the ignition, valve timing, and fuel/air mixture to make a good clean burn when cruising and further adjust on the fly, for better performance, when you put your foot into it.
No they aren't. Anny aftermarket ecu worth it's weight is indistinguishable from a factory ecu. The Holley and haltech ecu's are particularly nice ecus with extensive support for any range of engine.
And the reason they're so good at it? Because closed loop fuel control and fuel maps are easy to engineer with the high quality sensors and aftermarket fuel control parts we have now.
Are manual valve adjustments still needed (on the 4.0/V6)?
No, they are not required. As with other modern vehicles, these are hydraulically adjusted.
The computer constantly recalculates the correct parameters ( timing/fuel) from the inputs of rpm, temp, mass air flow sensor, throttle position and other inputs every few milliseconds, even as your finger is pressing start. Does not need 30 seconds to do this.
Started driving in 1962, First car was a 56 Ford Crown Vic. I spent my entire working life as an electronic technician, So I have seen the automobile evolve into what it is today. At 77 I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about how the present generation of automobiles function, the good and the bad. I detest the cookie-cutter style of the present generation. The glory days of styling were the late 50's to the early '70s. Not a fan of 4 cylinder turbos
My last “tune up”, mainly replacing plugs/coils/ injectors was more than $400 doing it myself. Plus $200 in tools removing 2 broke plugs on a 4.6 3V.
You overplayed for everything
Got love the wizards stories. Nothing is cheap anymore when it comes to maintenance.
and its getting worse everyday..
I just traded in my 2009 Frontier with 249,998 miles on it. The only thing I ever did to it was regular maintenance and the cam sensors and oxygen sensors. Wizard the only thing I would recommend is the transmission cooler bypass as the pink slime transmission failure is catastrophic.
Only happens to if you have an automatic. Manual transmissions are not affected.
I’ve noticed only the earlier model years were affected, any of the later model years had that issue solved (at least that I’ve seen)
Just sold my ‘09 Frontier for $16,000…
How did you not roll it over 250k before trading it in? Lol
One thing i loved about my old 2.4L Grand Am. Easiest engine I've ever done spark plugs on. And plugs were still kinda cheap back then. 4 bolts to pop the cam cover off, and there are the plugs.
I have the 11 Frontier and 12 Xterra, I did the complete fluids, struts, shocks, pads, rotors ,front crash sensor, coil pack and plug replacement because I purchased both of them used. The passenger side plug replacement is frustrating but if you take your time it can be done. I will take mine to the dealer to have the valve covers replaced, PITA. Awesome content Mr.& MRS. Wizard . More please!
I have a 2016 Frontier so far it has been a good Truck. I Hope to get many more years of service out of it. Keep making
Drove a 2019 Frontier like this for 2 weeks and I really did enjoy it. Was a fun vehicle and even got to off road it a little bit. If I find one for a good price I can easily see myself buying one.
Just do your maintenance and change the fluids every 30-40,000 miles and you'll get plenty of life
I've got a 2016 Pro4X and I love it. Fist mod I did was move the rear axle breather and when I took off the stock breather, I should have realize something was up. I recently changed the rear diff fluid and man it was super dirty. Lots of garbage in there from the awful stock breather.
I have an Xterra Off Road I purchased new in '08. The Maintenace I perform on it is aimed at long term ownership. The "tune up" at 95k consisted of plugs, coils, cam & crank sensors along with the mentioned intake gaskets. All PVC lines replaced as they had solidified with age. All fluids get changed every spring: both axles, transfer case, power steering, brake fluid. Transmission gets drained with every engine oil change. The radiator changed every four years. Recently, the ac compressor blew a seal. While I was in there, it got a new compressor, condenser, all new ac lines and the third radiator, alternator, belt, pulley, tensioner, thermostat, all new coolant lines, including the ones that go to the heater core, all radiator/condenser mount bushings. When I change the engine oil filter, I put a wrench on the fitting it screws onto as I have seen it come loose. We bought a new Toyota 4Runner TRD Off road in '19 unfortunately, it spends most of it's time parked, as I like the Xterra more than it.
10:21 I'm not very old, but last car was a 2002, so when I bought a 2017 Nissan Rogue, several things surprised me. I didn't know that most cars don't have spark plug wires anymore (I think the way they do it now is better). I also couldn't believe there was no power steering fluid. It's fully electric. Again, I think that is an improvement. My anti-freeze is "Asian blue", not the green antifreeze that all my other cars have had. I was concerned about taking my car to a quick oil change place and them confusing the antifreeze with the wiper fluid, so I actually printed out a label and labeled it. It pays to read up on a car when you get a new one.
To me a tune up today would be basic maintenance like plugs wires, belts, hoses, filters, checking and replacing worn suspension items, tire rotation. Still LOTS of stuff to do on modern cars. Any time you pull into a shop it's a miracle if you get out of there for under $1000
Going to roll over 200,000 miles in my 2013 Nissan Frontier V-6 ,AT, 2WD soon. Been a great little truck. I had a 1997 Nissan pickup before that. Also a great little truck.
I have a 2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4x4 , 4.0 V6 . Last year I decided at @109,000 miles I would show my grandson how to maintain a vehicle with that kind of mileage. Belts, hoses, etc. I also decided to change the spark plugs,,, believe me, I would gladly pay the $400.00 to do what we had to do. The iridium plugs we took out, I could barely find any difference to the new ones that we were putting back in. Anyway thanks for your information, I enjoyed watching it, and yes I will say that the Frontiers are quite comparable to the Tacos
I'm "older" (56 next month) and I work on a lot of my own stuff. I can't say I'm unhappy that things like carbs and points and condensors and replacing spark plugs that got carboned up due to an over-rich mixture are things of the past. I'll take $10-$15 for an iridium spark plug that I only have to change every 100,000 miles over old-school Champions for $1.50 that I have to change every 5,000.
Gotta say that my 2006 Nissan Armada SE just turned 200K miles with just normal wear and tear items. I wouldn't look at the newer ones but "The Beast" or "The Farm Truck" has served me well.
Car Wizard called the 1994 Ford Ranger a POS. Made me glad I only have a 1993 Ranger.
I’m not sure why he said that. I have a ‘94 B3000 which is equivalent to the Ranger with 3.0 Vulcan engine and I still drive it. The B3000 has a better suspension than the 4 cylinder models.
Those old Rangers are actually really good vehicle.
Found On Road Dead
97 ranger 2.3- almost 300k miles, I’m a mechanic and I do very little maintenance to it. Takes me to work every day, love it. It’s the perfect solo truck.
Love my 2019 frontier, small lift and 33 AT's gets your like 13 city when its warm out. have had zero issues, bought it with 7k and have 44k now, just getting broken in. Original brakes and rotors still completely smooth. I just change the oil and other fluids per the manual and use only OEM recommended products. these trucks are super reliable and perform very well, the simplicity compared to other modern trucks is great. Truthfully if given the option between a fully loaded Pro4x or a Fully loaded TRD Pro i'd take the frontier everytime. It''s just a shame used 2019's with 15k miles are going for 5-6 grand over 2019 MSRP when they were brand new. No longer a budget truck
A vehicle owner, especially for something of that size should not be complaining about a $400 maintenance cost.
People complain about everything under the sun, no matter how many millions of dollars you may have.
Friend ,even if the guy that owns the car is rich,he is not an idiot.nobody wants to be ripped off ,from the local idiot mechanic.rich people don't throw away money for nothing.poor people do
@@tassiek2450 I don't think you understand average vehicle repair prices with parts + labor, $400 is nothing when you compare it to $2500+ of big repair/maintenance jobs.
@@zaremol2779 I agree totally.i wanted to say ,rich people do not want to be ripped off.from nobody.they love their money too much.
I remember taking to a Ferrari salesman who told me people buy a base model Ferrari and drive away with a big grin. 6 moths pass and the car is back for a 6,500 oil change service. Then they get angry at the salesman for not disclosing it is a dollar a mile to maintain that base model.
I bought an 06 this year to tow a small RV. Other big problem is that the timing chain cuts through the tensioners in the early years, I have to get the whole timing chain done about $2k but after that it should be bulletproof. Also a $30 axle breather mod is recommended.
Hey.
I had a 1994 Ford Ranger.
Not a POS
That little pick up was amazing.
The smaller 3.0 V6 and a 5 speed manual.
It would get 29 MPG on the highway.
I had to get rid of it in 2012 when I got an instant family.
That truck would still be going if the brother in law and nephew hadn't wrecked it a few times.
I am 70 years old and I can remember the days of the points and condenser distributor for an ignition system and a carburetor for the air and fuel delivery system. Back in those days about once a year the points, condenser and spark plugs had to be changed. Also the new points gap had to be adjusted and the engine timing adjusted using a timing light. Also at the Carburetor the engine idle speed could be adjusted and the idle air fuel mixture adjusted. All this was called a tuneup on these old cars. Today's cars have electronically controlled fuel injection and electronically controlled ignition systems with an ignition coil for each spark plug. Also all this equipment is controlled by a microprocessor computer system called the Electronic Engine Controller, which does all the adjustments. There are no user adjustments that can be made. It is now a situation that if the Electronic Engine Controller detects a problem the check engine warning light turns on.
Yes, spark plugs can last 10+ years in modern cars, but by that time the spark plugs and the cylinder head(s) will most likely be fused into one solid piece, making removal very difficult. And Mrs. Wizard's commenting on the "girthy shaft" was priceless! 🤣
Wife: that’s a girthy shaft you got there wizard. Unintentional innuendo?
"Engine Service" is the new Tune Up. Spark plugs are no joke now. I just serviced my daughter's 260K+ Nissan Frontier 3.3 V6. The 3.3 had to have intake removed for access to replace leaking valve cover gaskets and all the various hoses to intake had attached to it. A lot of people have the mentality that an engine service/tune up is cheap and until they find out otherwise.
Here in Norway it's call Nisssn Navara...it's biggest problem is rust...just between the cabin and the truck bed it use start too rust..and the frame breakes in two..
You can order a product that is used on aircraft. Spray it all over the bare metal parts and it will never rust. Its expensive but will make your vehicle rust free.
I have a 2010 and I agree with everything except the fuel milage part. These things are terrible on gas. They get worse gas mileage than some full size trucks
I have a 2014 Frontier. Other than changing out a bum alternator I have had no problems.
I did the major maintenance on my 2007 Honda Accord V6 at 114,000 miles. This is what a tune up/major maintenance consists of today.
NEW
-timing belt
-water pump and antifreeze
-spark plugs
-engine and cabin air filters
-drain engine oil replace oil and filter
-drain and replace transmission oil and filter
-drain master brake and power steering reservoirs and refill
Anyway the spark plugs looked so good I almost put them back in. It was difficult to near impossible to see any difference between the new ones vs old.
It's funny he mentioned the ranger. The 2.3l lima is like an anvil. Simple as an anvil too. Seen those with 200k+ miles more often than not.... Maybe having a taco disolve into iron oxide is the recommended method.
I was just thinking the same.. I just retired my 94 B2300 (ranger) those things are so easy to keep going. Probably the wrong reference vehicle....
That POS 1994 Ford Ranger crack may cost ya,,, lol...
My buddy had a 93' Ranger SuperCab STX with the 4.0 V6 5 speed and that thing was a fantastic machine .
Had just under 300000 miles before he sold it in 2005 and other than a couple clutches,, one slave cylinder,, and several thermostats for some reason, it gave ZERO trouble..
Still had the original starter and the air still worked..
These customer stories are totally why I still listen to car talk reruns from npr. You and hoovie should ask that production company if you guys can take it over
Nothing against either one but I can think of many TH-camrs who could do as much or more with it than they can. The thing is the really good ones already reach more people on TH-cam than they would on mainstream media.
NPR is a dead platform. What Car Wizard and Hoovie are doing now are much better. If they want to start a podcast like Smoking Tire, they'd have bigger success doing it on their own than associating with NPR.
I'm miss click and clack so much!
Thank you for videos like this one. I work on junk too and I often refer my customers to your channel for explanations on repairs.
It's not impossible to replace the spark plugs without taking the intake manifold of. I'd done it many times already it's kinda hard, but it's possible. Good video though!
Agree with the comment. I've replaced them without removing the intake manifold. Universal joints and flexible head ratchets help a lot.
I did mine without removing it
Correct
I've got a 2007 Frontier CC 4x4 Long Bed, It's been a great truck. The only thing I have had to replace was the Original Calsonic Radiator, to prevent any coolant contamination to the transmission in the event the tank seal broke. All in All It's a great riding and powerful truck.
I have a 16 King cab with the 2.5l with about 96k it’s definitely a solid engine idk if it’s as solid as the old Ka24 series but time will tell.
th-cam.com/video/lAi9o8SXjNg/w-d-xo.html
I had a 2012, 140,000 on the clock when I sold it. Ran like new!
I've got a 2007 king cab 2.5 liter with 164,000. All maintenance done and runs as good as the day we got it back in 07
You're fine
Had that qr25de in an Altima (with 6 6speed manual) from new.
Sold it at 240k last year with ZERO engine issues ever. Boring engine, not built for modding, but no problems.
Really enjoy your honest opinion. Mechanic of 30 years nice to see this Thank you. I wish more people were like you.
I've had a 4cyl 2wd frontier for almost 5 years & really like it. It's not very powerful but it's super reliable and cheap & easy to maintain. I read 115k is the service interval for plugs & coils & they're kind of a pain but not impossible to do. I have K&N air (no fancy intake tho) & cabin air filters that I check a couple times a year & clean/oil yearly or as needed. Change the fluids, check the alignment yearly & be nice to it & it's fine & cost much less than a Toyota.
There's no shame in a reliable/durable 4-banger pickup. Had 2 Toyotas like that. My Nissan has the VQ40.
Oil the air filter? And wonder why the intake valves have carbon?
Have to say the more I watch these guys the more I like their honestly and explanations Interesting to listen to. And respectful and gentle. A gentleman.
You can do all six plugs without removing the intake. I’ve done it twice on my second gen. However, the front plug on the intake side is a duzy. It requires a few wobble socket extensions but is very doable.
Yup, I did a video on that a week or two ago. Job took 40 minutes.
I agree it can be done. I have also done it without removing intake.
I have also done it without removing the intake. There are several videos on TH-cam. Take your time, have the correct tools and save money from not going to a garage.
The wizard is a professional rip off artist
@@umarfarooq5436 no he's not. Its standard and the recommended procedure to remove the intake. $400 to remove the intake, do all 6 plugs and an oil change is a great price. I got quoted $600 to do just the plugs once. Can be done without removing the intake but it's not common knowledge and not the standard procedure for doing the plugs.
I purchased a brand new 2013 frontier 4.0 4x4 6 speed manual and it was a very solid truck. Chirp every gear the few times a sped in it. Wasn't very interesting or would I buy another but it did its job and was the 1st new car I purchased
I replace platinum spark plugs around 100K miles and feel the engine run better, especially at mid to high RPM. I have replaced upstream O2 sensors at 100K miles and see the MPG improve typically 2MPG initially and then settle in about 1 MPG after a few weeks. Not sure why or if it is worth it, but I have seen the same result on a few different cars.
Bought my 2013 Nissan Frontier in 2014 with on 26,000 miles on it and in the ten years I owned it and had no problems till this year. Only 97,300 miles and had to change the catalytic converters, cam sensors, crankshaft sensor. I am not complaining just was one thing after another. I hauled a travel trailer to Florida and back twice, traveled to Duluth,Minnesota by way of Canada, traveled all over New England. Considering all this I think I have a good truck and had a friend buy one also and he also is happy with it. Thanks for the video and it was very informative and helpful.
My wife and I recently purchased a 2019 Frontier Pro 4X (we bought it new in march 2020) we were able to get it on a good price due to the pandemic... dollar for dollar you get a lot more truck with the frontier than you would with a Tacoma.... I won't go into the long story but my wife and I compared them in order to get something similar to a pro 4X from Toyota you would have to get a TRD off road 4x4 and when we looked at those and comparison there was some things that the frontier had that the taco didn't have so in order to get everything the frontier had you would have to step up to the TRD Pro and the TRD Pro had some more things on it than the pro 4X didn't have but like for example a TRD off road 4x4 has drum rear brakes while the pro4x has discs in the back ...that's one example I can go on and on but we were able to get the truck brand new and this is a crew cab fully loaded with leather sunroof everything for $31,600 that was the purchase price plus fees and taxes the Tacoma TRD off road 4x4 that we were looking at that was kind of similar to the pro4x was $46,000... Toyota wouldn't budge on the price either so we're talking almost $15,000 difference between the two trucks and I'm sorry I don't care what anyone says the frontier is the best bargain out there has been for years and continues to be to this day very underrated truck 😎
The entire Nisan F platform trucks are great performers and a great value to boot IMO. My family uses nothing but Frontier, Titan, Xterra and Pathfinder. The '19 Frontier is not just less money but better than the'19 Taco: Better frame, bigger/better motor, better seats, better brakes; even if the price was the same it would still be the better choice.
Toyota loves their drum brakes. Used on the Tundra until 2007 and still used on the taco
@@Mach141 yeah Toyota loves rear drum brakes c channel frames plastic beds and fake hood scoops 🙄
Buying a new vehicle was a horrible mistake.
Now is a terrible-time to buy any cars. If you cannot go 5-10% below MSRP, one should Walk. Wait a year or 2.
I did a video about a tune up on one of these about 2 weeks ago. The right side coils can be accessed, but you have to dance to get it done. Since the boots are flexible, the right front coil and boot will come out and go back in. The bigger issue is they usually have oil leaking into the plug wells.
Change plugs based on service intervals and vehicle use. Always also use the OEM style plugs. Running the plugs to 200k will load the coils unnecessarily and cost some mpg and performance since the PCM will be adapting for longer spark times, different timing needs and other issues worn plugs can cause.
The manufacturers don't recommend service intervals to sell you plugs, you usually buy aftermarket, there is a reason for it. :)
Makes me enjoy how easy it is to work on my 2007 Sierra 1500 classic with L33 5.3L.
The wizard is right, 1999-2007 chevy/gmc trucks are really worth it
They are great trucks. I sold my 2004 I bought new about a year ago. They trashed what was the best motors ever made when they started that cylinder cut off crap. Our 2012 Tahoe was burning a quart a week by the time we traded it in.
My dad had a 1998 Sierra. Was a great truck.
I know people who got newer GM trucks and actually ended up switching back to an old one
@@kgisabeast my father won’t get anything gm truck after 07 unless it’s a diesel. He’s had his 04 suburban since 60k and he has 234k on her now. The interior is trashed but that motor and trans is still kicking
' 05 Z71 with L33 170k. Super dependable. Never gonna trade.
I did get all my plugs changed without removing intake but front left plug was very difficult to do. Probably faster to remove intake for sure.
A $400 tuneup from the Wizard is a bargain compared to a Jiffy Lube that jacks up your vehicle from under the oil pan and torques the drain plug to 800 pounds.
To people who think the book rate is just meant to drive the price up, I would say if you think you can do it faster yourself, have at it. Good luck.
You're paying for a mechanic's skill and expertise. That mechanic is not just a dumb gorilla with a toolbox.
If you think you can do it faster, better and cheaper, grab that service manual and tools yourself. Good luck.
I changed my spark plugs without removing the intake on my 06 frontier , has to use a tiny ratchets and lots of wobbles. Probably the same amount of time 😂
Yup. No need to remove the plenum to get to 1, 3, or 5 on the passenger side if you have the right tools for it. This goes for pretty much anything with the VQ40(frontiers, xterras, pathfinders). By doing this you avoid having to replace the upper manifold gaskets and the throttle body gaskets because you aren't taking them off.
It can be done just gotta be careful not snapping the ignition coil
Sold as the Nevara in the UK these underwent a factory recall for the chassis snapping in half a few years back.
The Car Wizard is right about ALL OF IT.
"its not a POS 94 Ranger.." Really, wizard? I still see 90s Rangers every day. In the rust belt.
They're POS. If you don't believe it try owning one
I thought the same thing. I'd buy the Ranger I drove in high school again in a heartbeat.
I just did the plugs on a 2013 Frontier. The throttle body gasket was in need of replacement and I cleaned the throttle body, so I did that at the same time. But I thought the truck was nice and the VQ40 seemed to be a good engine.
The same owner asked me to do the rebuild on his 99 Frontier and I'll begin teardown next week. Maintenance is key.
Yeah cars have changed since 1985. The biggest one I see is coil packs. It allows the low voltage computer to control the spark.
I bought a 2022 Nissan Frontier. Very nice truck
The danger about changing plugs at 200,000 miles is that they might get fused to the head, then they have to be drilled out. Iridium plugs on a 2016-2017+ have to be replaced at 60,000 miles now.
FYI, those plugs can be changed with the manifold on. I did it on my 2013 Xterra (exactly the same engine and space). The less you have to remove the less of a chance for introducing a problem, that's how I looked at it.
Sold my 2016 frontier sv4x4 great truck but you needed 5 lanes just to make a 2 point turn
Did a tune up on a 3.7 transit, and the ends of the coils stuck on the plugs, had to use needle nose and screwdriver and picks to pull off the plastic, blow out the remnants and inspect with boroscopes. Fun!
Wizard, the interior reviews with your wife make me feel like I’m on an airplane receiving instructions of how to use the seat bottom as a flotation device.
Yes i agree with you. It Reminds me on Stewardesses in Planes.
I never thought about it but yeah she does.
I got charged $150/labor 8 years ago to have the mechanic at my work to change the spark plugs (8 of them!) on my 98 Ford Ranger 2.5 l 4 cyl. I bought the parts and he installed them. After seeing what had to be done, I feel that I got off easy. Only 7 of the 8 spark plugs were accessible with the intake plenum on, that last one was only accessible with the plenum removed.
The frontiers are great. I prefer the king cab so I got the 6.5 bed. That 5 foot bed is useless for my atv and dirtbikes
I had a customer who paid an independent shop 425.00 for a tune up. She had another problem with the suv, so she brought it to me, after diagnosis, I found that she paid 425.00 for 3 sparkplug and 3 wires. The reas was the back three, was difficult to access, it required removing the top dog bone struts an rolling the engine forward with tranny in neutral. Thank God for honest techs like you. Keep up the good work.
The exception to the “everything has COP ignition” is your typical LS/Vortec V8 which DOES still have spark plug wires.
I imagine the new Ford pushrod V8 will also have spark plug wires as well
Some cars have a V6 that has 3 coils and a wire that goes from one COP to another plug.
Navarras in the UK suffered badly from frame corrosion behind the cab. I think they may have addressed that in following years. My son bought a used car last summer. We found nobody had snugged the plugs down so there was some compression leakage. New NGKs properly tightened have improved the car quite a bit😁
$400 would have made me happy back when I had a 2005 F-150 with the 3-valve V-8. Several of the spark plugs broke off when they were doing the tune-up, which that engine is notorious for, and the cost quickly hit the $600+ mark.
Wizard would disown you
@@luisgonzalez8423 Believe me, I bought that truck before I knew about the Wizard. Now, I wouldn't touch one of those unless I got it for free.
I have a Pathfinder 2010 same motor 4 L V6 you most definitely can remove the coils and spark plugs without taking off the intake manifold you need a couple wobble extensions and maybe a ratchet 10 mm takes about an hour and 20 minutes in my driveway but everything else you’re spot on
You do not have to remove the intake plenum to do all 6 plugs if you're careful with a steady hand on the VQ40DE. Seen it done without removing the plenum many, many times on these engines. Learn to do it without and it makes it so much cheaper and easier for everyone. As a Wizard I trust you might learn this in the future for more convenience.
Nice! Finally got my Wizard opinion on my 2011 Pathfinder. Not that I needed one... Given how it has treated me all these years I knew I had a good vehicle. But it is always good to get a Wizard opinion on it. Thanks for the video!
I had a 2010 Ford Escape with the V6 and it was worse. The intake covered the entire engine. lol My mechanic quoted me $440. Definately teaches you to plan for it if you buy a vehcile with higher miles. Factor that into the price.
This is why I've always been a bit more keen to get cars with 4 cylinders or other inline engines. This can become especially important in transverse/FWD applications such as your Escape. Easy sparkplug access from the top is superior to any transverse V6/V8, where you have a back set of sparkplugs right against the firewall or under the intake.
Platinwithmywii I love the k24 hondas from that era. Easy to work on in certain platforms
Ive replaced my coils and plugs without taking the manifold off but it required 2 different sized socket extensions, two swivels, and a box end wrench. By the time I figured out a safe way to get them out I could have just removed the manifold but this repair was roadside so.... gotta do what you gotta do sometimes. Thanks for another great video!
Those are like $900 led headlights for the D40
I own my first 2018 Frontier sv fwd and long box. All in all a great vehicle, I have 60k miles and this thing is tight as the first day, no rattles of any kind, no noises at all! My first Nissan and I’m very impressed ~ great video btw
I would've thought a $400 "tune-up" would include cleaning and oiling the K&N air filter.
Better yet, remove it and put back the OEM version
I would think that aftermarket stuff is the owner's responsibility
@@gord7025 it can be requested but if you are going to do that to save money & time do it yourself. I have an upgraded intake including a AFE CAI I clean it regularly. Filter, MAF & TB
I like the AEM dry flows, no oil to worry about caking up the filter or contaminating the MAP or MAF sensors. I doubt they clean as well as an OEM style due to less pleats but I much prefer them over K&N. I'll probably swap to WIX.
Most garages won't touch aftermarket mods.
I drive an 08 NISMO crew cab. Started driving and taking care of it since I was 16 up until now at the age of 28 and I have had no major issues. I've used it for everything from going to and from class, to driving around the state of AZ for my job. Roadtrips, hauling trailers, picking up dates, carrying computer equipment, and it has always taken care of me, just as I've always taken care of it.
The one thing I love about my frontier, is that it's so simple that it's perfect for someone that loves to tinker and modify everything. It's a blank slate of a truck. Perfect for a tradesman, perfect for a curious high schooler, and even better for when that high schooler grows up. I 100% recommend the 2nd gen frontier. I'm sure the third gen is great but I haven't needed to buy a new vehicle because mine runs just as good as it did 10 years ago!