These instructions apply to the Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) 2013-2017.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Nissan Note Mk2 (E12), sold as the Versa Note in North America, uses long-life platinum spark plugs that only need changing at the maker’s service interval — there’s no need to clean or re-gap them in between. This applies to the petrol engines only; the European 1.5 dCi diesel has no spark plugs (it uses glow plugs instead). Access is from the top of the engine once the ignition coils are unbolted.
The Right Plug for Your Engine
- US 1.6 petrol (HR16DE) — NGK PLZKAR6A-11, a platinum-tipped plug, gap 1.1 mm. Four plugs.
- European 1.2 petrol (HR12DE / HR12DDR) — a platinum/iridium plug to Nissan’s spec, gap 1.1 mm, tightened to 19.6 Nm. This is a three-cylinder engine, so it has three plugs.
Always buy the exact plug listed for your engine and year — the gap is pre-set, so fit them straight from the box and don’t adjust the gap on a fine-electrode platinum plug.
How to Change the Spark Plugs
- Park on level ground, let the engine go fully cold, and disconnect the negative battery lead.
- Remove the engine cover if fitted, and unclip the wiring plug from each ignition coil.
- Undo the single bolt holding each coil and pull the coils straight up out of the plug wells.
- Blow or wipe any dirt away from the plug recesses so nothing drops into the cylinder.
- Undo each plug with a spark-plug socket and extension, and lift the old plugs out.
- Fit the new plugs by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to the specified torque (about 19.6 Nm — roughly “nip and a nudge” if you have no torque wrench, but a wrench is best).
- Refit the coils, their bolts and wiring plugs, the engine cover, and reconnect the battery.
- Start the engine and check it idles smoothly with no misfire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many spark plugs does the Nissan Note have?
It depends on the engine: the European 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol has three plugs, while the North-American 1.6-litre four-cylinder has four. The 1.5 dCi diesel has none — it runs glow plugs, which are a different part.
What’s the spark plug gap?
1.1 mm on both the 1.2 and 1.6 petrol engines. These are pre-gapped platinum plugs, so fit them as supplied and don’t try to re-gap them — bending the electrode can damage the fine tip.
How often should the plugs be changed?
Follow the interval in your service schedule — platinum plugs on these engines are a long-life item, typically tens of thousands of miles apart. If you have a misfire, rough idle or a flashing engine light before then, the plugs (or a coil) may still be the cause.
Do I need a torque wrench?
It’s the safest way — the European figure is 19.6 Nm. Over-tightening can strip the aluminium cylinder-head thread, and under-tightening lets combustion gases past. If you must do it by feel, seat the plug finger-tight then turn it only a little further with the wrench.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information. Always follow your vehicle’s official service information and safety instructions. Perform repairs at your own risk.
If a misfire code is stored after the job, decode it on autodtcs.com to tell a plug fault from a coil.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Nissan. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.