When you open the hood of a Nissan powered by the 3.5L V6 engine, you’re looking at one of the most respected and versatile powerplants Nissan has ever built. You’ll find it in models like the Altima, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, and even in the 350Z.
Known for its smooth performance and solid reliability, the Nissan 3.5L engine (often referred to as the VQ35DE or VQ35HR) is a work of engineering art — but like any engine, understanding how it fires is key to keeping it healthy.
Now, I know not everyone spends weekends tinkering under the hood, but if you’re someone who enjoys knowing how your car really works or if you’re diagnosing a misfire, understanding the firing order is an absolute must.
I’ve spent a lot of time working with Nissan engines, and the 3.5L V6 is one that deserves a closer look. Let’s walk through what this firing order means, why it matters, and how you can use it for maintenance or troubleshooting.
Understanding the Nissan 3.5L Engine
Before we talk about the firing order, let’s get to know this engine a bit better.
The Nissan 3.5L V6, part of the famous VQ engine family, was introduced in the early 2000s and quickly became a mainstay across Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. The VQ series earned its place on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for several years — and for good reason.
It’s a 3.5-liter V6, meaning it has six cylinders arranged in a “V” shape — three on each side of the block. The “35” refers to its displacement: 3.5 liters. It’s a DOHC (dual overhead camshaft) engine with variable valve timing (CVTCS), designed for both power and efficiency.
Depending on the model, the output ranges from about 240 to 305 horsepower. You’ll find it in vehicles like:
- Nissan Altima 3.5 SE / SL
- Nissan Maxima
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan 350Z
- Infiniti G35 and FX35
- Nissan Pathfinder
It’s a well-balanced, high-revving engine that delivers smooth acceleration and a strong mid-range pull — and a distinctive growl that Nissan fans love.
What Is a Firing Order?
If you’ve ever wondered why engines sound the way they do or why some run smoother than others, the firing order is the reason.
In simple terms, the firing order is the sequence in which each cylinder ignites its air-fuel mixture. Each cylinder has a spark plug that fires at a precise moment in the engine’s cycle. The right firing order ensures smooth operation, proper balance, and maximum power output.
For a V6 engine, firing order also helps balance vibrations and minimize wear. If even one spark fires at the wrong time, it can cause misfires, rough idling, or poor performance.
The Firing Order of the Nissan 3.5L Engine
Let’s get straight to the point:
👉 The firing order for the Nissan 3.5L V6 engine is 1-2-3-4-5-6.
That might seem almost too simple, right? But Nissan designed it this way intentionally to balance the engine’s performance and reduce vibration.
Now, before you assume that means the cylinders are laid out in that same order, here’s the important part — the firing order doesn’t match the physical cylinder layout. Let’s look at how the cylinders are actually arranged.
Cylinder Numbering on the 3.5L Nissan V6
On Nissan’s VQ35DE and VQ35HR engines, the cylinder layout looks like this when facing the front of the vehicle:
Front of Engine (Timing Chain Side):
Bank 1 (Rear of Vehicle):
- Cylinder 1
- Cylinder 3
- Cylinder 5
Bank 2 (Front of Vehicle):
- Cylinder 2
- Cylinder 4
- Cylinder 6
This means the odd-numbered cylinders (1, 3, 5) are on one side, and the even-numbered cylinders (2, 4, 6) are on the other.
When the firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6, it doesn’t mean that one side of the engine fires completely before the other — the ignition alternates back and forth between banks to maintain balance and smoothness.
Why Nissan Uses a 1-2-3-4-5-6 Firing Order
You might be wondering — why not a more complex sequence like 1-4-2-5-3-6, which is common in some other V6 engines?
Nissan’s approach with the 3.5L was simplicity and balance. The VQ engine family was engineered for a naturally smooth feel without relying heavily on balance shafts. The even firing intervals across the crankshaft make this possible.
Each cylinder fires at 120° intervals, and since the engine’s crank pins are offset appropriately, it keeps the operation well-balanced and vibration-free.
In short — it’s an elegantly simple design that’s part of why the VQ35 has such a refined sound and performance.
Visualizing the Firing Order
Let’s make this easier to imagine.
If you were looking down at the engine from above, here’s a simplified view:
Front of Vehicle
———————
Bank 2: 2 4 6
Bank 1: 1 3 5
———————
Now, in the firing sequence:
1️⃣ Cylinder 1 fires
2️⃣ Cylinder 2 fires
3️⃣ Cylinder 3 fires
4️⃣ Cylinder 4 fires
5️⃣ Cylinder 5 fires
6️⃣ Cylinder 6 fires
And then the cycle repeats.
This consistent pattern helps reduce complexity when diagnosing issues or setting ignition timing (though in modern engines, timing is controlled electronically by the ECU).
Common Problems Related to Firing Order Issues
While the firing order itself rarely changes, problems can occur if components tied to the ignition sequence fail. I’ve seen a few common situations over the years:
1. Ignition Coil Failure
Each cylinder has its own ignition coil. When one fails, that cylinder won’t fire correctly — leading to a misfire. You’ll feel rough idling, hesitation, or a flashing check engine light.
2. Spark Plug Wear
Old or fouled spark plugs can disrupt the firing sequence. Since the firing order depends on precise ignition timing, even one bad plug can cause imbalance or vibration.
3. Incorrect Plug Wire Routing (in older engines)
While the 3.5L uses coil-on-plug ignition, some earlier versions with plug wires could develop issues if the wires were reconnected in the wrong order after service. That’s why understanding the firing sequence is critical.
4. Camshaft or Crankshaft Sensor Problems
If the ECU doesn’t receive accurate timing data from these sensors, it may misfire or trigger a check engine light. In those cases, the firing order isn’t the problem — the timing signals are.
How to Diagnose a Misfire on the 3.5L Nissan Engine
If your VQ35 feels rough or the check engine light is blinking, you can use an OBD-II scanner to find the misfiring cylinder. For instance, a P0301 code means a misfire in cylinder 1, while P0303 points to cylinder 3, and so on.
Here’s how I usually go about it:
- Read the code using a scanner.
- Identify which cylinder is misfiring.
- Swap the ignition coil from that cylinder with another.
- Clear the code and drive again.
- If the misfire moves, the coil is bad.
- If it stays, the spark plug or injector might be the issue.
- If the misfire moves, the coil is bad.
This process is simple but saves hours of guesswork — especially since the VQ engines are tightly packed under the hood.
Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Firing System
To keep your 3.5L engine performing at its best:
- Replace spark plugs every 100,000 miles (use OEM NGK or Denso).
- Keep ignition coils clean and free from moisture.
- Use top-quality fuel to reduce carbon buildup.
- Check sensors and connectors regularly for corrosion or looseness.
- Avoid cheap aftermarket ignition parts — they often cause long-term issues.
Models Using the Nissan 3.5L Engine
If you’re curious whether your vehicle uses this legendary V6, here are some of the most common models that do:
- Nissan Maxima (2002–present)
- Nissan Altima 3.5 SE / SL (2002–2018)
- Nissan Murano (2003–present)
- Nissan 350Z / 370Z (2003–2009)
- Nissan Pathfinder (2001–2012)
- Infiniti G35, FX35, M35, QX60
All these vehicles share the same core design and firing pattern, even though some have performance tweaks (like the HR version with higher compression and better airflow).
Performance Tuning and the Role of Firing Order
If you’re into tuning or engine swaps, understanding firing order becomes even more valuable.
Some car enthusiasts upgrade the intake, exhaust, and ECU maps to boost horsepower. When you change airflow characteristics or ignition timing, you must ensure the firing sequence remains synchronized with the ECU’s programmed map. Even a small misalignment in spark timing can lead to pre-ignition or detonation.
That’s why, when tuning, I always double-check:
- Cylinder numbering
- Coil connections
- ECU parameters
- Crank and cam sensor readings
The firing order doesn’t change — but your tuning adjustments must respect it.
The Sound of the VQ35 and Why It Matters
If you’ve ever heard a 350Z rev to redline, you know that signature raspy tone. That sound — part growl, part metallic scream — is thanks to the VQ’s even firing order and short exhaust paths.
It’s not just noise; it’s character. The way the exhaust pulses alternate evenly between banks creates that smooth yet aggressive exhaust note that enthusiasts love. It’s balanced, harmonic, and distinctly Nissan.
Why the Firing Order Matters in Everyday Use
For most drivers, you’ll never need to think about your firing order. But understanding it helps in subtle ways:
- It explains misfire patterns.
- It makes plug and coil changes less confusing.
- It gives you confidence while diagnosing or modifying your car.
- And honestly, it deepens your appreciation for Nissan’s engineering.
Final Thoughts — Respect the Sequence
The Nissan 3.5L V6 firing order — 1-2-3-4-5-6 — might look simple on paper, but behind that simplicity lies decades of engineering mastery. It’s what makes this engine so durable, balanced, and smooth even after hundreds of thousands of miles.
If you ever decide to work on your own Nissan — whether it’s replacing spark plugs, chasing down a misfire, or just learning more about your car — understanding this firing pattern gives you a solid foundation. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference.
So, next time you start your Altima or 350Z, remember that beneath that calm idle or throaty roar, there’s a perfect rhythm happening — six cylinders firing in seamless harmony.
