ignition

Distributor

for 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo · AWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Expert

Time

2.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure addresses a common misconception: the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo uses a distributor-less ignition system (coil-on-plug) and does not have a distributor to replace.

Warnings

⚠️This engine does NOT have a distributor. It uses a coil-on-plug ignition system controlled by the ECU. If you were directed to replace a distributor, diagnose the actual ignition system fault first.

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before working on ignition components to prevent burns.

⚠Never disconnect ignition coils while engine is running as this can damage the ECU and coil drivers.

ℹ️This procedure covers diagnosis and repair of the coil-on-plug ignition system, which replaces traditional distributor function.

Tools required

OBD-II scannerEssential

Torque wrenchEssential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Torx bit setEssential

Spark plug socketEssential

Dielectric grease

Wire brush

Compressed air

Parts

Ignition coil (if faulty) × 6 — Use OEM specification
Spark plugs × 6 — NGK or OEM equivalent

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for capacitor discharge
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on four retention points
Scan for diagnostic trouble codes related to ignition system (P0300-P0306 misfires, P0351-P0356 coil faults)

Procedure

1
Access ignition coils on left cylinder bank
Remove plastic wire harness cover clips on left side of engine. Disconnect electrical connectors from ignition coils on cylinders 1, 3, and 5 by pressing release tab and pulling straight up. Label each connector position if needed for reference.
2
Remove left bank ignition coils
Remove the single Torx bolt securing each ignition coil to the valve cover (cylinders 1, 3, 5). Pull coils straight up with a gentle twisting motion to break the seal. Inspect coil boots for cracks, carbon tracking, or oil contamination.
3
Inspect left bank spark plug wells
Use compressed air to clean debris from spark plug wells before removing plugs. Check for oil pooling in wells which indicates valve cover gasket failure. If oil is present, valve cover gaskets must be replaced before continuing.
4
Remove and inspect left bank spark plugs
Use spark plug socket to remove plugs from cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Inspect electrode wear, gap, and insulator condition. Look for oil fouling, carbon deposits, or abnormal wear patterns that indicate engine problems beyond ignition system.
5
Access ignition coils on right cylinder bank
Remove plastic wire harness cover clips on right side of engine. Disconnect electrical connectors from ignition coils on cylinders 2, 4, and 6 by pressing release tab and pulling straight up. Note that access is tighter on this side due to turbocharger proximity.
6
Remove right bank ignition coils
Remove the single Torx bolt securing each ignition coil to the valve cover (cylinders 2, 4, 6). Pull coils straight up with gentle twisting motion. Right bank may require slight repositioning of vacuum lines for access. Inspect coil boots for damage.
7
Inspect right bank spark plug wells
Use compressed air to clean debris from spark plug wells on right bank. Check for oil contamination. Right bank is more prone to heat-related coil failure due to turbocharger heat soak.
8
Remove and inspect right bank spark plugs
Use spark plug socket to remove plugs from cylinders 2, 4, and 6. Inspect condition and compare wear patterns between all six plugs. Uneven wear indicates potential fuel delivery or compression issues.
9
Test ignition coils
Measure primary and secondary resistance of each coil using a multimeter if available. Replace any coil showing out-of-spec resistance or visible damage (cracks, carbon tracking, corrosion). If diagnostic codes pointed to specific cylinder, replace that coil and corresponding spark plug minimum.
10
Install new spark plugs
Install new spark plugs hand-tight first, then torque to manufacturer specification (typically 20-25 Nm for this engine, but verify with workshop manual as no spec provided). Gap should be pre-set to 0.032-0.035 inches. Apply small amount of anti-seize to threads if specified by plug manufacturer.
11
Reinstall ignition coils
Apply thin layer of dielectric grease inside each coil boot. Install coils onto spark plugs, ensuring full seating with audible click. Install and torque coil retention bolts. Reconnect all electrical connectors ensuring positive lock engagement.
12
Verify installation and clear codes
Reinstall wire harness covers and engine cover. Reconnect battery negative terminal. Clear diagnostic trouble codes using OBD-II scanner. Start engine and verify smooth idle with no misfires. Allow engine to reach operating temperature while monitoring for fault codes.

Reassembly

Ensure all ignition coil electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
Verify wire harness routing matches original configuration to prevent chafing
Reinstall engine cover ensuring all four mounting points are properly engaged
Double-check that no tools or parts were left in engine bay

Verification

Engine should idle smoothly with no hesitation or misfires
Scan for codes immediately after repair and after test drive - no ignition-related codes should be present
Perform test drive including acceleration under load - engine should respond smoothly without stumbling
Monitor live data for misfires on all cylinders using OBD-II scanner during idle and load conditions
Verify fuel trims remain within normal range (-10% to +10%) indicating proper combustion

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