On a cold Qu?bec morning, my sister started her Maxima 2000. The
engine ran roughly for a few minutes, and then, ran smoothly from that
point on.  The ?Service Engine Soon? light came on.

She drove to a dealership for a diagnostic.  They pulled codes P1320
and P1211 (I have not found the meaning of this latter code).  
Apparently there was no P030x code to point to the offending cylinder.

The service attendant told her that one of the  ignition coil was
defective, and others could follow.  The ECU COULD EVEN BE DAMAGED BY
THE FAILURE of an ignition coil!...

Depending on her car to go to work, she heeded the service attendant
advice (is it an advice or a high-pressure sales tactic?)!   $$$!!

By googling this newsgroup, I became aware that ignition coil failures
occur relatively frequently in 5th generation Maximas.  Apparently
Nissan did not make any recall.  The customer has to pay...

Some think that, when it occurs, all six coils should be replaced.  
Others think that only the defective coil should be replaced.

I know it is difficult to design circuitry involving magnetic
components but if the ECU COULD EVEN BE DAMAGED BY THE FAILURE of an
ignition coil, that is very BAD ENGINEERING.

Personnally, I think that such a Maxima with a defective ignition coil
can be driven at low speed without causing a causing a catastrophic
engine failure.  What is your opinion?

Thank in advance.