Engine Controls - Basic Testing: Other Nissan Altima L30

Compression

Check engine mechanical condition using a compression gauge, vacuum gauge or an engine analyzer. If using an engine analyzer, see engine analyzer manual for specific instructions. For specifications, see appropriate COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS table.

4-CYLINDER COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

V6 COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

Exhaust System Backpressure

Visually inspect exhaust system for dents, damage and leaks. Repair or replace as necessary. Exhaust system can be checked using a vacuum or pressure gauge.

If using a vacuum gauge, connect vacuum gauge hose to intake manifold vacuum port. Start engine. Observe vacuum gauge. Open throttle part way and hold steady. If vacuum gauge reading slowly drops after stabilizing, check exhaust system for a restriction.

If using a pressure gauge, remove front oxygen sensor. Connect a 0-5 psi pressure gauge. Run engine at 2500 RPM. If exhaust system backpressure is greater than 2 psi, exhaust system or catalytic converter is plugged. Repair or replace as necessary.

FUEL PRESSURE

Begin basic diagnosis of fuel system by determining fuel system pressure. If fuel pump is inoperative, check fuel pump fuse. If fuse is okay, see FUEL SYSTEM in I - SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTS article. See WIRING DIAGRAMS article for specific circuit or wire color.

1. To relieve fuel system pressure, remove fuel pump fuse. Start engine, and allow it to run until it stalls. Crank engine 2 or 3 more times to verify all pressure has dissipated.
2. Turn ignition off. Connect fuel gauge between fuel filter outlet and fuel tube using a "T" connector. Disconnect electrical connector at fuel pressure regulator control solenoid valve (if equipped). Install fuel pump fuse or relay.
3. Start engine. Check fuel line connections for leaks. Check fuel pressure with engine idling. Disconnect vacuum hose from pressure regulator. Recheck fuel pressure.
4. Compare fuel pressure readings on pressure gauge with specifications. See FUEL PRESSURE table. Release fuel system pressure as described in step 1). Disconnect fuel pressure gauge. Reconnect fuel lines. Start engine and check for fuel leaks.

FUEL PRESSURE

IGNITION CHECKS

Note. Maxima uses distributorless ignition system.

Spark

To determine cause of no-spark condition, check for spark at coil wire and each spark plug wire using spark tester. DO NOT crank engine excessively. Inspect secondary coil wire for arcing while testing spark at plugs. Check electrical connections at Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor, ignition coil and power transistor.

Ignition Coil Power Source

1. Disconnect ignition coil 2-pin harness connector. Turn ignition on. Check for voltage at appropriate wire at ignition coil harness connector. See «IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE TERMINAL IDENTIFICATION»(ref-18069-S34526204372000122900000) table.
2. If voltage is present, check ignition coil resistance. See appropriate IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE table. If voltage is not present, check continuity of entire circuit between battery and ignition coil, including fusible link and ignition switch. See POWER DISTRIBUTION section in SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article.

IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE TERMINAL IDENTIFICATION

Power Transistor

If a fault is present in power transistor, DTC P1320 should be set in PCM memory. For power transistor system testing, see DTC P1320: IGNITION SIGNAL in TESTS W/CODES article.

Ignition Coil Resistance

1. Carefully inspect external housing for burned spots indicating secondary circuit arcing to primary or ground circuits. Disconnect ignition coil primary 2-pin harness connector.
2. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance between primary connector terminals. Check resistance between secondary tower and positive terminal of coil primary connector. Positive terminal is identified by wire color. See «IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE TERMINAL IDENTIFICATION»(ref-18069-S34526204372000122900000) table. If either resistance is not as specified, replace ignition coil. See appropriate IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE table.

4-CYLINDER IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - OHMS @ 77°F (25°C)

V6 IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE (1)

Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor

CMP sensor is located inside distributor. For CMP sensor testing, see DTC P0340: CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR in TESTS W/CODES article.

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor

For CKP sensor testing, see DTC P0335: CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR in TESTS W/CODES article.

Ignition Coil Power Source & Ground

1. Disconnect 3-pin ignition coil harness connector. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between ground and terminal No. 1 (Red wire) at ignition coil harness connector.
2. If voltage is present, go to next step. If voltage is not present, check continuity of entire circuit between battery and ignition coil, including fusible link and ignition switch. See POWER DISTRIBUTION section in SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article.
3. Turn ignition off. Check continuity between ground and ignition coil connector terminal No. 2 (Black wire). If continuity does not exist, repair ground circuit between ignition coil connector and ground. Repeat test for remaining coils.

Ignition Coil/Power Transistor Resistance

Disconnect ignition coil/power transistor harness connector. Check resistance between terminals No. 1 (Red wire) and No. 2 (Black wire). Replace ignition coil/power transistor if continuity is present.

If a fault is present in CMP sensor, DTC P0340 should be set in PCM memory. See DTC P0340: CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR in TESTS W/CODES article.

If a fault is present in CKP sensor, DTC P0335 should be set in PCM memory. See P0335 OR P1336: CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR in TESTS W/CODES article.

IDLE SPEED & IGNITION TIMING

Ensure idle speed and ignition timing are set to specification. Improper setting of ignition timing and idle speed may cause driveability problems and/or false setting of trouble codes. For adjustment procedures, see ADJUSTMENTS article.

4-CYLINDER IDLE SPEED & CO LEVEL

V6 IDLE SPEED & CO LEVEL

4-CYLINDER IGNITION TIMING (1)

V6 IGNITION TIMING (1)

SUMMARY

If no faults were found while performing BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES, proceed to TESTS W/CODES article. If no hard codes are found in self-diagnostics, proceed to TESTS W/O CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.) or intermittent diagnostic procedures.