CEL - misfire on Cylinder #3

Hey All,

So yesterday my check engine light came on. I took it to Advanced Auto Parts to have the codes checked, and it looks like I there are two codes: The knock sensor, and misfire on cylinder #3.

So I have a couple questions...

1. Does the knock sensor have any impact on the misfire? (I dont think so, but I thought I should check..)

2. Should I bother with trying to fix the knock sensor code?

3. My X is a 2004, with only 83k on it. Do you think I should just replace plug and wire #3 or all of them? (or all but #6?)

4. Can someone point me in the right direction for the best plugs and wires to get? Should I just get the ones from Nissan dealer?

5. Any other tips/trick I should know about to make this easier? I'm hoping to fix this myself tonight and not be without a vehicle tomorrow


I'm sure I'll have more questions as I think of them...I haven't changed plugs/wires before...so bear with me

Thanks!
Shyam

I'd actually start with the knock sensor. Make that the priority.

After that, if you've never changed the plufs/wires before, it's definitely due.

Pro tip. Do one plug/wire at a time. That way you don't get your firing order confused. And yes, the sixth spark plug! (where's that damn jpg when I need it) it needs doing. Get a spark plug socket and some patience.

That being said, the only plugs I'd put in are NGK. not the crazy platinum 4-anode BS. Just regular NGK plugs. Don't forget to get a gap gauge and make sure they are all correct before installing.

Thanks Prime!

I thought the knock sensor always triggered a code in these engines and folks just ignored it?

Also, I thought I had read in the manual that it said *not to gap* the plugs...

That was the other thing i forgot to ask... the manual says:

Check the gap...but then it says
"Checking and adjusting plug gap is not required between

spark plug change intervals.


Spark plug gap (nominal) 1.1 mm (0.043 in)"

Thanks!
Shyam

Well I always ensure proper spark plug gap. And I can't stand a thrown code. Must fix it.

I would do all the plugs and wires, doing just one is just asking for another to fail down the line. NGK's are the only plugs nissans should use, I would go with platinums (OEM) or iridiums for longevity or just cheap coppers if your not worried about that. Plug wires i'd go NGK (if you can tolerate the blue) or OEM as well. I would take care of the misfire and see if the knock code still sticks around. Swivel spark plug socket, extra swivels and various extensions make all the plugs a piece of cake.

Thanks Mirage! I was thinking of going with NGK IX Iridium... or NGK Laser Platinum plugs.... any idea which is better?

well I changed 5 of the 6 plugs last night Going to do the 6th one on the weekend when I have time to take my time and fiddle with it instead of rushing and messing something up

Thanks for the tips all!

bypass the knock sensor with a resistor and you will never have to worry about it again, takes about ten minutes total. And is done from the top of the bay, nothing to take apart.

DO you have a link to a how-to?

granitex said:

bypass the knock sensor with a resistor and you will never have to worry about it again, takes about ten minutes total. And is done from the top of the bay, nothing to take apart.

Click to expand...

Do you have a step by step?
Thank you

I can try to find it, like I said in the other thread about it, it has been about ten years since I did it.

On a NA 3.3 the knock sensor does not trip the CEL, or really do anything else. On the super charger it does, and will throw the truck in limp mode

If you do the google on "nissan knock sensor bypass" there is a pretty good write up on club frontier .org.

I would take a pic of the of the bay and show you what wire to put the resistor on but I am looking for a new site to do my image hosting on. all of my pics are on photo bucket and they want me to pay, and being a cheap bastard that just aint going to happen

I appreciate your feed back. Thank you. I'll have to look into this

granitex said:

If you do the google on "nissan knock sensor bypass" there is a pretty good write up on club frontier .org.

I would take a pic of the of the bay and show you what wire to put the resistor on but I am looking for a new site to do my image hosting on. all of my pics are on photo bucket and they want me to pay, and being a cheap bastard that just aint going to happen

Click to expand...

Imgur. Or you can host them here by simply attaching them to a post.