2004 xterra won't start.

Debra

Test Drive
It had been running but replaced the plugs and wires now it cranks but won't start. Been trying everything I know how. Replacing a few relays and even the distributor and finished my tune up. Then someone told me today that some Nissan after replacing plugs and wires have to be reset by a dealer before it will restart. Is this true. I spent many years working for Datsun/Nissan started in 1972 retire from industry in 1988 after having a son. I'm now 65 and still work on my own cars. I never heard of this but times change. So I wanted to ask because I have been working on this vehicle for 3 months and no matter what I've tried can't get it to start. Please help !, my son needs his car back so I can get my back, LOL.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
Double check your firing order. Did you replace the cap and rotor too? With this being the immediate result of a tune-up it definitely seems like it's ignition related.
 

Debra

Test Drive
I already checked that. It was fine. No codes showing. Before I tune it up the service engine had lite up.
 

Debra

Test Drive
When I started the tune up. I had only replace 2 plugs and wires. Then my son tried to start it when I went into the house. So there were 2 new and 4 old plugs in at the time. I installed a new distributor which came with cap and rotor as one unit. I replace all six and tried again still wouldn't start. I have always replace one at a time. #1, #2, etc and I will say #6 was the hardest had to use an extension. Any other ideas.
 
Last edited:

Debra

Test Drive
When I plugged in a tester for codes nothing came up. No I didn't here the fuel pump. It seems the Xterra has no spark or fuel.
 

Debra

Test Drive
I have always replace one at a time. #1, #2, etc and I will say #6 was the hardest had to use an extension. Any other ideas.
 

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
whoever told you about having anything to reset after changing plugs is a moron. Im under the presumption that you put the disstrinuter in a couple of teeth off so now the timing is way off. Did you mark the location of the rotor before you pulled it?
 

Debra

Test Drive
whoever told you about having anything to reset after changing plugs is a moron. Im under the presumption that you put the disstrinuter in a couple of teeth off so now the timing is way off. Did you mark the location of the rotor before you pulled it?
 

Debra

Test Drive
I thought so. Cuz I worked for Datsun/Nissan for many years. LOL. First off plugs and wires were replaced. Then I tried to start and it cranked but won't start. I never replaced the rotor. I got a distributor with rotor and cap attached from Nissan. Then I had a so call mechanic replace it along with fuel filter, air filter, etc. Still no start. Then he replace the crankshaft sensor still no start. I*'m low income retired SSI. I need to know why since it was running fine just because I replaced the plugs and wires only what would cause it not to start. My son was using it and he had 135000. That is the only reason I replaced plugs and wires.
 

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
when you replaced the distributor did you mark on the top of the engine where the original rotor was oriented, pop the cap off the new one so that you can line up the new rotor to the same place?
 
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