1989 Nissan Pickup

F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL

1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

INTRODUCTION

NOTE: This article has been updated according to Nissan Technical Service Bulletin
No. TS89-102, dated July 20, 1989.

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION & ADJUSTMENTS

NOTE: The following diagnostic steps are here to prevent overlooking a simple
problem. This is also the place to start diagnosis for a "NO-START" condition.

INTRODUCTION

The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is to verify that the problem exists. This may be
accomplished by test driving the vehicle under the conditions during which the problem reportedly occurs.

Prior to entering self-diagnostics, a careful and complete inspection of several systems is required. Most
driveability or "no start" problems are not related to computerized engine control systems, but are in fact simple
mechanical, electrical, fuel or vacuum related faults. Most engine control problems are the result of mechanical
breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged or misrouted vacuum hoses.

Before considering the computer system as a possible cause of problems, ignition high tension wires, fuel
supply, electrical connections and vacuum hoses should be checked. Failure to do so may result in improper
diagnosis or lost diagnostic time.

VISUAL INSPECTION

Perform a visual inspection of all electrical wiring. Look for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Inspect
electrical connectors and connections for tight fit and corrosion. Repair as necessary. Pay particular attention to
crank angle sensor and ignitor/coil connectors. Inspect all vacuum hoses for proper routing, cuts or pinches. If
necessary, see VACUUM DIAGRAMS article to verify routing and connections. Repair as necessary. Inspect
air induction system for possible vacuum leaks.

MECHANICAL INSPECTION

Compression

Engine mechanical condition can be checked using a compression gauge, vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer
capable of performing a relative compression test. See engine analyzer instruction manual for availability and
description of relative compression feature.

CAUTION: Use a remote starter to crank engine during compression test, NOT the
ignition switch. The fuel injectors on many fuel injected models are

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:20:12

8:19:26 p. m. Page 1 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

triggered during the cranking mode. This could cause a fire hazard,
flooding, crankcase contamination, hydrostatic lockup, or lubrication to be
washed off of cylinder walls.

Exhaust System Backpressure

The exhaust system can be checked with a vacuum gauge or a pressure gauge. Remove O2 sensor or air
injection check valve (if equipped). Connect a 1-10 psi (.07-7.0 kg/cm2 ) pressure gauge and run engine at 2500
RPM. If exhaust system backpressure is greater than 1.75-2.0 psi (.12-.14 kg/cm2 ), exhaust system or catalytic
converter is plugged.

If a vacuum gauge is used, connect it to intake manifold vacuum. Observe vacuum gauge reading at idle. Open
throttle part way (about 2500 RPM) and hold steady. If vacuum gauge slowly drops after stabilizing, exhaust
system should be checked for a restriction.

FUEL PRESSURE

Fuel system diagnosis should begin with determining fuel system pressure. If fuel pump does not run, inspect
fuel pump fuse in fuse panel. If fuse is not blown, see FUEL PUMP and FUEL PUMP RELAY in I - 4-CYL
SYS/COMP TESTS article. Refer to WIRING DIAGRAMS article for specific circuit or wire color reference.

CAUTION: High fuel pressure may be present in fuel lines and component parts on
some models. Relieve pressure before attempting to open system for
testing or component replacement. DO NOT allow fuel to flow onto engine
or electrical parts or allow an open flame in area while testing fuel system
components.

1. Relieve fuel system pressure. To relieve pressure, remove fuel pump fuse, start engine and allow to run
until engine stalls due to lack of fuel. Crank engine an additional 2 or 3 times to verify all pressure has
dissipated.
2. On Pathfinder, Pickup and Sentra, disconnect fuel inlet hose at fuel injection body. On all other models,
disconnect fuel hose on fuel filter inlet side. On all models, install fuel pressure gauge.
3. Start engine and check fuel line connections for leakage. Check fuel pressure with engine idling. Record
fuel pressure gauge reading. Disconnect vacuum hose from pressure regulator and immediately note fuel
pressure. Record fuel pressure gauge reading. See REGULATED FUEL PRESSURE table.

REGULATED FUEL PRESSURE (4-CYLINDER)

At Idle w/o Vacuum psi
Model/Application (kg/cm2 ) At Idle w/Vacuum psi (kg/cm2 )
Pathfinder & Pickup 44 (3.1) 36 (2.5)
Pulsar NX SE 43 (3.0) 36 (2.5)
Pulsar NX XE N/A 43 (3.0)
Sentra N/A 43 (3.0)
Stanza 44 (3.1) 37 (2.6)
240SX 43 (3.0) 33 (2.3)

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 2 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION SYSTEM CHECKS (PULSAR NX SE)

In order to determine the cause of a no-spark condition, all of the following steps must be performed in the
order given. Deviation from this procedure may cause false diagnosis and the replacement of non-defective
components.

IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE & GROUND

1. Disconnect coil connector. Turn ignition on. Using voltmeter, check voltage between ground and ignition
coil harness terminal "B". See Fig. 1 . Battery voltage should exist.
2. If battery voltage is not present, check POWER TRANSISTOR RELAY. If battery voltage was present,
turn ignition off. With an ohmmeter, check continuity between coil harness terminal "A" (Black wire) and
ground. Continuity should exist. Repeat testing with each remaining coil. Repair harness or connector if
no continuity is present.

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 3 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

Fig. 1: Checking Ignition Coil Harness

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

POWER TRANSISTOR RELAY

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 4 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

1. Connect a 12-volt power source and ground to terminals No. 1 and 2 of relay. See Fig. 2 . Using
ohmmeter, check continuity between terminals No. 3 and 5. Continuity should exist while relay is
energized.
2. Disconnect power source and recheck continuity across terminals No. 3 and 5. No continuity should exist.
Check harness and connectors. If harness and connectors are okay, replace power transistor relay.

Fig. 2: Power Transistor Relay Terminals

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE

Using ohmmeter, check primary resistance between terminals "A" (Black wire coil terminal) and "B" (center
coil terminal) of ignition coil. Resistance should be .7 ohm. Replace coil if not within specification.

CRANK ANGLE SENSOR SIGNAL

Leave crank angle sensor wiring connected. Using a logic probe or DVOM with an analog bar graph function,
touch negative lead to ground and positive lead to one degree (terminals No. 22 and 32) and 180 degree
(terminals No. 21 and 31) signal terminals of ECU. See CRANK ANGLE SENSOR ECU INPUT SIGNAL
TERMINALS table and WIRING DIAGRAMS article. On a bar graph DVOM, one degree signals should
measure about 2.3-2.8 peak volts with engine cranking. The 180 degree signal should measure about .1-.4 peak
volt with engine cranking. If either signal is not present, check harness for short or open circuit. If no problems

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 5 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

are found, replace crank angle sensor.

NOTE: It is possible to measure crank angle sensor voltage with a conventional DVOM
without bar graph function; however, the peak voltage signal may not easily be
determined due to the "averaging" of the digital signal.

POWER TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS

1. If the coil power source and ignition coil resistance checks are okay, check individual circuits which
connect each ignition coil to its own power transistor.
2. Ensure ignition is off. Unplug 12-pin connector at ECU (numbered 1-12). Unplug 6-pin connector at
power transistor. Check continuity of transistor control circuits to ECU. To confirm wire colors and
related ECU connector terminals, use Pulsar NX SE wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article.
3. If continuity does not exist in any of the 4 control circuits, repair open circuit. If all wires have continuity,
but the ECU is not triggering one or more of the ignition coils, reconnect 12-pin ECU connector and 6-
pin power transistor connector. Perform ECU POWER TRANSISTOR OUTPUT SIGNAL test in this
article.

ECU POWER TRANSISTOR OUTPUT SIGNAL

1. Using a logic probe or DVOM with an analog bar graph function, and appropriate wiring diagram from
WIRING DIAGRAMS article, carefully backprobe ECU power transistor trigger circuit terminals No. 1,
2, 8 and 9 while cranking engine. If all pulse signals are normal, go to step 3).
2. If any circuit does not pulse, the ECU is not sending a trigger signal to the power transistor. Before
condemning the ECU, check for a start signal while cranking. Using a DVOM, check for battery voltage
signal at terminal No. 37 while holding ignition switch in the "START" position. If voltage remains at
zero, repair start signal circuitry and retest.
3. If all 4 output signals from ECU to the power transistor are okay, power transistor is defective and must
be replaced.

OPTICAL IGNITION SYSTEM CHECKS (EXCEPT PULSAR NX SE)

In order to determine the cause of a no-spark condition, all of the following steps must be performed in the
order given. Deviation from this procedure may cause false diagnosis and the replacement of non-defective
components.

SPARK

Check for spark at coil wire and at each spark plug wire using a low output spark tester. Crank engine in short
bursts. DO NOT crank engine for more than 2 seconds continuously. Inspect secondary coil wire for arcing
while testing spark at plugs. Check spark plug wire resistance on suspect wires. Resistance should be no greater
than 30,000 ohms. Coil wire resistance should be no more than 7000 ohms. Check connections at crank angle
sensor, ignition coil and power transistor (if equipped).

IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 6 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

Using appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article, check for power source to ignition coil(s).
See the IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE TABLE . Coil should have power when ignition switch is in
the "ON" position.

IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE

Application Wire Color Source
Pathfinder & Pickup Blk/Wht Ign. Pin No. 3
Pulsar NX XE Wht/Blk Ign. Pin No. 3
Sentra Blk/Wht Ign. Pin No. 3
Stanza Blk/Wht Ign. Pin No. 2
240SX Blk/Red Ign. Pin No. 3

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE

Check primary and secondary (where available) ignition coil resistance values against IGNITION COIL
RESISTANCE TABLE . Replace ignition coil if not within specification.

NOTE: Whenever the ignition coil is suspected of causing ignition problems, carefully
inspect the coil for signs of secondary circuit arcing to the primary or ground
circuits. This would be indicated by the presence of burn spots.

240SX IGNITION COIL

With an ohm meter check the ignition coil resitance between terminals d and e. See Fig. 3 for terminal
locations. The resistance value should be as indicated in the IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE .

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 7 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

Fig. 3: 240SX Ignition Coil Terminals

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - Ohms @ 68°F (20°C)

Application Primary Secondary
4-Cylinder
Pathfinder, Pickup & Stanza .80-1.0 7600-11,400
Pulsar NX XE & Sentra .81-0.99 8200-12,400
Pulsar NX SE N/A N/A
240SX approx. 0.70 N/A

POWER TRANSISTOR (240SX ONLY, ALL OTHERS REFER TO ENGINE PERFORMANCE, G-

TEST W/CODES, CODE 21).

The ignition signal from the E.C.U. is amplified by the power transistor, which turns the ignition coil primary
circuit on and off, inducing the proper high voltage in the secondary circuit.

Check the continuity between the Power Transistor terminals, refer to the POWER TRANSISTOR
CONTINUITY for test information.

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 8 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

NOTE: This information has been updated according to TS89-102.

POWER TRANSISTOR CONTINUITY

Terminal No. (1) Tester Polarity Continuity
a POS. N/A
b NEG. YES
a NEG. N/A
b POS. NO
a POS. N/A
c NEG. YES
a NEG. N/A
c POS. NO
(1) Refer to Fig. 4 , for the terminal locations.

Fig. 4: Power Transistor Terminals

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

CRANK ANGLE SENSOR

Crankshaft angle sensor is a component part of the distributor assembly. To test crank angle sensor, leave

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 9 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

sensor wiring connected. Using a logic probe or DVOM with an analog bar graph function, touch negative lead
to ground and positive lead to one degree and 180 (4-cylinder) degree signal terminals of ECU. See CRANK
ANGLE SENSOR ECU INPUT SIGNAL TERMINALS table. On a bar graph DVOM, one degree signals
should measure about 2.3-2.8 peak volts with engine cranking. The 180 degree signal should measure about .1-
.4 peak volt with engine cranking. If either signal is not present, check harness for short or open circuit. If no
problems are found, replace distributor with crank angle sensor.

NOTE: It is possible to measure crank angle sensor voltage with a conventional DVOM
without bar graph function; however, the peak voltage signal may not easily be
determined due to the "averaging" of the digital signal.

CRANK ANGLE SENSOR ECU INPUT SIGNAL TERMINALS

Model 1° Signal 180° Signal
Pathfinder & Pickup 8 17
Pulsar NX XE 22 & 32 21 & 31
Sentra 22 & 32 21 & 31
Stanza 8 17
240SX 31 & 40 22 & 30

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 the false setting of trouble codes. For adjustment procedures, see D - 4-
CYL ADJUSTMENTS article.

4-CYLINDER IDLE SPEED

Application Idle RPM
Pathfinder & Pickup
Automatic Transmission (1) 600-700
Manual Transmission 750-850
Pulsar NX SE
Automatic Transmission (1) (2) 650-750
Manual Transmission (2) 750-850

Pulsar NX XE
Automatic Transmission (1) (3) 625-725
Manual Transmission (3) 675-775
Sentra
Automatic Transmission (1) 575-675
Manual Transmission 675-775
Stanza
Automatic Transmission (1) 650-750
Manual Transmission 700-800

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 10 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1989 Nissan Pickup
F - BASIC TESTING - 4-CYL 1989 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Basic Diagnostic Procedures

240SX
Automatic Transmission (4) 700-800
Manual Transmission 700-800
(1) Automatic transmission in Drive.

(2) Adjust with AAC solenoid harness disconnected.

(3) Adjust with throttle sensor harness disconnected.

(4) Automatic transmission in Neutral.

4-CYLINDER IGNITION TIMING (Degrees BTDC @ RPM)

Application Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission
Pathfinder & Pickup 8-12@750-850 (1) 8-12@650-750

Pulsar NX SE (2) 15@750-850 (1) (2) 7@650-750

Pulsar NX XE (2) (3) 7@700-900 (1) (3) 7@650-850

Sentra (2) (3) 7@700-900 (1) (2) (3) 7@600-800

Stanza 13-17@700-800 (1) 13-17@650-800

240SX 13-17@700-800 (4) 13-17@700-800

(1) Automatic transmission in Drive.

(2) Feedback controlled RPM.

(3) Adjust timing with throttle sensor harness disconnected.

(4) Automatic transmission in Neutral.

SUMMARY

If no faults were found while performing BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES, proceed to G - 4-CYL
TESTS W/CODES, if available. If no codes are present, or vehicle does not have a self-diagnostic system,
proceed to H - 4-CYL TESTS W/O CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e. ROUGH IDLE, NO START,
etc.).

jueves, 3 de mayo de 2018 8:19:26 p. m. Page 11 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.