Electrical problem
2000 Nissan Altima 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic
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In the past 2 years I have had my distributor replaced 4 times, after stalling while I was driving. Each time, the mechanic says the distributor is bad (I took it to different mechanics). Once again, the car won't start. It will crank up, but won't turn over (as if I'm out of gas) Another mechanic said it's possible the some electrical problem may be causing the distributors to go bad prematurely. I replaced the spark plugs and wires, but it still doesn't work. What could be the problem?

Hi criallen,

Thank you for the donation.

When the previous distributors failed, what were the faults? Did the replacements solved the problem immediately?

Distributors should not give way easily as it is not subjected to high voltage or current. Was the ignition coil checked?

Could your present problem be due to fuel instead of ignition?

Every time they replaced the distributor...it would work for a while. Then within a month or two, it would go out again. I thought the problem was fuel related as well. But could replacing the distributor make it work temporarily if the problem is fuel related?

Hi criallen,

Sometimes without replacing anything the car would start again and run for a while if it is an intermittent problem.
It might be coincidence that replacing the distributor made the engine restart again so you need to test and isolate the cause.

Remove a spark plug wire and attach a spark plug to it. Hold it to ground on the engine and ask someone to crank it for you. If spark is present, it should not be a distributor problem. If the spark is orange , the ignition coil is weak.

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Hello! I tested the spark plug and you're right, there was an orange spak. However, when I went to the auto parts store, the clerk said my vehicle doesn't have an ignition coil. Could it be another part that's comprable to the ignition coil that my car has?

Hi criallen,

All spark ignition engines will have ignition coils. Just that it is either in the distributor or outside or distributorless which will have coil packs.

Can you give me the engine variant and exact car model?

It's a 2000 Nissan Altima GXE. The engine is 4 cylinder.

Hi criallen,

I am surprised why the parts people say there is no coil if you have a distributor.



Item # 9 = ignition coil.

Can't get the price list so maybe it is not sold separately.

Did you used new replacement parts previously?