I have a 2000 Nissan Xterra and its turning over.

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2000 NISSAN XTERRA

I have a 2000 Nissan Xterra and its turning over but not starting. It would spit n sputter like it was missing before it gave out so I thought maybe spark plugs or fuel filter but spark plugs are good and I sprayed starting fluid directly into it and nothing. Then I checked the the plugs and they're not getting spark. I think its the distributor coil or ignition relay but I don't want to replace the whole distributor. Any input would help because I'm stumped.

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KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

No sparks are usually caused by a bad ignition coil but to be sure, you need to perform some testings.

Ignition Coil Power Source
1. Disconnect ignition coil 2-pin harness connector. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage at Black/White wire at ignition coil harness connector.
2. If battery voltage exists, check ignition coil resistance. If battery voltage does not exist, check continuity of entire circuit between battery and ignition coil, including fusible link and ignition switch.

Power Transistor
If a fault is present in power transistor, DTC P1320 should be set in PCM memory.

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. Measure resistance between primary connector terminals.
2. Measure resistance between secondary tower and positive terminal of coil primary connector. Positive terminal is identified by wire color. If either resistance is not as specified, replace ignition coil.

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE - OHMS @ 68°F (20°C)
Primary 1.0 OHMS @ 68°F (20°C)
Secondary 10,000 OHMS @ 68°F (20°C)

Other components to test would be the CMP (camshaft) and CYP (crankshaft) Position sensors which are within the distributor.