Pulsar code 21, Ignition signal - what is it?

ARTWG

MEMBER
1921 NISSAN 240SX

I have a 1988 pulsar nx with the 1.6 engine with 200,000km on it. It just started to run rough and stall when idling. I checked the codes and got a 21- ignition signal. I also went to mode V (real time) on the dual led ECM and got Ignition Signal Lost.
The tach has never worked since we got the vehicle 4 months ago (sometimes jumps for a second) and I never checked the codes before to see if I always had this. The chilton manual does not say what signal is the ignition signal or what pin on the eccs control unit it would go to. Any ideas?
Art

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Try checking the distributor assy-crank angle sensor. The computer is not getting the ignition signal from the distributor.

Also check the Throttle position sensor/idle air control valve/Mass Air Flow sensor.

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Tuesday, February 27th, 2007 AT 9:38 PM

ARTWG

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4 POSTS

Thanks rasmataz
The error codes give a different number for crank angle assembly error but I guess the ignition signal error has to come from the distributor as well. You cannot change parts on this distributor so you have to buy a whole one and they are up to 300$. I will try the wrecking yards first and report if that was it.
I cleaned and blew out the distributor pulse wheel but it did not help.
Art

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Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 AT 11:11 PM

ARTWG

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4 POSTS

I replaced the distributor and that made no difference. So then I replaced the ignition module and it still ran poorly but the non-functioning tach is acting different as is the sometimes functioning speedo. Is the speedo electronic as well as mechanical? Do I change the computer next? The chiltons manual does not give full electrical drawings but I expect the computer (the ecc) controls the tach?
Art

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Saturday, March 3rd, 2007 AT 6:21 PM