LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2003 >> Sentra Limited >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 34 (Engine Controls - On-Vehicle Adjustments - 4 CYL & V6) >> Throttle Position Switch, Ignition Timing & Idle Speed >> Basic Inspection >> Frontier 2.4L & Xterra 2.4L

Frontier 2.4L & Xterra 2.4L

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2002 Nissan Xterra, 2002 Nissan Sentra, 2002 Nissan Quest, 2002 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Use the following procedure to check and adjust throttle position switch, ignition timing and idle speed. Ensure no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) exist before performing test. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - FRONTIER & XTERRA article. Ensure transmission is in Park or Neutral, all electrical accessories (headlights, A/C, rear window defogger, cooling fan, etc.) are turned off and steering wheel is in straight-ahead position.
  1. Check the following:
    • Harness connectors for poor connections.
    • Vacuum hoses for leaks, kinks or misrouting.
    • Wiring for improper connections, pinches and cuts.

    Repair as necessary. Go to next step.

  2. Check Fast Idle Cam Function

    Using scan tool, select MODE 1, and ensure engine coolant temperature is 167-185°F (75-85°C). Ensure throttle cable is adjusted properly. Using feeler gauges, measure clearance between throttle drum and throttle stop. See Fig 1. If clearance is less than.002" (.05 mm), go to next step. If clearance is.002" (.05 mm) or more, replace throttle body, then go to next step.
  3. Check Ignition Timing

    Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. Turn ignition off. Disconnect TP sensor harness connector. See Fig 2. Start engine. Quickly increase engine speed to 2000-3000 RPM, then release throttle. Repeat 2 or 3 times. Check ignition timing at idle using a timing light. Ignition timing should be 18-22 degrees BTDC. Adjust ignition timing by turning distributor. Go to next step.
  4. Check Base Idle Speed

    Check idle speed. Base idle speed should be 700-800 RPM with transmission in Park or Neutral. If idle speed is as specified, go to next step. If idle speed is not as specified, adjust by turning idle speed adjusting screw. See Fig 3. Go to next step.
  5. Check Closed TP Switch Idle Position

    Turn ignition off. Reconnect all harness connectors. Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. Turn ignition off. Disconnect TP switch harness connector. See Fig 4. Insert a.004" (.10 mm) feeler gauge between throttle adjusting screw and stopper.
  6. Check continuity between TP switch terminals No. 5 and 6. See Fig 4. Continuity should exist. Remove.004" (.10 mm) feeler gauge, and insert.012" (.30 mm) feeler gauge. Continuity should not exist. If continuity is as specified, go to step  9. If continuity is not as specified, go to next step.
  7. TP Sensor Idle Position Adjustment

    Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. Loosen TP sensor bolts. Remove.012" (.30 mm) feeler gauge, and insert.004" (.10 mm) feeler gauge. Open and close throttle. Continuity should not exist while closing throttle. If continuity exists, turn TP sensor body counterclockwise until continuity does not exist.
  8. Slowly rotate TP sensor body clockwise until continuity exists, then tighten TP sensor bolts. Ensure continuity exists when throttle is closed and does not exist when throttle is open. Repeat 2 or 3 times. Remove.004" (.10 mm) feeler gauge, and insert.012" (.30 mm) feeler gauge. Ensure continuity does not exist when throttle is closed. Repeat 2 or 3 times. Go to next step.
  9. Reset TP Sensor Idle Position Memory

    Remove feeler gauge. Reconnect all harness connectors. Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. Turn ignition off. Turn ignition on, wait at least 5 seconds, then turn ignition off and wait at least 5 seconds. Repeat 20 times. Go to next step.
  10. Check Target Idle Speed

    Check idle speed. Target idle speed should be 750-850 RPM with transmission in Park or Neutral. If idle speed is as specified, go to next step. If idle speed is not as specified, adjust by turning idle speed adjusting screw. See Fig 3. Go to next step.
  11. Clear DTC Memory

    DTCs may be stored in ECM and/or Transmission Control Module (TCM) from performing basic inspection. Clear DTCs from ECM and TCM. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - FRONTIER & XTERRA article.
Fig 1: Checking Fast Idle Cam Function (Frontier 2.4L & Xterra 2.4L)
G00051913Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Fig 2: Locating TP Sensor Harness Connector (Frontier 2.4L & Xterra 2.4L)
G00051914Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Fig 3: Locating Idle Speed Adjusting Screw (Frontier 2.4L & Xterra 2.4L)
G96J10305Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Fig 4: Testing Throttle Position Switch (Frontier 2.4L & Xterra 2.4L)
G99B51905Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.