1995 Nissan Altima KA24DE Problem after changing distributor

[Lonewolfee1]

I recently replaced the distributor in my 95 Nissan because the cam timing sensor was bad in the old one. I marked the distributor and rotor position well before removal. After installing the new one - I also changed the valve cover gasket - I started the car - it fired right up. It ran for 10-15 seconds and died and will not start. I am getting no fire from the coil to the distributor and the coil seems to be fine after checking resistance on it with a meter. Any suggestions will be helpful. I made the mistake of NOT disconnecting the battery before all of this. Could I have fried the computer? Also - where can I get the engine trouble codes?

[l31nismo]

There isn't any real way to test an ECM, however the ECM controls the injector pulse so if you are not getting one that might be a clue. I have never seen an ECM get fried from a simple distrubuter swap before though. You can get the DTC's from a dealer. Are you sure that you aligned the distributer correctly? It might be 180 out, try turning it 180 degrees and starting it. If that works than you know that's your problem.

[Lonewolfee1]

I am certain it is not 180 out. I will try to get codes read and see what they say.

[nismo96ka]

ok well an ignition coil has primary and secondary windings.. so just checking the resistance with an ohm meter is not accurate. if ur not getting fire out of the coil then it's either the coil itself, the wiring for the coil or it could be the ECM or possibly the crankshaft position sensor. also check ALL of your connections. you'd be surprised how many times it's just something simple.

[Lonewolfee1]

Thanks for the replys. I have another question though. If the distributor that I put in was bad and sent no signal to the ECM - would the ECM still send a signal for the coil to even fire? I am still going to check codes this evening.

[nismo96ka]

well i'd say that if the new cam sensor was bad then the computer would't fire the coil.

[merc68k]

Would the car run with your original dist. installed? I'd try swapping that one back in, that should tell you right away if your new part died. The ECU should have stored a code for no signal from the cam position sensor too, so if that's the case there may be an issue with your new distributor.

BTW, you can get the codes yourself with a screwdriver, if you pop the trim panel off behind the centre console to the right of the gas pedal, there's a screw on the side of the ECU. Just turn on the ignition, turn the screw fully clockwise, wait 2 seconds, and then turn it back counter-clockwise all the way. It should then blink the codes out on the side of the ECU or by blinking your check engine light.
Modified by merc68k at 6:14 PM 4/15/2006