Cranks but no spark at plug

2001 NISSAN XTERRA
294,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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STEVEC_HM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Engine cranks but no spark.
Mar 18, 2019 at 8:22 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,193 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Welcome to 2CaroPros.

If you have no spark, the first thing to check is the ignition relay. It is located under the dash. I attached pictures of its location. Switch it with another relay that has the same part number. If you can't find a matching relay, here is a test that shows how one is checked:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If the relay is good, the coil and power transformer is part of the distributor and are not serviceable. I attached the flow chart to check the components in the distributor. See Pictures 3, 4, and 5. These test are somewhat involved so I'm not sure you feel comfortable doing them. However, if you do, here are a few links you may find helpful when performing them:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know if any of this helps or if you have questions.


Take care,
Joe
Mar 18, 2019 at 7:28 PM
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