Everytime I take my 2000 xterra through the car wash and have the undercarraige sprayed, it runs rough and the check engine light comes on. After a short while, it runs fine. This time it stalled out and I now can not get it started. It just cranks and cranks. Any advice on what I should try?

moisture in the distributor cap.

Welcome to the club! Introduce yourself in the new member introductions section!-James

distributor or spark plug coils...i dont know if the x has them but i use to have an expedition. The coils had a lip on the top and would hold water on top of the plug coil...as soon as the motor fires it sucks in the water and fried the plugs. Could be the same thing happening, correct me if im wrong...could just be a dumb american car problem

moisture in the dist. cap

is your skid plate missing?
i never have a prob in the car wash, only splashing thru mud puddles

Thanks for the info. Should I remove the distributor cap and try to air blow the parts under the cap to remove the moisture? I do have a skid plate. In the past, it always ran well in a few minutes. Now it won't start at all and has been 3 days.

Yea you can try that. There used to be some spray stuff in a can you could use to dry up the moisture but I don't remember what it's called. Go down to the auto parts store and they should be able to help you. Also, disconnect any electrical you can find and clean that out to.

Have you changed the plugs at all. Being you have a 2000 X, you may be due for a new cap/rotor and a set of plugs so you might as well get some wires to.

Do you get a SES light at all?

No SES light. Have not changed the plugs or anything yet. Any recommendations on wires ? I know there are different prices and quality...just don't know if the extra price is necessary.

There are a couple of different high quality brands. I THINK there is a company called Aurora, and I THINK the other is NOLOGY Hot wires. I wouldn't even bother. You are not going to find anything high performance as far as those components go.

cap and rotor my friend, that's what ya gotta do. While you are at it, Wires too! If you do the plugs, go NGK, use anti sieze or you will have a bad day! Silicone on the boots, it is a must. Use it on the distributor shaft as well, silicone or bust! Even on the screw used to install the rotor, (which is on the distributor(right in front of the motor))

Also, will it turn over for just a second and then die later?

Yea, I heard those Aurora wires are pretty good. I know a guy who bought some for his X from this place:

Sudden Impact Performance (http://auroraignitionwires.com/wire_features.htm)

There are a couple of different high quality brands. I THINK there is a company called Aurora, and I THINK the other is NOLOGY Hot wires. I wouldn't even bother. You are not going to find anything high performance as far as those components go.

cap and rotor my friend, that's what ya gotta do. While you are at it, Wires too! If you do the plugs, go NGK, use anti sieze or you will have a bad day! Silicone on the boots, it is a must. Use it on the distributor shaft as well, silicone or bust! Even on the screw used to install the rotor, (which is on the distributor(right in front of the motor))

Also, will it turn over for just a second and then die later?

he is trying to say that they arnt worth it.. i just did a search on the site that you posted and they want $140 for the wires......

It never turns over at all. Just cranks and cranks. I hope I'm not overassuming its the moisture. It just seemed to happen after the wash. Any other ideas are welcomed as I may have to get it towed if I can't get it started.

Dude, it's time for a cap and rotor anyway right? if that does the trick, you shouldn't worry about it.

I'm thinking the same thing, that it is the cap and rotor..... the moister proab messed it up and you need to get a new one.... besides they should run you less than $40 if I'm not mistaken......

$30 max

he is trying to say that they arnt worth it.. i just did a search on the site that you posted and they want $140 for the wires......

LOL...pocket change...I must make too much money...hahaha...;)

You need to start with the basics...

Is it getting fuel?
Is it getting air?
Does it have spark?

Until you've determined what to troubleshoot you're just wasting time unless you get lucky.

Just a couple of thoughts.

You might want to check the sensor wiring for your O2 sensors and your catalytic converter sensors. on the other hand if it is the distibutor I've heard that a little wd-40 will displace the water and you should be good to go. just wipe out the excess and give 1-2 minutes to dry.