Hi all, first time poster. My girlfriend has a 2002 Xterra with a non-supercharged V6 and it has recently started misfiring. The vehicle starts, idles and runs smoothly except when under hard acceleration in the higher gears. I purchased a code reader in the hopes of narrowing the problem down to a single cylinder but that hasn't worked. The codes I read are:
No! the knock sensor has nothing to do with it.
It is most likely a bad distributor top bearing. If you are not mechanical, or do not understand how to replace the bearing, replace the whole distributor with a new one!
Do not buy a cheapy, as it will not last at all!
There is a DIY on it in that section.
Raise TBs (X), paint plastics (X), Replace radiator with one that is bigger and will last (X), install roof lights (X), IAB (X), better tires (X), shackles in rear(X), remove rear sway bar (X), Bilsteins (X)
Thanks for the reply. I've done some research and it seems that bearing failure is commonplace. I've never done it before but I'm not afraid of tearing the distributor apart. However, I'd probably be better off having someone else press in the new bearing.
Are there any other suspect components in the distributor I should look for? Are there any tell-tale signs of bearing failure that can be spotted without removing the distributor?
Thanks for the reply. I've done some research and it seems that bearing failure is commonplace. I've never done it before but I'm not afraid of tearing the distributor apart. However, I'd probably be better off having someone else press in the new bearing.
Are there any other suspect components in the distributor I should look for? Are there any tell-tale signs of bearing failure that can be spotted without removing the distributor?
Basically you're looking for debris from the failing bearing. It can be done with the distributor in place but it's a pain in the ass that way.
You can get a new distributor from say advance to have on hand, and attempt to repair the old one (replace the bearing). If that doesn't work out.. well you just don't return the spare and install it instead.
(Edit> Just make sure you attempt it within the return period and make sure they'll take it back. Some places are pretty anal about returning electronic parts, but others are more willing if there's no indication the part was actually installed)
I wound up dropping in a new distributor and the vehicle runs MUCH better. However, it still bucks (misfires?) a bit when shifted into a higher gear. This only occurs when the gas pedal is mashed and motor is spinning at low RPMs. It's not the usual bogging that might be expected with an early shift. I cleared the codes and now simply get "P0328" after driving the vehicle under various conditions for about an hour.
Ok, plugs are in order. My GF just informed me that she changed out all but cylinder #6....about five years ago. I think 185K warrants replacement, lol.
Hmm, I'm confused about the proper procedure for adjusting the timing. Do I need to disconnect the TPS to do this? If so, does it require the removal of both connectors to the TPS?
Also, is the pulley marked 5ATDC, TDC, 5BTDC, 10BTDC AND 15BTDC (left to right)?? I set mine to 10BTDC with TPS still connected.
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