Truck died while driving, replaced distributor still not running

Asked by spaceman59 May 13, 2016 at 12:22 PM about the 2000 Nissan Frontier

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2000 Nissan Frontier 3.3L got hot without showing on the gauge that it
was hot and then shut down. Had it towed home, it started right up and I
pulled it in the driveway a month ago. I started by replacing the cap and
rotor, that didn't work so I finally found a Nissan distributor at a junk yard
that was tested and put that in, still not running. Now the timming belt isn't
broke and the fuel pump is working. I'm lost and frustrated, anyone have
any ideas?

9 Answers

2,200

If your vehicle got Hot an died sounds like signs of a Blown Head gasket! Pull your oil dipstick an see if the oil looks Milky! You can also check under the oil cap an see if the oil is milky as well.

1 people found this helpful.
2,200

When you turn the key to start it up what does it do?

5 people found this helpful.
42,415

Check for compression, Use a compression test gauge or check your local auto parts store for a "lend" leak down tester. This is the first step. Have it read for codes, even if the check engine light is NOT on the computer will have stored information and codes. Discount auto stores will read codes for no fee. write them down.

3 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful

It cranks but no start. I get a spark every once in awhile, It's intermittent. I tested the spark by a HEI ignition tester I bought and when I connect the HEI tester to the spark plug wire and have someone crank it over sometimes it will spark sometimes it wont. I've also checked the oil, it's not milky so I'm pretty sure it's not a blown head

50

I'm kinda having the same problem with a 2003 Nissan Frontier SE 3.3 v6 I have change distributor and clean post on battery...I haven't looked at the fuses yet...but still will not start....

5 people found this helpful.
10

The IDPM and ECM relay will cause similar issues like a bad distributor. Try changing the ECM relay first with the 2nd edition.

1 people found this helpful.
30

Did you ever get this figured out I am having the exact same issue with the sometimes spark

3 people found this helpful.
60

I am currently having same issue on my 1999 Nissan frontier. Every time I take it to mechanic it starts and they can't find problem without it failing.

6 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Frontier

Looking for a Used Frontier in your area?

CarGurus has 898 nationwide Frontier listings starting at $5,998.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    avatar666
    Reputation
    3,970
  • #2
    Mark Gricoskie
    Reputation
    920
  • #3
    jmcalafactor
    Reputation
    770
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Tacoma
56 Great Deals out of 1,044 listings starting at $8,708
Used Ford F-150
316 Great Deals out of 15,233 listings starting at $1,712
Used Ford Ranger
20 Great Deals out of 1,507 listings starting at $2,888
Used Toyota Tundra
32 Great Deals out of 1,157 listings starting at $8,500
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
183 Great Deals out of 5,880 listings starting at $2,975
Used Toyota 4Runner
9 Great Deals out of 321 listings starting at $9,700
Used GMC Sierra 1500
143 Great Deals out of 7,101 listings starting at $3,950
Used Jeep Wrangler
135 Great Deals out of 5,084 listings starting at $5,991
Used Nissan Pathfinder
43 Great Deals out of 1,383 listings starting at $3,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.