2004 NISSAN XTERRA 3.3 V6 Distributor Replacement

Some tips on swapping out your distributor on a First Gen Xterra 3.3 V6

[@theoriginalbmx3991]

I was on this all day and I made my car run off and on but noone in any other vids a looked up told me about the circle marks (first time repair on new car) thanks again!!

[@benfeliciano7174]

Thank you for the video. It was very helpful. Start to finish including setting the timing only took 20 minutes.

[@Mrkrimstoned]

I'm about to do this from codes p0340 hoping it works , glad it worked for you

[@NOEISY1]

Excellent and PERFECTO thank you

[@faustogonzalez8397]

The six pin distributor connector signals are as follows from left to right. Pin 1 CPU square wave input to the distributor to activate the ignition circuit. Pin 2 Ground for Ignition Coil circuit. Pin 3 Distributor square wave output 60 degree signal, six per 1 distributor rotation. Pin 4 Distributor square wave output 1 degree signal, 360 per 1 distributor rotation. Pin 5 Power to CAM Position electronic circuit. Pin 6 Ground for CAM Position electronic circuit. Capacitor connector Pin 7, 12 Vdc to Ignition Coil Power Circuit. Pin 8, Signal output of the distributor to the CPU to acknowledge primary ignition circuit has fired.

[@VTCMart]

Great info! Thanks for sharing.

[@fabuloso3635]

If you can next time add a quick reference to tools and sockets needed in the description thanks!!! Doin distributor today

[@kdouble2212]

I don’t understand.. (I AM NOT A MECHANIC) so those 2 dots you pointed out are basically the position of the rotor? when installing the new distributor aren’t you supposed to mark where the old rotor was facing and a-line the new rotor in the exact same position? Ive watched a few other videos and they all basically said the same thing.. take the cap off both old and new.. take note of the rotor position and when replacing the new distributor make sure it is a-lined perfectly in the original position.. idk I hope you read this in time before I go and try to replace my own distributor!! Because I’m actually kinda nervous to do this job.. I don’t wanna ruin the engine!! If you have any tips or suggestions for me I would appreciate it thanks

[@VTCMart]

Hi Kristian, I would recommend turning the motor over so it is at TDC before removing the old distributor. You could just mark/remove/replace but the distributor tends to twist and rotate when going in/out and it may be tough to remember exactly where it was facing but TDC can always be set without the distributor being in place.

[@vermontvermont9292]

Does the rotor have to be facing the exact way you have it? I thought as long as you have it aligned the way it was when removing the old one you're fine.

[@VTCMart]

Yes, you can do that as well but where mine is pointing, the engine is at Top Dead Center

[@zaccollins1197]

What's the easiest way to turn the motor over? That you've found

[@VTCMart]

I put the trans in neutral, parking brake on, then turn using the crank bolt with a 1/2" 27mm deep socket/breaker bar. Turn clockwise

[@lilmarv03]

Ok I have an 03 xterra that I'm working on. Any tips on sliding that connector off the metal bracket? Mine wind budge. And when pushing on the green tab, nothing moves.

[@notlrac01]

tab lifts up

[@masquedebe713]

Stick a flathead screwdriver underneath, a small one, and wedge it between the bottom of the plug and the small tab and it will release easily.

[@watari4807]

How’s the Nissan renewal distributor holding to current time , is it holding peace of mind in terms to safety and driving, my original die down at 139,000 miles luckily able to pull over a parking lot , bought on eBay temporary whole distributor assembly but always doubt would stall anytime in a most undesirable location …

[@VTCMart]

I only trust Hitachi OE replacement. Aftermarket ones always seem to go at worst time. I had one die 4 months after replacement while taking my kid to school in rush hour...very inconvenient!

[@carlorocky]

What symptoms does a bad distributor exhibit? I’m experiencing a low speed bog and loss of acceleration.

[@VTCMart]

That could be a symptom as the distributor can cause the timing advance to be inconsistent. Mine was misfiring and finally after it got too hot the car would shut off and not start again until it cooled back down. Take your cap off and check the rotor and underneath cap first, they could be worn as well. Metal shavings and dust is a sign of bad distributor (bearing on shaft are grinding up)

[@murillo8077]

La mejor esplicaaion que e visto en yutub. Grasias grasias muy bueno

[@scottyfixer452]

So I feel like on my 2002 Xterra the distributor did not seat all the way until I tighten the bolt down did you notice that on yours like it doesn’t bother them out

[@VTCMart]

Sometimes it takes some wiggling to get the gears to mesh. I make sure it’s seated before tightening the bolt

[@oigresnavi81610]

Excuse me, what is the name of the sensor you disconnected first? the one that has like a little drum ???

[@VTCMart]

Not sure, maybe for grounding?

[@Mrkrimstoned]

Throttle position sensor

[@MikeWazOcka]

that is interesting, my mechanic installed the new distributor but didnt do any of the timing stuff you did at the end. its been well over 6 months now and no issues so i guess i got lucky ?

[@VTCMart]

If he inserted the new one in exactly same alignment/position as old no need to time. The timing with gun at end is more fine tuning and verification.

[@RandyEscalanteGarcia]

This is perfect but you don't show how it goes in and how it pulls out. Mine isn't nudging. What should I do? Disconnected the cords and it took all the screws and nut off?

[@VTCMart]

Should just slide up and out. If you are not reusing the old one could gently tap or pry up on it.

[@RandyEscalanteGarcia]

@@VTCMart yep! It worked! I just had to use a little bit of strength to pull it out, putting it in was easy too, thank you!

[@jmclick.6349]

The distributor in my nissan it stared to be noisy, like something is rubbing inside, do you think I have to replace it? Or it just needs to be fixed?

[@VTCMart]

Sounds like internal bearing may be going out. Sometimes you can disassemble and replace the bearing or you can replace entire distributor. Don't let it go too long because the more play as it rotates, the more driveability issues it causes.

[@sirtnfol8476]

Mine was missing upon restart with new one. Unplugged the lower tps plug and misfire went away but still having acceleration problem. All new problems not related to old distributor. Help?

[@Mrkrimstoned]

Throttle position sensor is very touchy and I used a volt meter to get mine back in correct position. It effects the idle as well as what speeds it shifts at . I'm late to the story but I hope it helps

[@sirtnfol8476]

@@Mrkrimstoned bearing went out in distributor. fixed

[@stevensgarage6451]

if they were new issues you probably had the gear off a couple teeth. @@sirtnfol8476

[@sergiocanoholguin2628]

Co.o probar el sensor de oxígeno?

[@jojhector5841]

I take the distributor out without mark how I can line up now please I need answers

[@VTCMart]

You have to set the engine to Top dead center, explained in later part of video.

[@Foxlone]

How do I find the OEM unit? Also thank you this video helped!

[@VTCMart]

Search for Hitachi branded 👍

[@rags-fv6ko]

Can you do this without timing light

[@VTCMart]

Yes, you can adjust and listen to the motor running by ear but less precise. Timing lights usually available to borrow from local auto parts store no cost.

[@hughesy1452]

Hey brother I'm having major issues with my xterra if u can talk with me it be awsome thanks

[@VTCMart]

What's going on? Also check out "First Gen Xterra Den" on Facebook groups 2,000+ members that can help

[@jonathansmith3660]

What is not a number one

[@andresquinonezramirez9373]

My Nissan is running and but is idling rough

[@VTCMart]

Check the timing, could be off.

[@andresquinonezramirez9373]

I did timing was off but I had to buy a new distributor cap with a new distributor rotor but is all good now

[@billwilson3665]

The circle and protruding mark put my rotor on number. 2 wire not number. 1

[@VTCMart]

Hey Bill, make sure you are referencing the correct mark (see 1:25 in my video) as there are 2 marks. Also when you insert the shaft, sometimes it rotates/moves as you are inserting. If the rotor is pointing at number 2 you will have timing issues.

[@VTCMart]

It should be just past the #1 (orange dot on the cap) so somewhat inbetween #1 & #2

[@doomsayer559]

Almost couldn't watch this due to the countless teeth sucks between sentences. Lol

[@VTCMart]

TRUTH! I'd be a terrible radio DJ. 😆

[@jzbrynn]

it is kind of confusing.

[@sergiocanoholguin2628]

Español!!!!!!

[@VTCMart]

Denada

[@samtembo5395]

Your words or sub title blocking the view

[@VTCMart]

Hi, those are auto-created and managed by KZbin. I would suggest trying the CC settings to change the layout of them to help with the view.

[@luisautorepair1200]

You cut the video on The most important part setting the distributor. Waste of time

[@VTCMart]

And what part would that be? I wasn't able to hold my phone and do all the repairs at the same time 😆