Ignition Timing

Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. Ensure idle speed is less than 1000 RPM. Run engine at 2000 RPM under no load for 2 minutes. Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - INTRODUCTION article.
If any DTCs are present, perform diagnosis for DTC(s). See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article. If no DTCs are present, run engine at 2000 RPM under no load for 2 minutes. Release throttle. Increase engine speed to 2000 RPM, 2 or 3 times, then allow engine to idle for one minute.
Turn ignition off. Disconnect Throttle Position (TP) sensor harness connector. Start engine and increase engine speed to 2000 RPM 2 or 3 times. Release throttle. Check ignition timing. See IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS table. See Fig 1, Fig 2, Fig 3 or Fig 4 .
On all models except Maxima and Sentra 1.8L, if ignition timing is incorrect, loosen hold-down bolt and turn distributor to adjust ignition timing. On Maxima, ignition timing is not adjustable. If ignition timing is incorrect, check CMP sensor and both CKP sensors. See DTC P0340: CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR, DTC P0335 OR P1336: CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR (POS) and DTC P1335: CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR (REF) in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - MAXIMA article.

IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS ⁽¹⁾

Application

Degrees BTDC

Altima, Frontier & Xterra (4-Cyl.)

18-22

Sentra

1.8L

7-11

2.0L

13-17

V6 Models

13-17