NX, Sentra & 240SX

Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature (coolant gauge needle in middle). Run engine at 2000 RPM for 2 minutes. Perform self-diagnostic procedure. See TESTS W/CODES article. Check for smooth engine operation.
Increase engine speed to 2000 RPM, 2 or 3 times, then allow engine to return to idle. Check ignition timing. See 4-CYLINDER IGNITION TIMING table. See Fig 1 . If ignition timing is correct, check idle speed and mixture.
If ignition timing is incorrect, disconnect throttle position sensor harness connector. Increase engine speed to 2000 RPM, 2 or 3 times, then allow engine to return to idle.
Loosen hold-down bolt and turn distributor to adjust ignition timing. With ignition timing correctly set, reconnect throttle position sensor. Recheck ignition timing using step 2).

4-CYLINDER IGNITION TIMING (Degrees BTDC @ RPM)

Application

Man. Trans.

⁽¹⁾ Auto. Trans.

Pickup

10 @ 750-850

NX & Sentra

1.6L

10 @ 550-650

10 @ 675-775

2.0L

15 @ 700-800

Stanza

15 @ 650-750

240SX

20 @ 600-700

⁽¹⁾	Automatic transmission/transaxle in Neutral.

Fig 1: Locating Ignition Timing Marks (Pickup 4-Cylinder, Stanza & 240SX; NX & Sentra Similar)

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.