Mechanical Inspection: Compression
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 Nissan Xterra, 2003 Nissan Sentra, 2003 Nissan Pathfinder, 2003 Nissan Murano, and 2003 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. Turn ignition off. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE in FUEL SYSTEM. On Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) equipped models, remove all ignition coils. On all other models, disconnect distributor 2-pin harness connector (for ignition coil). On all models, remove all spark plugs. Depress accelerator pedal fully to hold throttle valve wide open. Attach compression tester to cylinder No. 1. Crank engine at specified speed and record highest gauge indication. See appropriate COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS table. Repeat measurement for each cylinder.
4-CYLINDER COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Specification | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Compression Pressure | |||
| Altima | 182 psi (12.8 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Frontier & Xterra | 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Sentra | |||
| 1.8L | 192 psi (13.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| 2.5L | 181 psi (12.8 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Minimum Compression Pressure | |||
| Altima | 154 psi (10.8 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Frontier & Xterra | 149 psi (10.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Sentra | |||
| 1.8L | 168 psi (11.50 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| 2.5L | 154 psi (10.8 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Maximum Variation Between Cylinders | 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm2 ) | ||
V6 COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Compression Pressure | ||
| Altima, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder & 350Z | 185 psi (13.0 kg/cm2 ) | |
| Frontier & Xterra | 174 psi (12.2 kg/cm2 ) | |
| Minimum Compression Pressure | ||
| Altima, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder & 350Z | 142 psi (10.0 kg/cm2 ) | |
| Frontier & Xterra | 128 psi (9.0 kg/cm2 ) | |
| Maximum Variation Between Cylinders | 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm2 ) | |