VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
1. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
When purchasing spare parts or when
registering
or insuring a vehicle, it may be necessary to quote
various vehicle identification codes. The location of
these codes are as follows: The Engine Number is stamped on the front
face
of the engine block below No. 4 spark plug. The Chassis Number is stamped on the bulkhead
above and to the right of the brake booster. The Vehicle Identification Plate is located on the
bulkhead to the left of the MAP sensor and contains
codings relating to body style, engine capacity,
model,
transaxle type, engine number, paint, trim and build
date. The Compliance Plate contains information on
the vehicle make, model, month and year of manu-
facture, chassis number, seating, capacity and the
Australian Design Rules (ADR) with which the vehi-
cle complies. This plate is affixed to the bulkhead
above and to the left of the brake booster. The Tire Placard, which is located on the inside
of the glove compartment, contains information
on
the tire size, rim size, tire pressure and load ratings.
2. GENERAL VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
Length:
Pulsar ................................................... 4 030 mm
Astra hatchback .................................. 4 035 mm
Vector ..................................................4215 mm
Astra sedan.......................................... 4 255 mm
Width:
Nissan.................................................. 1 640 mm
Holden ................................................. 1 655 mm
Height ........................................................ 1 380 mm
Wheelbase .................................................. 2 430 mm
Wheel track:
Front .................................................... 1 435 mm
Rear ..................................................... I 430 mm
View of the engine compartment showing the location
of various vehicle identification information.
Minimum ground clearance:
Nissan.................................................... 128 mm
Holden ................................................... 110 mm
Turning circle kerb to kerb .......................... 10.8 m
Fuel tank capacity:
Nissan.................................................... 47 liters
Holden ................................................... 50 liters
Towing capacity:
Without trailer brakes............................ 400 kg
With trailer brakes ................................. 900 kg
*Fuel consumption:
L/100km L/100km
(City) (Highway)
Manual transaxle 8.5 6.6
Automatic transaxle 9.0 7.2
*The fuel consumption information is based on
tests made according to Australian Standard 2877.
The actual fuel consumption will depend on many
factors including driving habits, vehicle condition
and equipment and the prevailing conditions.
General Information 11
Lifting Equipment
When using lifting equipment to lift heavy com-
ponents such as the engine and/or transmission, use
metal slings or chain in preference to rope. If rope
must be used, ensure that it is not placed against sharp
edges on the component.
Automotive Lubricants and Solvents
Avoid prolonged skin contact with oils, greases
and solvents as some can cause skin irritations and
dermatitis.
Exercise caution when us ing cleaning solvents as
many are inflammable. Do not smoke. Keep naked
flames and sparks clear of the work area.
Compressed Air
Never point an air hose at another person or allow
compressed air to blow onto your skin. High pressure
air forced against the skin can enter the bloodstream
and prove fatal.
Suspension and Steering Components
Damaged suspension and steering components
should not be welded. Many of these components are
fabricated from toughened metals. If welded they may
lose their strength or become brittle. Damaged com-
ponents should be renewed.
Air Conditioning
Avoid disconnecting air conditioning hoses as
escaping refrigerant can cause frostbite. The refriger-
ant is highly flammable and when burnt, a poisonous
gas is produced.
VEHICLE SAFETY
To prevent damage to the vehicle during servicing
or repair work, note the following precautions.
Brake Fluid
If spilt on the vehicle paintwork, brake fluid
should be immediately washed away with clean water
and allowed to dry naturally, not wiped with a cloth.
Catalytic Converter
The following should be observed to prevent
damage to the catalytic converter:
Do not operate the vehicle on leaded fuel.
Do not push or tow start the vehicle.
Do not allow the engine to idle for prolonged
periods.
Do not switch the ignition off while the vehicle is
in motion and the transmission is in gear.
Do not 'prime' the engine by pouring fuel into the
inlet manifold.
Do not operate the vehicle if the engine is
misfiring.
Avoid running the vehicle out of fuel.
Ensure that the engine oil is formulated to contain
low phosphorus levels.
Electronic Components
The electronic components of the ignition and
fuel injection systems can be damaged by the use of
incorrect testing equipment.
It is essential in all tests where voltage or resis-
tance is to be measured that a digital display multi-
meter with a minimum 10 megohm input impedance
be used.
Some types of tachometers, timing lights and
ignition system analyzers are not compatible with
certain engine electronic systems. It is therefore
recommended that the manufacturer of the test equip-
ment be consulted before using the equipment.
Jump starting, or being jump started by another
vehicle can cause damage to the electronic compon-
ents of the vehicle. Refer to the Roadside Trouble
shooting section for the correct jump starting proce-
dure.
3. GENERAL REPAIR PROCEDURES
SEIZED FASTENERS
Seized bolts, nuts or screws should first have a
liberal amount of penetrating oil applied. The fastener
should be left for a period of time to allow the oil to
penetrate and soften the corrosion which is causing
the binding.
Often, a sharp hammer blow to the head of the
fastener can dislodge the corrosion and permit it to be
loosened.
An impact driver, which can be fitted with a
socket or screwdriver bit, can be used to loosen a
seized fastener.
Another method is to heat the component in
which the fastener is seized. However, extreme cau-
tion should be exercised when heating aluminum
alloy components as the melting point is much lower
than that of steel.
If the above methods fail to free a seized nut,
carefully hacksaw through one side of the nut until it
can be split. Care should be taken that the threads of
the bolt or stud are not damaged.
Should a bolt or stud break below the surface of
the component, it will be necessary to use a screw
extractor to remove the remaining part. Follow the
screw extractor manuf acturers instructions.
Tap and die set and assorted screw extractors.
70 Cooling and Heating Systems
Installed view of the heater hoses. 1.6 liter models with the air cleaner removed for clarity
.
When the engine is at normal operating
temperature and the heater valve is open,
both of the heater hoses should feel
warm/hot. If the valve is not allowing the
coolant to flow, one hose will be hot while
the other will be cold.
NO COOLED AIR INSIDE VEHICLE
(1) Compressor drive belt slipping or broken:
Renew and/or adjust the drive belt as described in the
Engine Tune-up section.
(2) Insufficient refrigerant: Check the system for
leaks and charge as necessary. Refer to the Air
Conditioning heading in th is section for information
on checking the refrigerant level. (3) Compressor inoperative: Check for power to
the compressor clutch before removing the compres-
sor for repair by a specialist. (4) Heater system allowing warm air to mix with
cooled air: Check the operation of the heater system.
NOTE: The above trouble shooting proce-
dures are basic checks only. If the air
conditioning system is suspect, it is rec-
ommended that the vehicle be taken to an
authorized dealer for testing and repair.
It is normal for water to be seen drain-
ing under the vehicle from the evaporator
after the vehicle has been operated with
the air conditioning on.
3. DESCRIPTION
The cooling system is of the sealed, pressurized
type with fan and water pump assistance. The system
is pressurized in order to raise the boiling point of the
coolant and so increase the efficiency of the engine.
Provision for pressure a nd vacuum relief of the
system is incorporated in the radiator cap.
The radiator overflow hose is connected to a
reserve tank mounted adjacent to the battery. As the
coolant volume expands due to an increase in tem-
perature, the pressure valve in the radiator cap opens
and allows the excess coolant to flow into the reserve
tank. When the engine is stopped and the temperature
of the coolant falls, the vacuum valve in the radiator
cap opens and allows the excess coolant in the reserve
tank to siphon back into the radiator. Thus the
necessity for frequent topping up of the coolant is
eliminated.
The temperature of the cooling system is con-
trolled by a thermostat located in the thermostat
housing attached to the cylinder head.
The thermostat prevents circulation of coolant
through the radiator by directing coolant through the
by-pass circuit, until the engine has reached operating
temperature. This restricted circulation allows the
engine to reach operating temperature quickly, im-
proving drivability and fuel economy.
Removal of the thermostat to cure overheating is
not recommended because th e by-pass circuit will
remain open reducing the amount of water flowing
through the radiator.
An anti-corrosion inhibitor should always be
added to the coolant to protect the cooling and
heating systems from corrosion.
The water pump is mounted to the front of the
engine and is driven by the camshaft drive belt. It is
equipped with a double row ball bearing and a spring
loaded seal assembly. The water pump is a disposable
unit and cannot be repaired.
The fan is driven by an electric motor which is
actuated by the coolant temperature sensor and the
control unit.
On vehicles equipped with air conditioning, an
additional electric fan is m ounted to the radiator. This
fan is controlled by a sw itch connected to the air
conditioning compressor.
The radiator consists of an aluminum core with
plastic side tanks. Minor damage to the core can be
repaired using Nissan repair agent.
The left hand tank of the radiator houses the
transaxle oil cooler on automatic transaxle models.
To drain the cooling system a drain plug is
provided on the lower radiator pipe outlet.
4. RADIATOR
NOTE: To avoid scalding, use caution when
releasing the radiator cap on an engine
which is at the normal operating tempera-
ture. Turn the cap anti-clockwise to the first
stop and allow any pressure in the system to
release. When the pressure is released turn
the cap past the stop and remove it from the
radiator.
82
FUEL AND ENGINE MANAGEMENT
CAUTION: To prevent severe electrical shock, extreme care must be taken when
working on or near the electronic ignition system as dangerous high tension voltages
are produced in both the primary and secondary circuits. See the text fo\
r
precautionary notes.
SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL INJECTION
Type:
1.6 liter engine .................................. Single point
1.8 liter engine................................... Multi point
FUEL PUMP
Type ................................................................ Electric
Pressure at idle:
1.6 liter engine ..................................... 62-90 kPa
1.8 liter engine ................................ 190-230 kPa
FUEL FILTER
Type ................................................ Inline, disposable
AIR FILTER
Type ................................... Disposable paper element
DISTRIBUTOR
Make ........................................................ Delco Remy
Advance contro l .......................................... Electronic
Rotation of rotor .................................. Anti-clockwise
Firing order....................................................1 -3-4-2
ADJUSTMENTS
Base idle speed ..................................... 550-650 rpm
Ignition timing.......................................... 10° BTDC
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Throttle body nuts.......................................... 10 Nm
*Throttle body bolts ........................................ 12 Nm
*Fuel hose fittings............................................ 35 Nm
Fuel rail bolts ....................................................8 Nm
Fuel tank drain plug ........................................ 24 Nm
Coolant temperature sensor ............................ 12 Nm
Oxygen sensor .................................................. 40 Nm
MAT sensor..................................................... 14 Nm
*1.6 liter engine
l . 8 liter engine
1. FUEL AND ENGINE MANAGEMENT
TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: The following Trouble Shooting pro-
cedures are basic checks only. If these pro-
cedures fail to locate the fault, refer to the
System Diagnosis and Adjustments heading
for more thorough testing.
Prior to performing any of the following
operations, refer to the Service Precautions
and Procedures heading.
ENGINE WILL NOT START OR HARD TO
START
(1) Water in the fuel: Dr ain the fuel from the
system and renew the fuel filter.
(2) Fault in the power supply: Check the battery,
fusible links and fuses. Check for clean, secure con-
nections, particularly the earth connections. Check the
EG1 and fuel pump relays.
NOTE: If the fuel pump relay fails, power
will be supplied to the fuel pump via the oil
pressure switch. When starting the engine,
Check that the MAP sensor hose is not blocked or split
and ensure that all electrical connections are clean and
secure.
86 Fuel and Engine Management
other. The fuel pressure is maintained at a constant
pressure relevant to the manifold vacuum. A dispos-
able paper element fuel filter is mounted on the engine
bulkhead.
The amount of fuel injected is relevant to the time
the injector remains open. The basic time the injector
remains open is governed by the control unit which
uses information from the various sensors to give
optimum engine efficiency for given conditions.
The idle air control (IAC) valve controls the fast
idle speed during engine warm up and maintains the
basic idle speed at a set value by compensating for
loads such as air conditioning or the selection of Drive
on automatic transaxle models.
The throttle body assembly is mounted to the
inlet manifold and controls the amount of air entering
the engine by the action of the throttle valve.
Efficient operation of the EFI system depends on
accurate signals being receiv ed by the control unit and
controlled air flow beyond the throttle valve. There-
fore it is essential that all air, fuel and electrical
connections be clean and tight.
3. SERVICE PRECAUTIONS AND
PROCEDURES
Electronic ignition systems can produce danger-
ously high voltages in both the primary and secondary
circuits. For this reason, extreme care must be taken
when working on or near the ignition system.
Do not start the engine if the battery terminals are
not clean and tight.
Do not use the fast charge or boost settings on a
battery charger to start the engine.
Do not disconnect the battery terminals while the
engine is running.
Disconnect the battery terminals before charging
the battery.
Disconnect the negative ba ttery terminal before
working on the engine management system.
Do not subject the control unit to temperatures
above 80 deg C.
Ensure that all wiring connectors are clean and
tight.
Disconnect the battery terminals and the control
unit wiring connectors before attempting any welding
operations.
Do not direct a steam cleaning or pressure
washing nozzle at engine management components
when cleaning the engine.
Ensure that the ignition is Off prior to disconnect-
ing the battery terminals, fusible links or the control
unit wiring connectors.
TO CONNECT ELECTRICAL TEST
EQUIPMENT
NOTE: Some types of tachometers, timing
lights and ignition system analysers are not
compatible with this engine management
system and may result in incorrect readings.
It is therefore recommended that the man-
ufacturer of the lest equipment be consulted
before proceeding to use the equipment.
If a test procedure requires the use of a
test lamp or voltmeter, ensure that only the
specified instrument is used to prevent mis-
leading diagnosis.
MULTIMETER
It is essential that in all tests where voltage or
resistance is to be measur ed, a digital display multi-
meter with a minimum 10 megohms impedance be
used.
The correct method of backprobing the wiring connec-
tors. The meter test probe should be modified with a piece of thin wire as shown.
All meter readings are to be performed with the
component wiring connectors installed unless other-
wise instructed. This can be done by inserting the
meter test probes from the wiring harness side of the
connector or backprobing. If the test probes are not
thin, they should be modified by attaching a thin piece
of wire to the end, giving a fine point that will not
damage the connector. Ensure that the wire is making
good contact with the probe.
If sealing plugs or boots are removed from wiring
connectors to facilitate bac kprobing, ensure that they
are correctly installed at the conclusion of the test
procedure.
To identify wiring connector terminals refer to the
wiring circuit diagrams.
Test Lamp
To avoid damage to the electronic components
when testing, the use of an LED (light emitting diode)
test lamp is recommended.
Fuel and Engine Management 89
The procedure for fabricating an LED test lamp is
fully described in the El ectrical System section.
If a conventional test lamp with a filament type
bulb is to be used, ensure that the current draw of the
test lamp does not exceed 0.3 amp to avoid damage to
the electronic components.
To check the current draw connect an accurate
ammeter, such as the multimeter described previ-
ously, in series with the test lamp and a battery.
If the ammeter reads less than 0.3 amp the test
lamp is suitable.
Tachometer
(1) Disconnect the resistor from the tachometer
pick-up wiring connector which is located on the
ignition coil wiring harness, and connect the positive
lead of an accurate tachometer to the brown wire
terminal in the wiring connector. (2) Connect the negative lead to a good earthing
point.
View showing the location of the tachometer pickup
wiring connector with the resistor installed.
Timing Light
(1) Connect the timing light to the engine fol-
lowing the instrument manufacturers instructions.
NOTE: Do not connect or disconnect the
timing light with the engine running as
voltage surges could damage the alternator
or control unit. Do not allow the high
tension leads to open circuit with the engine
running as damage to the engine manage-
ment system could result.
(2) Do not connect the timing light positive lead
to the alternator output terminal. Where possible,
connect the power leads of the timing light to an
external power source to prevent possible transient
voltages damaging the alternator or control unit.
4. SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS AND ADJUSTMENTS
NOTE: Due to the use of complex electronic
components in the engine management sys-
tem, the diagnosis and testing procedures
described in this section should not be
carried out by persons lacking an under-
standing of electronics and the precautions
associated with the servicing of electronic
components. It is rec ommended that should
a fault arise in the system, the vehicle be
referred to an authorized workshop.
The control unit can be damaged by
component faults not indicated by the self
diagnosis codes and the renewal of the
control unit without lo cating the cause of
the failure will result in the failure of the
replacement unit. It is for this reason that
the practice of substituting components to
isolate faults is not recommended.
Prior to performing any of the follow-
ing operations, refer to the Service Pre-
cautions and Procedures heading.
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
Prior to performing the Self Diagnosis Test Pro-
cedures, perform the following preliminary checks and
rectify any problems as necessary.
(1) Check for an adequate supply of fuel in the
fuel tank. (2) Check the wiring connectors and earth points
of all engine management components for clean,
secure connections. To prevent damage to the control
unit, disconnect the negative battery terminal before
disconnecting any engine ma nagement wiring connec-
tors. (3) Check the condition of the battery. Refer to
the Electrical System sectio n for checking procedures.
Rectify any faults as necessary. (4) Check the air cleaner element for restriction.
(5) Check for air leaks at the throttle body, inlet
manifold and all related hoses. (6) Check the fuel pump pr essure as described
later in this section. (7) Ensure that the engine is in a satisfactory
mechanical condition and is in tune. Refer to the
Engine and Engine Tune-up sections as necessary.
SELF DIAGNOSIS
This function is very useful in locating system
faults particularly intermittent problems. However,
the self diagnosis mode does not provide comprehen-
sive testing of the engine management system, and
therefore should always be used in conjunction with
the other test procedures described later, in order to
accurately locate system faults.
To Interpret Self Diagnosis Codes
Once the self diagnosis mode is activated, various
fault codes will be displayed as a series of flashes by
the ECM warning lamp on the instrument cluster.
117
EMISSION CONTROL
INTRODUCTION
To reduce the output level of the three primary
automotive emissions, carbon monoxide (CO), hydro-
carbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and thus
comply with legislation on the maintenance of clean
air, several different emissi on control systems are used
in the Pulsar range of vehicles covered by this manual.
The systems will be discussed under the headings
( 1 ) Crankcase Ventilation System, (2) Evaporative
Control System, (3) Air Preheat System — 1.6 Liter
Engine and (4) Exhaust Control System.
1. CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The crankcase ventilation system is of the closed
type and is designed to prevent crankcase vapors
being emitted into the atmosphere. Crankcase
vapors are caused by gases escaping past the piston
rings into the crankcase during the combustion pro-
cess.
The crankcase vapors are collected in the cam-
shaft housing from the cra nkcase via the various oil
drain passages and the pipe from the side of the
crankcase.
The crankcase vapors are then drawn into the
engine via a branched hose connected to the camshaft
housing oil baffle and the throttle body (1.8 liter
engines) or inlet manifold (1.6 liter engines).
At idle speed, vapors are drawn through the
small branch of the hose and into the engine.
As the engine speed increases, vapors are also
drawn into the engine via the main hose.
TO SERVICE THE SYSTEM
(1) At intervals of 40 000 km, disconnect the
small engine ventilation hose from the throttle body
or inlet manifold and check that the metering orifice
is not blocked.
If necessary, clean the orifice using compressed air
and solvent.
(2) Disconnect all the engine ventilation hoses
and check for blocking, collapsing and deterioration.
Renew the hoses as necessary.
2. EVAPORATIVE CONTROL SYSTEM
Special Equipment Required:
To Test Purge Valve — Hand vacuum pump
DESCRIPTION
The evaporative control system reduces the
amount of hydrocarbons emitted to the atmosphere
through fuel evaporation.
The vehicles covered by this manual use an
absorption regeneration system to reduce vapor loss.
The system utilizes a canister of activated charcoal to
trap and hold the fuel vapors until they can be fed
into the induction system for burning in the combus-
tion chambers.
The basic components of the evaporative control
system are a fuel tank with a sealed filler cap, a
charcoal canister with a pur ge control valve, a fuel
check valve and pipes a nd hoses to connect the
various components.
NOTE: The fuel tank filler cap is not vented
to the atmosphere but is equipped with a one
way relief valve to prevent a vacuum form-
ing in the fuel tank.
View of the engine ventilation hoses and pipe. 1.8 liter
engine.
140
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
SPECIFICATIONS
Make .............................................. JATCO RL3F01A
Type .....................3 speed and reverse epicyclic gear
train with lock up torque converter
Operation .................................... Automatic hydraulic
Lubricant:
Type....................................................... Dexron IT
Capacity................................................. 6.3 liters
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Drive plate to crankshaft bolls ........................60 Nm
Drive plate to torque converter bolts ..............49 Nm
Convener housing to engine ...........................22 Nm
Converter housing to transaxle ........................23 Nm
Transaxle sump to transaxle ............................. 7 Nm
Oil cooler pipe to transaxle .............................49 Nm
Selector shaft locknut .......................................42 Nm
Transaxle filter bolts.........................................12 Nm
1. AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE TROUBLE SHOOTING
NO DRIVE IN D RANGE
{1) Low fluid level in transaxle: Check the fluid
level in the transaxle and top up if required.
(2) Incorrectly adjusted selector cable: Check
and adjust the selector cable as detailed. (3) Incorrect or contaminated transaxle fluid:
Drain and refill with the recommend type and quan-
tity of transaxle fluid.
NOTE: Check the possible causes in the
order given.
NO REVERSE IN R RANGE
(1) Low fluid level in transaxle: Check the fluid
level and top up if required. (2) Incorrectly adjusted selector linkage: Check
the condition of the selector cable, selector quadrant
and selector arm for wear and damage. Adjust as
required.
Check the drive shaft oil seals as a likely leak source.
SLIPPING OR ROUGH UPSHIFT
(1) Incorrectly adjusted selector linkage: Check
and adjust the selector linkage. (2) Low fluid level in transaxle: Check the fluid
level and top up if required.
NO TRANSAXLE KICKDOWN
(1) Incorrectly adjusted throttle cable: Check
and adjust the cable as detailed in the Fuel and Engine
Management section.
Check the oil cooler hose connections for leaks if the
fluid level is low.