No spark on Nissan Sunny: 7 reasons and how to fix the problem

Owners Nissan Sunny (especially models B13, B14, B15 with engines GA14DE, GA16DE, SR20DE) often encounter the problem of spark loss. Symptoms manifest themselves in different ways: engine won't start at all, works intermittently, “troits” or stalls while driving. In 80% of cases they are to blame ignition module or crankshaft position sensor (CPS), but there are also less obvious reasons - from oxidized contacts to failures in the ECU.

This article will help accurately diagnose the problem without visiting a service station: we will analyze all the possible reasons for the lack of spark, give step-by-step instructions for checking each component and tell you how to fix the problem at minimal cost. We will pay special attention typical "diseases" Sunnythat are not described in the manuals - for example, corrosion of ECU connectors or “floating” short circuits in the wiring harness.

1. How to check for spark on Nissan Sunny

Before disassembling half of the car, make sure that there is indeed no spark. For this you will need spark plug wrench And spark tester (or a regular spark gap with a gap of 5–7 mm). Verification algorithm:

1. Unscrew the spark plug from 1 cylinder (one is enough for initial diagnosis).
2. Insert it into the tip of the high-voltage wire and press to the mass (for example, to the block head).
3. Crank the starter for 2-3 seconds. If there is no spark, the problem is confirmed.

⚠️ Attention: Do not hold the spark plug in your hand while checking - voltage in the ignition system Sunny reaches 20–30 kV, which is life-threatening. Use insulated pliers or a special tester.

If there is no spark on all cylinders — the problem is in the general elements of the system (ignition module, ECU, sensors). If the spark disappears on separate cylinders - spark plugs, wires or individual coils are to blame (on models with SR20DE).

2. Ignition module: the main “culprit” for the lack of spark

On Nissan Sunny (especially B14/B15) ignition module (ignition control module) fails more often than other components. Its resource is 100–150 thousand km, but if overheated or exposed to moisture, it may burn out earlier. Signs of malfunction:

• 🔥 The engine does not start, but the starter turns.
• ⚡ The spark disappears in a “floating” manner (that is, it doesn’t).
• 🚗 While driving, failures appear during acceleration.
• 🔧 Lights up on the dashboard Check Engine (error code P0300 - random misfires).

To check the module:

1. Remove it from the car (located on the bracket next to the ignition coil).
2. Ring with a multimeter primary and secondary windings:
   • Primary winding resistance: 0.3–1.0 Ohm.
   • Secondary winding resistance: 5–15 kOhm (depending on the model).

Check module power supply (must be 12 V on contact +B with the ignition on).

Remove the module from the bracket | Test the windings with a multimeter | Check the 12 V power supply | Inspect for cracks/melts

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⚠️ Attention: On Sunny B15 with SR20DE The ignition module is integrated into the coil. If it burns out, you will have to change it the entire assembly (item: 22440-4M000 or 22440-4M010).

3. Crankshaft position sensor (CPS): hidden reason

DPKV (crankshaft position sensor) on Nissan Sunny rarely fails completely - more often it starts "glitch" when heated or after washing the engine. Symptoms:

• 🔄 The engine starts and immediately stalls.
• 📉 The speed “floats” at idle.
• 🚫 The spark disappears after warming up (for example, after 10-15 minutes of driving).

Checking DPKV:

1. Remove the sensor (located next to the crankshaft pulley).
2. Check the winding resistance: it should be 500–700 Ohm.
3. Check gap between sensor and ring gear - he must be 0.5–1.5 mm.
4. Inspect the connector for oxidation or corrosion (a common problem on Sunny B13).

Model Sunny	Article number DPKV	Winding resistance	Typical faults
B13 (GA14DE)	23731-4M000	550–650 Ohm	Oxidation of the connector, cracks in the housing
B14 (GA16DE)	23731-4M005	600–700 Ohm	Oil getting into the connector
B15 (SR20DE)	23731-4M010	500–600 Ohm	Sensor overheating, wire break

If the sensor is faulty, replace it with a new one (cost: 1 500–3 000 ₽). Do not buy used DPKV - they often have hidden defects.

4. Wiring and connectors: why the spark “floats”

On Nissan Sunny (especially release before 2000) wiring problems are common:

• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in connectors ECU, ignition module, DPKV.
• 🔥 Frayed or melted wires near the exhaust manifold.
• 📡 Breaks in the harness going from the ignition switch to the module.

How to check:

1. Visual inspection: Pull each wire in the harness - if the insulation is cracked, it needs to be replaced.
2. Testing with a multimeter: Check the integrity of the wires from contact 15 of the ignition switch to the ignition module.
3. Cleaning the connectors: Use contact cleaner (For example, CRC Contact Cleaner) for processing ECU connectors and sensors.

⚠️ Attention: On Sunny B14 often frays yellow-green wire (DPKV signal) on the exhaust manifold bracket. If it shorts to ground, there will be no spark at all.

How to find a break in a harness without a diagram?

Use method of “dialing with piercing”:

1. Disconnect the ECU connector.

2. Using a multimeter in the “continuity” mode, pierce the insulation of the wires going to the ignition module one by one.

3. If the resistance tends to infinity, the wire is broken.

5. ECU: when the “brains” are to blame for the lack of spark

Electronic control unit (ECU) on Nissan Sunny rarely fails completely, but may malfunction due to:

• 💧 Moisture gets into the connector (especially after washing).
• 🔥 Short circuit in the power circuit.
• 📱 Firmware failure (relevant for chip-tuned cars).

Signs of a problem with the ECU:

• 🚗 The engine does not start, but there is a spark on all cylinders (no signal to the injectors).
• 🔧 All errors are lit at the same time (Check Engine, ABS, Airbag).
• 📉 Contact voltage +B ECU below 11.5 V.

What to do:

1. Remove the ECU cover (located under the glove compartment or behind the center console).
2. Inspect the board for presence dark spots, swollen capacitors or signs of corrosion.
3. Check power to contacts 1 (+B) And 22 (ground).
4. If the block is “dead”, try reflash it or replace it with a used one (article: 23710-4M000 for GA16DE).

6. Ignition coil and high-voltage wires

On Nissan Sunny with GA14DE/GA16DE used one ignition coil on all cylinders, and on SR20DE - individual coils. Problems with them manifest themselves as follows:

• ⚡ The spark is weak or “breaks through” to the body.
• 🔥 The coil is heating up and smells like burning.
• 🚗 The engine “troubles” when cold, but levels out after warming up.

Coil check:

1. Remove the coil and inspect for cracks, melting or traces of breakdown.
2. Ring the windings:
   • Primary: 0.5–1.5 Ohm.
   • Secondary: 8–12 kOhm.

Check high voltage wires - their resistance should be 5–10 kOhm per meter

⚠️ Attention: On Sunny B15 with SR20DE individual coils often fail due to oil ingress into candle wells. If the wells are flooded, before replacing the coils be sure to eliminate the cause (usually this is a valve cover seal leak).

7. Additional reasons: from immobilizer to bad gasoline

If all of the above components are working, but there is no spark, check:

• 🔑 Immobilizer: On Sunny after 1998 it may block the ignition. Try starting the car second key.
• ⛽ Fuel: Bad gasoline or water in the tank can cause no signal from the knock sensorwhich will block the spark.
• 🔋 Battery: If the voltage is lower 11.5 V, The ECU may not give the ignition command.
• 🔧 Mechanical damage: Broken timing belt or broken distributor (on old Sunny B13).

If a problem occurs after washing or rain, there is a high probability of moisture getting into the connectors. In this case:

1. Remove negative battery terminal for 10 minutes.
2. Dry the connectors of the ECU, ignition module and DPKV hairdryer or compressor.
3. Process contacts silicone grease.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about lack of spark on Nissan Sunny

Is it possible to drive without spark on one cylinder?

Technically possible, but highly not recommended. Lack of spark on one cylinder leads to:

• Increased fuel consumption (+20–30%).
• Overheating of the catalyst (risk of its destruction).
• Unburned gasoline gets into the oil, which reduces engine life.

If there is no spark all cylinders - the engine will not start at all.

Which ignition module is better to install on the Sunny B14?

Original module (22440-4M000) is worth 8 000–12 000 ₽, but you can install analogues:

• Beru (ZAE 004) - a reliable option for 4 000–5 000 ₽.
• Bosch (0 221 504 015) - suitable for GA16DE.
• Denso - original quality, but expensive (7 000–9 000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: On Sunny B15 with SR20DE The module is integrated into the coil - it cannot be replaced separately!

Why does the spark disappear after the engine warms up?

This is a typical symptom faulty DPKV or ignition module. When heating:

• In the DPKV, the winding expands, which leads to a break or short circuit.
• The ignition module may peel off tracks on the board.
• Oxidized contacts expand and lose connection.

Solution: Call DPKV and module hot (after 10–15 minutes of engine operation).

Is it possible to reflash the ECU myself if it is buggy?

Theoretically yes, but:

• Needed special equipment (For example, KTAG or Kess V2).
• Incorrect firmware may kill the ECU completely.
• On Sunny to 2000 firmware often linked to immobilizer.

If you have no experience, it is better to contact a specialist. Re-flashing cost: 2 000–4 000 ₽.

What should I do if after replacing the ignition module there is still no spark?

Check:

1. Module power supply (12 V on contact +B).
2. Signal from DPKV (must be 0.5–2 V on an oscilloscope).
3. Mass integrity (check the wire from the module to the body).
4. ECU - it may not be sending a signal to the module.

If everything is in order, but there is no spark, the problem may be open circuit between the ECU and the module.