You turned the ignition key, the starter vigorously turns the engine, but Nissan Sunny FB15 stubbornly refuses to start? The first thing that comes to mind is no spark. This problem is familiar to many owners. FB15 with carburetor and injection engines GA14DE/GA16DE. Without a spark, the fuel mixture simply does not ignite, and the car cannot be started either hot or cold.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasons for lack of spark on Sunny FB15, from trivial (blown fuse) to complex (ECU malfunction). You will learn how diagnose the ignition system without expensive equipment, what check details first, and how to fix the breakdown yourself. And if you have already tried to fix something, share your experience in the poll below!

📊 What have you already tried to do when the spark disappeared?
  • Checked the spark plugs
  • Changed the ignition coil
  • Diagnosed the ECU
  • Reset battery terminals
  • Didn't do anything

1. Symptoms of lack of spark on Nissan Sunny FB15

Before digging into the wires, make sure that the problem is in the ignition. Here accurate signs of lack of spark:

  • ✅ The engine is spinning with the starter, but it is not “enough” (no flashes in the cylinders).
  • ✅ The exhaust pipe smells of gasoline - fuel is supplied, but does not burn.
  • ✅ On the dashboard no errors are displayed (or only lights up Check Engine no specific code).
  • ✅ When checking spark plugs for weight no blue spark (or it is weak, orange).

If at least 2-3 points match, the problem is definitely in the ignition system. But don't rush to change the coil! On FB15 the spark may disappear due to little thingsthat even experienced craftsmen miss.

⚠️ Attention: On injection Sunny FB15 (with GA16DE) lack of spark is often accompanied by error code P0300 (multiple misfires). If you have a scanner, check it first!

2. Top 7 reasons for loss of spark on FB15

Ignition system Nissan Sunny FB15 built according to the classical scheme: coil → distributor (distributor) → high-voltage wires → spark plugs. On injection versions it is added ECU, which controls the moment of sparking. Let's sort it out all possible “weak points”:

Reason How it manifests itself Difficulty of repair
Faulty ignition coil There is no spark on all spark plugs, the coil is heating up, cracks in the body are possible ⭐⭐ (replacement 15-30 min)
Breakdown of high-voltage wires The spark “breaks through” to the housing, the engine stalls, especially in wet weather ⭐ (replacement 10 min)
Distributor wear or contamination The spark disappears periodically, a crackling sound is heard under the hood ⭐⭐ (cleaning/replacement 40 min)
Faulty crankshaft position sensor (CPS) There is no spark and fuel injection, the ECU does not “see” the revolutions ⭐⭐⭐ (diagnosis + replacement 1 hour)
Blown ignition fuse or relay There is no spark at all, perhaps other electrical appliances are not working ⭐ (check 5 min)

On carburetor FB15 more often they are to blame coil, distributor or wires, and on injection ones - also ECU or sensors. If you have GA16DE with an injector, start by checking DPKV - this is the most “capricious” sensor in the system.

💡

On Sunny FB15 with GA14DE (carburetor) the spark may disappear due to oxidized contacts on the distributor. Try cleaning them WD-40 and fine sandpaper before replacing parts.

3. Step-by-step diagnostics: how to find the cause

To avoid wasting money on replacing working parts, follow logical verification algorithm:

Check the ignition fuse and relay (unit under the hood, F10 10A)

Inspect high-voltage wires for cracks and breakdowns (sparks are visible in the dark)

Unscrew the spark plug and check the spark for ground (hold it with pliers, not with your hands!)

Ring the ignition coil (primary winding resistance: 0.7-0.9 Ohm)

Check the distributor: slider, cover, contacts

For injector: scan for errors (especially P0325, P0335)

Check the power supply to the ECU (12V pin on the connector) -->

Let's start with the simplest thing - fuse. On FB15 it is located in a block under the hood (usually F10 at 10A). If the fuse is blown, replace it and check if there is a short in the wiring somewhere. If the fuse is intact, go to high voltage wires.

Remove the wire from the spark plug and bring it to a ground (for example, a valve cover) at a distance 5-7 mm. Have a helper turn the starter. If there is no spark or it is weak (orange), the problem is in the wire, coil or distributor. If there is a spark, check the spark plugs.

⚠️ Attention: On injection Sunny FB15 You cannot check the spark by disconnecting the connector from the coil while the ignition is running. - this can burn the transistors in the ECU! Carry out all checks only with the ignition off or with the battery disconnected.

4. Ignition coil: how to check and replace

The coil is one of the most vulnerable places on FB15. It can fail due to overheating, short circuit or simply from old age. Symptoms faulty coil:

  • 🔥 No spark on everyone candles at the same time.
  • 🔥 The coil gets very hot (you can get burned).
  • 🔥 Cracks or traces of breakdown are visible on the case.
  • 🔥 The engine “shoots” into the exhaust pipe when cranking.

To test the coil you will need a multimeter. Measure the resistance:

  • Primary winding (contacts 1 and 15): 0.7–0.9 Ohm.
  • Secondary winding (contact 15 and high voltage output): 9–15 kOhm.

If the values are outside the limits, the coil is faulty. On Sunny FB15 original coil fits Nissan 22430-4M000 or analogues: Bosch 0 221 119 004, Denso 550-0103. Replacement takes 15-20 minutes:

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
  2. Remove the high voltage wire from the coil.
  3. Unscrew the 2 fastening bolts (key on 10).
  4. Disconnect the power connector and remove the coil.
  5. Install a new one, connect in reverse order.
How to test a coil without a multimeter?

If you don’t have a tester at hand, you can temporarily install known working coil (for example, from another machine). If a spark appears after replacement, your coil is faulty. But remember: this method is not accurate, since the problem may be in the wires or in the distributor.

5. Distributor (ignition distributor): cleaning and replacement

Distributor on Nissan Sunny FB15 - this is the “brain” of the ignition system (on carburetor versions). If it fails, the spark may disappear periodically or disappear altogether. Main problems:

  • 🛠️ Runner wear — contact disappears, spark is weak.
  • 🛠️ Cracks in the distributor cover - moisture and dirt get inside.
  • 🛠️ Oxidation of contacts - signal transmission is disrupted.
  • 🛠️ Bearing wear - A grinding noise is heard when rotating.

To diagnose, remove the distributor cover and inspect it from the inside. If there is carbon deposits, cracks or traces of breakdown - the cover needs to be replaced (Nissan 22410-4M000). The slider should also be free of chips and burns.

If distributor jammed or the bearing has become loose, it will have to be replaced entirely. On FB15 original distributor fits Nissan 22400-4M000 or analogues: Aiwa ADT-101, Blue Print ADT10004. Replacement takes about 40 minutes and requires precise setting of ignition timing (on carburetor versions).

💡

On injection Sunny FB15 there is no distributor - instead of it there is crankshaft position sensor (CPS). If there is no spark, check its resistance (should be 500–700 Ohm).

6. Problems with the ECU and sensors (only for injection FB15)

On injection Nissan Sunny FB15 (with motor GA16DE) is responsible for the spark electronic control unit (ECU). If it does not receive a signal from the sensors or is itself faulty, there will be no spark. The most problematic nodes:

  • 📊 Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) - if it does not work, the ECU does not “know” when to give a spark.
  • 📊 Camshaft sensor (DPRV) — affects the ignition phases.
  • 📊 ECU - may “glitch” due to corrosion on the board or power surges.

For diagnostics, connect a scanner (for example, ELM327) and check the error codes:

  • P0325 — problem with the DPKV circuit.
  • P0335 — incorrect DPKV signal.
  • P0340 — DPRV malfunction.
  • P0600 — communication error with the ECU.

If you don’t have a scanner, you can check the sensors with a multimeter:

  • DPKV: resistance between terminals - 500–700 Ohm.
  • DPRV: resistance - 800–1200 Ohm.

If the sensors are in order, but there is no spark, the problem may be ECU. Inspect the unit connector for oxidation or burnt contacts. On FB15 The ECU is located under the glove compartment (on injection versions). If the block is “dead”, you can try it reflash or replace it with a used one (original number - Nissan 23710-4M010).

7. Prevention: how to avoid ignition problems

To spark on Nissan Sunny FB15 did not disappear suddenly, follow simple rules:

  • 🔧 Change the spark plugs every 20–30 thousand km (more often on a carburetor).
  • 🔧 Check high voltage wires for testing (especially before winter).
  • 🔧 Clean the distributor contacts once a year (use contact lubricant).
  • 🔧 Monitor the on-board voltage — jumps kill the ECU and the coil.
  • 🔧 Do not pressure wash the engine — water gets into the distributor and coil.

If your Sunny FB15 often stands motionless remove the terminals from the battery - this will protect the ECU from battery discharge and power surges. Also useful once a month warm up the engine to operating temperature - this will prevent oxidation of contacts.

💡

On carburetor FB15 check the ignition timing regularly (must be 10° ± 2° at idle). An incorrect angle leads to detonation and accelerated wear of the distributor.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about lack of spark on Nissan Sunny FB15

Is it possible to start the FB15 without a distributor if it is broken?

No, on carburetor Sunny FB15 distributor is a mandatory element of the system. Without it there will be no spark. On injection versions there is no distributor, but if it fails DPKV, the car won't start either.

Which spark plugs are best for GA14DE/GA16DE?

For GA14DE (carburetor) spark plugs fit NGK BPR6ES or Denso W20EPR-U11. For GA16DE (injector) — NGK BCP6ES or Denso K16PR-U11. The gap should be 0.8–1.0 mm.

Why is there a spark, but the car does not start?

If there is a spark, but the engine does not catch, check:

  • 🔹 Fuel supply (pump, filter, injectors).
  • 🔹 Compression in the cylinders (must be no lower 10 atm).
  • 🔹 Coolant temperature sensor (may give false signals to the ECU).

How to check the ECU on FB15 without a scanner?

Disconnect the ECU connector and check:

  • 🔹 Availability 12V on the power contact (usually the red wire).
  • 🔹 Integrity of the “mass” (black wire).
  • 🔹 No oxidation on the connector legs.

If there is power, but the ECU does not respond, it is most likely faulty.

How much does it cost to repair the ignition system on FB15?

The cost depends on the problem:

  • 💰 Replacing spark plugs: 300–800 rub. (on your own).
  • 💰 Replacement coil: 2,000–4,000 rub. (part + work).
  • 💰 Distributor repair: 1,500–3,000 rub.
  • 💰 ECU diagnostics: 1,000–2,500 rub. (in the service).