How do you test the distributor on the 2000 Xterra? Is there a diagram that explains what the voltage in or out should be?

-There are couple things cause that.
-Check spark plug wire, spark plug, compression, fuel pressure and
injectors.

Good luck

Mai

You might want to check the distributor. Take the cap off and check if there is play on the rotor shaft. It's only supposed to turn, but if there's play when moving it back and forth, better you replace the distributor now. The 2000-2004 Xterras have a bad distributor shaft and the throttle positioner sensor is on the shaft. Just FYI.

It's probably the distributor. Check the shaft inside and see if it moves. It's only supposed to turn, now inside the distributor you'll see a dial, that's your throttle positioner sensor and it's the reason for the symptoms you've mentioned. Just replace the distributor and it should fix it. 2000-2004 Xterras have trouble with with the distributors.

if its the whole car doing it not just the motor check the tires. if tires are out of balance or warped then typical they will buck or jump from 50-60 maybe 65 mph

maybe a haynes repair manual would help.check your auto parts store or on ebay

I had a 2001 nissan xterra in my shop,and it had the same codes. there is a very common problem with the distributor on nissan 3.3 motor. I am not sure where you are,but get a price for the distributor. I got one from ebay cheap

Cam Position sensor its in the distributor and there is no way to get the sensor except to replace the distributor.

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Pull # 1 spark plug, install compression gauge or somehow block hole and jog engine until you feel or record compression, then line up TDC marks on crank pulley. Now when you drop distributor in, rotor should line up with # 1 spark plug wire tab under cap. Make sure you have all ignition spark disconnected, one way or another. If you haven't pulled other distributor yet, it should be easier, just mark housing for reference, jog until rotor is at # 1 tab, remove old one and re-install new in same position.

I had a problem on my Nissan Xterra 2000. Symptons sound similar. In my case, it ran fine for a while and then suddenly the engine starts to stumble and lose output. At one point it did not even have enough HP to move. Irregular idling too. Thought it was water in my fuel. Bought water remover from the store and added to gas tank. Problem did not go away. Instead, "Service Engine Soon" light came on. Had to have it towed to the dealer as there was no way the engine could keep up with traffic. Dealer replaced the "Crank Position Sensor" today. Parts $33.00, Labor: $300 (about 3 hrs worth of work). Seems to work fine now but I will wait and see. Dealer also stated that Distributor bearing appears to be noisy and will need to be replaced sooner or later. I will wait for it to go before I fix that.

my truck didn't do the crazy idling so much but it was running a little rough before it finnally died. it just wouldn't start back up. i changed the fuel filter i could hear the fuel pump working i finnally pulled a spark plug out and realized it wasn't getting spark. after hooking a computer module up under the dash it told me that the camshaft position sensor was out. the sensor is integrated into the distributor therefore you have to change the distributor to replace the sensor. hope this helps some, i'm actually trying to fix mine tomarrow