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NISSAN 240SX (1990–1998) Manual — Codes, Tyres & Parts
Built 1990–1998 · all production years covered on this single page
2.4L I4 KA24DE • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost8.4
Parts & repairability4.0
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support5.4
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998) uses Nissan Genuine 5W-30 engine oil. Its battery is group 35 (BCI), rated at 550A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 2.4L I4 KA24DE engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.8h
€56 – €72
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.9h
€63 – €81
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.3h
€21 – €27
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Pump | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Brake Booster | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Flush | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Side | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Alternator | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Alternator Belt | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Amplifier | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Antenna | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Camshaft R&R | 8.0h | € 360–€ 600 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 15.0h | € 675–€ 1125 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 20.0h | € 900–€ 1500 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 6.0h | € 270–€ 450 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 8.0h | € 360–€ 600 |
| Engine Mount - Front | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Downpipe | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| EGR Cooler | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| EGR Tube | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Valve | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.1h | € 4–€ 7 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Fuel Filter | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| AC Compressor | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| AC Condenser | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| AC Evaporator | 6.0h | € 270–€ 450 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 4.0h | € 180–€ 300 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| Idler Arm | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 1.8h | € 81–€ 135 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kickdown Cable | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Overdrive Solenoid | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Shift Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Shift Linkage | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Transmission Control Module | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Transmission Cooler Lines | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Transmission Filter | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (3)
NHTSA 94V135000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Brake Fluid Low Warning › Lamp
Date: 25/07/1994
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER DROPS SUFFICIENTLY TO ACTIVATE THE LOW LEVEL SWITCH DUE TO AN IMPROPERLY WIRED DIODE, REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."
NHTSA 95V103002
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Date: 24/05/1995
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
NHTSA 95V103002
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Date: 24/05/1995
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0441
EVAP Incorrect Purge Flow
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Powertrain
P0174
System Too Lean Bank 2
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1448
powertrain
LOWP1446
powertrain
MODERATEP1402
powertrain
MODERATEP1220
powertrain
HIGHP1168
powertrain
HIGHP1148
powertrain
HIGHP1145
powertrain
MODERATEP1140
powertrain
MODERATEP1126
powertrain
MODERATEP1760
powertrain
HIGHP1701
powertrain
MODERATEP1217
powertrain
CRITICALP1210
powertrain
MODERATEP1490
powertrain
LOWP1706
powertrain
HIGHP1135
powertrain
HIGHP1105
powertrain
MODERATEP1447
powertrain
LOWP1440
powertrain
LOWP1550
powertrain
MODERATE
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
160 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Nissan 240Sx across model years 1990–1998. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
20 crash reports 6 fires 9 injuries 3 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199566
Model year 199043
Model year 199614
Model year 199310
Model year 19919
Model year 19929
Model year 19976
Model year 19942
Most reported components (all years)
Fuel System44
Gasoline39
Air Bags22
Service Brakes15
Hydraulic15
Seat Belts14
Sample reports
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE SMELT WIRES BURNING. CONSUMER PARK THE VEHICLE FOR THE NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY THE CONSUMER TRIED TO JUMP START VEHICLE. THEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS (MY 1995)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1991 NISSAN 240 SX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS INOPERABLE. HE CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY BOTH DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NO… (MY 1991)
SEATS ARE HARD TO SIT, MOVE/SLIDE BACK AND FORTH. *AK (MY 1995)
TOOK CAR TO REPAIR SHOP FOR THE MASTER CYLINDER, THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK (MY 1990)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1990–1998.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Nissan 240sx have any safety recalls?
Yes — 3 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Nissan 240sx?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Nissan 240sx?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Nissan 240sx?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are electrical problems common on the Nissan 240sx?
Yes — 15 of 133 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “WAS COMING TO A LIGHT, TOOK FOOT OFF GAS, AND RPMS DROPPED TO 1800. WHEN TAKEN VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR, RPMS WOULD JUMP UP OVER 1800 & THEN SLOWLY DECREASE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP 5 OR 6 TIMES FOR PROBLEM. ME…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are airbags problems common on the Nissan 240sx?
Yes — 19 of 133 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the airbags. One owner reported: “TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN 240SX. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING A FEW YEARS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE LIGHT DID…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are fuel system problems common on the Nissan 240sx?
Yes — 44 of 133 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the fuel system. One owner reported: “I HAVE PURCHASED THIS AUTO APRIL 20, 2005. I DROVE IT FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS. THEN AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE EMITTED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTM…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What is the right battery for the Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998)?
The battery specified for the Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998) is group 35 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 550A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
What engine oil should I use on the Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998)?
The engine oil specification for the Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998) is Nissan Genuine 5W-30. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Bookmark this page to consult it at the workshop or when buying parts. TroubleAtlas updates its technical data continuously — check back for new information on the Nissan 240Sx (1990–1998).