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NISSAN PULSAR (1990–1994) — Technical Guide, Fault Codes & Maintenance
Built 1990–1994 · all production years covered on this single page
2.0L I4 Turbo SR20DET • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Nissan Pulsar (1990–1994) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost9.0
Parts & repairability7.3
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support3.4
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Nissan Pulsar (1990–1994) 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 Pulsar (1990–1994) uses Nissan Genuine 5W-30 engine oil. Its battery is group 35 (BCI), rated at 550A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 2.0L I4 Turbo SR20DET 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
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.9h
€63 – €81
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
1.0h
€70 – €90
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.5h
€35 – €45
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 | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| ABS Pump | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Brake Booster | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Coolant Flush | 0.9h | € 40–€ 67 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 0.6h | € 27–€ 45 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cooling Fan Clutch | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Airbag - Side | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Alternator | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Alternator Belt | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Amplifier | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Antenna | 0.6h | € 27–€ 45 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Pressure Sensor | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Camshaft R&R | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Downpipe | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| EGR Cooler | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EGR Tube | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EGR Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Fuel Filter | 0.6h | € 27–€ 45 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| AC Compressor | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Condenser | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Evaporator | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Idler Arm | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kickdown Cable | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Overdrive Solenoid | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Cable | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Linkage | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Solenoid - Single | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Solenoids - All | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Torque Converter | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
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 (0)
No official recall verified for this vehicle in the NHTSA database.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
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.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right battery for the Nissan Pulsar (1990–1994)?
The battery specified for the Nissan Pulsar (1990–1994) 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 Pulsar (1990–1994)?
The engine oil specification for the Nissan Pulsar (1990–1994) 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 Pulsar (1990–1994)?
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 Pulsar (1990–1994) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Nissan Pulsar (1990–1994) 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.
Have a specific fault code on your Nissan Pulsar (1990–1994)? Search the code in the OBD2 section of this page or use the full TroubleAtlas DTC database. Need tyres? Compare prices and compatible sizes in the TroubleAtlas comparator.