Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Mechanical Inspection: Compression
Check engine mechanical condition using a compression gauge, vacuum gauge or an engine analyzer. If using an engine analyzer, see engine analyzer manual for specific instructions. For specifications, see appropriate COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS table.
| Application | Specification | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Compression Pressure | |||
| Altima | 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Frontier | 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Sentra & 200SX | |||
| 1.6L | 199 psi (14.0 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| 2.0L | 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| 240SX | 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Minimum Compression Pressure | |||
| Altima | 149 psi (10.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Frontier | 149 psi (10.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Sentra & 200SX | |||
| 1.6L | 171 psi (12.0 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| 2.0L | 149 psi (10.5 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| 240SX | 151 psi (10.6 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Maximum Variation | |||
| Between Cylinders | 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm2 ) | ||
| Application | Specification | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Compression Pressure | ||||
| Maxima | 185 psi (13.0 kg/cm2 ) | |||
| Pathfinder, QX4 & Quest | 173 psi (12.2 kg/cm2 ) | |||
| Minimum Compression Pressure (1) | ||||
| Maxima | 142 psi (10.0 kg/cm2 ) | |||
| Pathfinder, QX4 & Quest | 128 psi (9.0 kg/cm2 ) | |||
| Maximum Variation Between Cylinders | 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm2 ) | |||
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.