Nissan Repair: 2004 nissan exterra problem, 2004 nissan exterra, autozone

Question
QUESTION: I was going home tonight and my suv just stopped on me.I know it jumped time but I was wondering if you would know if when this happens if it has interference in it?I have someone to fix it for me but I was looking to see what I'm in for.

ANSWER: Rachel,

A 2004 Exterra would not jump timing at this short time.  I would suspect a bad battery or the like at this early stage in it's life.  Check the battery first.  Email me back with what you find.

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QUESTION: I am so sorry my truck is a 2001.My husband knows anough about vehicles to know that that's what happened.It spins over but doesn't start.He was just wondering,which we have a feeling that it has,if when it jumps time does it have interference?He is afraid it probably bent vavles or whatever.I was just wondering how much I was looking into.Sorry about the confusion.

Answer
Rachel,

If the timing belt has broken or the engine has jumped timing you probably have a bent valve or two.  I would first remove the upper inspection cover on the front of the engine and then turn the engine over and see if the cams move.  If so, then you move on to the next step and run the engine over to top dead center to see if the timing marks line up.  That is, the crank is on zero and the cams line up on the marks.  If all of this is correct you are looking at something else.  If you have 90,000 miles or more it would be a timing belt but if not then that should not be the issue.  I would also check for codes to see if there are any.  Since it will not run you can't take it to Autozone or Checker and have them check the codes for free.  So, Wal Mart sells a great scanner for $68 bucks and it reads all cars from 1996 up and clears the codes to boot.  Email me back with what you find.