Nissan Repair: 1989 Nissan skyline Silhouette 3litre straight 6, crankshaft position sensor, air flow meter

Question
Firstly, I am a pemsioner and can't afford regular repair costs otherwiswe I would. Problem, started the car, it ran, then stopped.  It would turn over engine fine but no hint of starting.  I have determined that there is no spark from coil.  A check of the ECCS unit gives error codes for almost everything! I suspect 1. Power transistor. 2. Ignition coil. 3. Actual ECCS unit.  I read conflicting reports on proper proceedure for checking codes.  Do you switch the ign. on first, after checking, do you turn Ign. off then return the check screw anti-clockwise?  I'm not great with PC computers, so if someone could give me an answer to the above at swler@dodo.com.au i would appreciate it.  The ECCS unit has 2 part No's on it, Nissan Part No. 23710 - J7110 and Bosch Part No. 9 260 060 010.  How can you tell if the ECCS is the problem? Many many thanks to anyone who can help.
Tony Smith

Answer
Tony,

Nine times out of ten it is the ECCS that causes no spark and all of those codes.  A wrecking yard is a good source and since Nissan used bench stock that many automotive manufacturers used is the reason for all the parts.  This will help in getting one from a wrecking yard.  The codes are checked with the key on.  Also, I would disconnect the battery before replacement of the ECCS as they are sensitive to static charges.  This will also reset the computer and you should be fine.  Any other codes that come up will be a seperate issue.  Here is the process for reading the codes.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes - 1987
Nissan
11     Crankshaft Position Sensor
12     Air Flow Meter
13     Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor
21     Ignition Signal
22     Fuel Pump
23     Throttle Valve Switch
31     Load Signal
32     Start Signal
41     Fuel Temperature Sensor
44     System Okay
1.   Verify that diagnostic mode slesctor is turned fully counterclockwise.
2.   Turn ignition switch ON.
3.   Make sure inspection lamps stay on. (Bulb check.)
4.   Turn diagnostic mode selector fully clockwise.
5.   Make sure inspection lamps display code 23 and 31.
6.   Depress accelerator pedal and release.
7.   Make sure inspection lamps display code 31.
8.   Start engine, apply brakes and shift into "D" position.
9.   Make sure inspection lamps display code 31.
10.   Turn a load switch OFF-ON-OFF. (A/C switch, Headlight switch etc.)
11.   Shift into "P".
12.   Make sure inspection lamps display code 44. Any other code is a DTC.