A vehicle's engine timing belt operates the valves' timing. The cam shaft pulley powers the timing belt. The pulley keeps the engine's internal components smoothly working by controlling the valves to open and close at the proper time. The Nissan Frontier's timing belt rarely needs adjusting as the engine position sensor controls monitor it. A timing light device, however, is a great tool for determining belt tensions if it needs to be adjusted.
Look at the engine's lower front to locate the crankshaft pulley. Remove any debris on the pulley and the timing belt to expose the imprinted arrows.
Start the engine with the transmission in "neutral" and keep the throttle at 2,000 rpm. Do not release the hand brake.
Wait until the engine get to its normal operating temperature which should take about two minutes in fair weather. Meanwhile, turn off all the accessories such as the air conditioner and radio.
Idle the engine at its normal rpm for one minute, then press the accelerator three times for one second each.
Keep the engine running while attaching the timing light device to the battery and the first ignition cable found at engine's passenger side.
Determine the adjustment tension needed by aiming the timing light at the crankshaft pulley.
Use a wrench to loosen the distributor mounting bolts, adjusting them slowly until the timing arrows lines up with the center line on the timing light.
Tighten the distributor mounting bolts. Inspect the timing on the pulley and the belt to make sure the distributor is stationary during tightening of the bolts.
Turn off the engine and detach the timing light. Press the ignition cable back into place.
