Nissan Repair: 2002 Sentra GXE, crank angle sensor, nhtsa

Question
My daughter's 2002 Sentra GXE stopped running suddenly while she was driving. The engine will turn over but it won't fire. I checked the fuel pump, it is working with fuel getting to the cylinders. After I replaced the spark plugs I then checked to see if spark was occuring and on all 4 cylinders there is no spark. I know it could happen but I don't believe all four coils are bad. I seem to remember a recall for the crank position sensor on this year model, do you think the crank position sensor is the problem and if so how can I check it?

Answer
Steve,

I bet you are correct in that the crank position sensor is defective.  Check with the dealer to see if there is a service bulletin or recall.  Better yet look it up at nhtsa.gov and go to the service bulletin section and then the recall section.  If the car has under 36K miles you will get one for free if it applies to your year, make and model.  If you are over 36K miles just purchase a crank angle sensor and replace yours.  That would be my first thought on the matter.  You will need the manual to get the correct value to read the resistance and voltage on your year model.  So, go to Nissan's website and for $20 bucks you can download the .pdf files for your car.