You have to test voltage at the starter fuse with the ignition switch in the "start" position. If the engine is cranking, it doesn't sound like a starter fuse circuit issue. You have to determine if the issue is fuel, ignition or engine mechanical related. Trying spraying some carb cleaner into the engine and then try to start the engine. If the engine fires and runs a couple of seconds and stalls out, it's likely a fuel delivery issue. These vehicles had issues with the circuit corroding and "opening" or developing excessive resistance inside the fuel sending unit, which will keep the fuel pump from running. There was a recall on this issue, so it may pay to check for any open recalls or campaigns on your Xterra. If spraying carb cleaning doesn't result in the engine firing up, then check for spark. No spark conditions on these vehicles are many times due to a bad distributor assembly. Of course, check your fuses and fusible links before spending a couple of hundred dollars or more on a replacement distributor. Genuine Nissan remans are the best to buy and more reliable than the aftermarket. If you have spark and fuel and it's still not starting, check engine compression. A failed compression test usually indicates a stripped or broken timing belt, which should be changed every 6-years or 105,000 miles, whichever comes first.
|