The standard firing order for Nissan’s 2.4-liter inline-four engines is 1-3-4-2.
Nissan’s 2.4L family covers a couple of main designs used across various models from the 1990s through the 2010s, notably the KA24DE and QR24DE. The firing order describes the sequence in which spark plugs fire during a four-stroke cycle. While ignition system layouts vary—distributor-based, distributorless, or coil-on-plug—the firing order itself is defined by the engine’s four-cylinder layout and remains consistent for these engines.
2.4L Nissan engines in focus
The two primary 2.4-liter inline-four families often referenced in discussions of Nissan’s 2.4L lineup are KA24DE and QR24DE. For both, the factory ignition sequence is 1-3-4-2.
- KA24DE — 2.4L inline-four used in older Nissan models (e.g., certain 240SXs and pickups) with a DOHC configuration.
- QR24DE — 2.4L inline-four used in later applications, also typically DOHC.
Note: Some markets and model years may differ in ignition hardware, but the standard firing order for these engines is 1-3-4-2. Always check the exact service manual or a labeled engine diagram for your specific vehicle.
Verifying the firing order on your engine
To confirm for your car, consult the owner's or service manual, or inspect the ignition diagram on the engine. If your engine uses a distributor, the spark plug wires will follow the sequence 1-3-4-2 around the distributor cap. If you have coil-on-plug ignition, the coils are arranged to map to the same firing order.
Summary
For Nissan’s 2.4L inline-four engines—KA24DE and QR24DE—the firing order is 1-3-4-2. This sequence governs spark timing across cylinders and is essential when performing timing work or diagnosing misfires. Always verify with the exact model/year manual for your vehicle to account for any regional variations.