Cylinder 3 is the third cylinder from the front of the engine in the Versa’s inline-4 MR18DE powerplant, and its ignition coil is the third coil from the front on the valve cover.
In the 2009 Versa, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is arranged in a single row beneath the hood. The cylinder numbers run from the front of the engine toward the firewall, so cylinder 3 sits toward the center of the row. Knowing this helps when performing maintenance tasks such as spark plug or coil work.
Understanding cylinder numbering
The following list explains how cylinders are ordered in a typical inline-4 engine like the MR18DE found in the Versa.
- Cylinder 1 is the front-most cylinder, closest to the timing belt/chain side of the engine.
- Cylinder 2 is directly behind it in the same row.
- Cylinder 3 is the third in line, toward the center of the engine.
- Cylinder 4 is the rearmost cylinder, nearest the firewall.
With this arrangement, cylinder 3 sits in the middle of the four cylinders, making it the third position from the front when viewed from above.
Locating Cylinder 3 on a 2009 Versa
The Versa uses four ignition coils, one coil per cylinder, mounted on top of the valve cover in a row. Cylinder 3 corresponds to the third coil from the front when facing the engine.
- Park the car on a level surface and open the hood; remove any engine covers if present to access the valve cover and coils.
- Identify the front of the engine: on a transverse FWD Versa, the front is toward the radiator side; the timing belt/chain region is the side you’ll generally see first when you stand in front of the car.
- Locate the four ignition coils on the valve cover; count from the front of the engine toward the rear. The third coil corresponds to cylinder 3.
- For absolute confirmation, refer to the service manual or a labeling diagram on the engine; some models label coil numbers on the coil packs themselves.
- If you’re replacing a plug or coil, disconnect the battery before service and follow proper safety procedures.
These steps help you accurately identify cylinder 3 and its ignition system components on a 2009 Versa.
Safety and maintenance notes
Always disconnect the battery before any ignition system work, and consult a repair guide to confirm coil and plug locations. If in doubt, seek professional assistance to avoid damage to the engine or electrical system.
Summary
In a 2009 Nissan Versa with the MR18DE 1.8L inline-4 engine, Cylinder 3 is the third cylinder from the front of the engine. It shares the same bank as the others and is served by the third ignition coil on the valve cover; use the front-to-back numbering and the coil arrangement to locate it accurately during maintenance.