Fuel injector replacement may be considered when a 2007–2012 Nissan Sentra 2.0L MR20DE has a rough idle, hard starting, hesitation or a misfire. Relevant diagnostic codes include P0300 and P0301–P0304 for misfires, P0171 for a lean mixture and P0172 for a rich mixture. These symptoms and codes do not prove an injector has failed. The featured set lists 2009–2012 Sentra fitment only for Federal-emissions vehicles.
This guide focuses on the B16 Sentra. The compatibility table also lists the manufacturer’s Versa, Cube and NV200 applications, but their access procedures are separate. The detailed fastener values and worked repair sequence below come from Nissan’s 2008 Sentra MR20DE service information; check your model-year manual before using those values on another year or model.
Advanced
Fuel-system work plus intake-manifold removal.
4–7 hours
First-time DIY, after diagnosis; allow extra time for brittle connectors.
$100–$280
Four aftermarket injectors, clips, gaskets and small supplies; tools extra.
Fuel-system safety
Work on a cold engine in a well-ventilated area, away from cigarettes, flames, heaters and sparks. Wear splash goggles and suitable chemical gloves for fuel handling. Keep an appropriate extinguisher nearby and control spills immediately. Relieving pressure does not remove all fuel from this returnless system.
Stop if you find an active fuel leak, damaged rail, cracked connector, unsafe wiring or uncertain injector retention. Do not start or drive a leaking vehicle. A flashing check-engine light with severe misfiring also calls for stopping operation and diagnosis. Keep coolant away from children and animals, and collect both fluids for proper disposal.
Featured four-injector set
A-Premium APFI206 fuel injectors, four-piece set — ASIN B0BQVWZZ6V. The catalog describes black gasoline injectors with two blade terminals and included O-rings; mounting/retaining hardware is not included. Listed interchange references include FJ1056, FBY2850, 16600-EN200 and 16600-3TA0A. These references assist comparison; they do not override VIN-specific fitment.
The MR20DE uses multiport fuel injection. Do not apply a gasoline direct-injection high-pressure procedure to this engine. Compare the connector, body length, sealing diameters, retaining features and OE number with the removed part before fitting replacements.
Check the four-piece injector set
Vehicle compatibility and buying checks
| Make / model | Listed years | Listed engine | Important restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Sentra | 2007–2008 | 2.0L four-cylinder | Verify VIN and OE injector reference. |
| Nissan Sentra | 2009–2012 | 2.0L four-cylinder | Federal-emissions models only in this product catalog; check the underhood emissions label. |
| Nissan Versa | 2007–2012 | 1.8L four-cylinder | Not the 1.6L engine. Confirm body style and engine, especially for 2012. |
| Nissan Cube | 2009–2014 | 1.8L four-cylinder | Confirm OE reference and connector before purchase. |
| Nissan NV200 | 2013–2017 | 2.0L four-cylinder | Production through December 2016 only; check the build-date label. |
Use the VIN, engine identification, emissions label and original injector number together. This listing does not establish fitment for the Sentra SE-R 2.5L, Versa 1.6L or later Sentra 1.8L. The NV200 model year alone cannot resolve its production cutoff. Confirm the selected four-piece variation and package contents at checkout.
Diagnose the problem before buying injectors
Save codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything. Note whether the fault occurs cold, hot, at idle or under load. A cylinder-specific misfire can come from a spark plug, ignition coil, wiring or compression problem; a lean code can come from an intake leak or inadequate fuel delivery.
- Inspect first. Look for wet fuel, damaged injector connectors, rubbed wiring, loose intake ducting and disconnected PCV or vacuum hoses. Repair obvious air leaks before judging injector flow.
- Separate ignition and mechanical faults. Inspect the affected plug and coil; use appropriate ignition and compression tests when needed. An injector’s clicking sound alone does not establish correct flow or sealing.
- Test fuel delivery properly. Nissan specifies approximately 350 kPa (51 psi) at idle for the 2008 MR20DE, using its specified inline adapter arrangement. A generic gauge with a Schrader fitting is not automatically a complete test setup.
- Confirm the injector fault. A technician can check wiring, commanded operation and fuel delivery with suitable Nissan-capable equipment. Do not power an injector directly from the battery or spray fuel into an open container as a home flow test.
A four-pack does not make replacement of all four necessary. Replace based on diagnosis, contamination, condition and verified matching specifications. If contamination caused the failure, address its source before installing new injectors.
Tools, parts and supplies
Required items are identified below. Product links select exact tools; the selection notes still apply to your vehicle and personal protective-equipment size.
| Tool or Supply | Exact Product | Product Link | Purpose and Selection Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand tools — required | DEWALT DWMT45425, 142-piece socket/tool set | View DWMT45425 | Metric sockets, ratchet and extensions for access and fasteners. Check socket sizes and reach against your engine; a torque wrench is separate. |
| Fuel connector tool — required | Lisle 39210 Toyota/Nissan main-fuel-line disconnect | View Lisle 39210 | Designed for many 5/16-inch Nissan rail connectors. Confirm that your connector matches this release style; never force a mismatched tool. |
| Fuel-rail/manifold torque wrench — required | TEKTON TRQ51402, 3/8-inch drive, 10–100 ft-lb | View TRQ51402 | Covers the 2008 example’s 14–20 ft-lb fasteners. Use matching drive sockets and the correct scale. |
| Low-torque wrench — required | LEXIVON LX-181, 1/4-inch drive, 20–200 in-lb | View LX-181 | For 49 and 89 in-lb fasteners in the 2008 example. Inch-pounds and foot-pounds are different units. |
| Code reader — diagnostic aid | ANCEL AD310, black basic OBD-II scanner | View AD310 | Record codes, freeze-frame information and supported live data. It does not perform Nissan injector active tests or CONSULT relearns. |
| Eye protection — required | 3M 91252H1-DC-10 chemical-splash goggles | View 3M splash goggles | Protect against residual fuel and coolant splash; ordinary open-sided glasses offer less splash coverage. |
| Chemical gloves — required for fuel handling | Ansell AlphaTec Solvex 37-175, size 8/medium, three pairs | View Solvex 37-175 | Select your correct size and check the manufacturer’s gasoline permeation guidance. Replace contaminated gloves promptly. |
| Wiping supplies — required | Scott 75130 Original shop towels | View Scott 75130 | Catch small drips and clean surrounding surfaces. Keep lint out of fuel passages; fuel-soaked towels need approved waste handling. |
| Fire extinguisher — required | First Alert AUTO5, red, 5-B:C | View First Alert AUTO5 | Keep accessible near the exit. This compact extinguisher is for an incipient fire only; evacuate if fire spreads. |
| Replacement injectors | A-Premium APFI206, four-piece set | View the featured injector set | Match VIN, emissions, OE reference and physical features before opening the fuel system. Listed O-rings are included; retaining hardware is not. |
| Retaining clips and seals — required | Four new VIN-matched injector clips; correct upper/lower O-rings | Select by VIN and OE catalog | Do not reuse clips. Inspect the kit’s eight sealing positions; obtain correct replacement seals if any are damaged, missing or mismatched. |
| Intake and throttle gaskets — required | New gaskets for your exact engine; purge-valve O-ring if removed | Select by VIN and engine | Do not assume Versa, Sentra and NV200 gasket sets interchange. Compare shapes and sealing locations before disassembly. |
| Fluid handling and plugging — required | Gasoline-compatible catch container, approved fuel-waste container, clean port caps and coolant-hose plugs | Select materials rated for each fluid | Use a stable catch container. Keep fuel and coolant separate; household containers and unverified plastic trays are unsuitable. |
| Seal lubricant and coolant — required as needed | Clean new engine oil for O-rings; specified vehicle coolant for any loss | Use the vehicle fluid specification | Apply only a light oil film to seals. Choose coolant by the exact owner’s/service manual; never open a hot cooling system. |
DIY versus professional cost
These are planning estimates in U.S. dollars, not live listing prices, factory labor times or guaranteed shop quotes. The scope is a diagnosed four-injector replacement with manifold access and no broken parts.
| Cost item | DIY planning allowance | Professional planning allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Four aftermarket injectors | $60–$180 | $60–$180; shop-supplied/OE parts may cost more |
| Clips, gaskets and consumables | $40–$100 | $40–$100 |
| Tools if none are owned | About $175–$450 extra | Normally included in labor |
| Diagnosis | Extra if outsourced | About $100–$180 |
| Installation labor | Your time | Illustrative 3–5 hours × $100–$180/hour = $300–$900 |
| Estimated total | $100–$280 with tools owned; $275–$730 buying tools | $500–$1,360 including the diagnosis allowance |
Ask whether a quote includes intake gaskets, new injector clips, diagnosis and post-repair leak checks. Corroded fasteners, damaged fuel connectors or a separate ignition fault change the scope.
Step-by-step Sentra repair overview
1. Prepare and release fuel pressure
Park securely, let the engine cool and identify the correct fuel-pump fuse in the IPDM E/R using the vehicle diagram. For the 2008 manual’s procedure without CONSULT, switch the ignition off, remove that fuse, start the engine and let it stall, then crank two or three more times. Switch off again and leave the fuse out until service is complete. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable after pressure release.
If the engine will not run, or fuel is already leaking, do not keep attempting to start it; arrange controlled pressure relief and repair. Place a fuel-compatible catch container and cloth beneath the connection because residual fuel remains.
2. Disconnect the feed line carefully
Clean around the connection. Remove its protective cap and release the hose from its support clamp. Fit the correct release tool with its sleeve toward the quick connector, push only until the sleeve seats, hold it there and withdraw the connector straight. Avoid side loads, twisting and pulling on the hose. Cap both exposed openings against dirt.
3. Remove the intake manifold for access
Remove the engine cover and label the hoses and electrical connectors you disconnect. The electronic throttle unit has coolant hoses: either drain coolant using the cooling-system procedure or, as Nissan permits for this operation, use correctly sized plugs in the disconnected water hoses to limit loss. Work only when cold. Remove the throttle unit without dropping it, forcing its plate or dismantling its electronics.
Remove the dipstick and cover its guide opening. Disconnect the attached PCV/vacuum connections and harness attachments without straining them. Remove the two manifold support bolts identified A and B in the factory drawing, then release the five main mounting bolts in the factory removal sequence. Lift the manifold away and cover the intake openings immediately. Leave the purge valve attached if removal is unnecessary.
4. Remove the rail and injectors
Unplug the injector connectors by their locks, not their wires. Loosen the rail bolts in reverse of the factory installation order. Lift the rail and injectors straight and evenly; protect the nozzle tips and absorb remaining fuel. On a clean bench, remove each retaining clip and pull its injector straight from the rail. Inspect rail sockets and engine sealing surfaces for scoring, corrosion and debris.
5. Fit new seals and retaining clips
The upper and lower O-rings differ. Nissan’s original 2008 arrangement uses black on the rail side and green on the nozzle side, but aftermarket color alone is not proof of the correct seal. Verify the specified dimensions, material and position.
Use clean, undamaged new seals with a light film of new engine oil. Do not soak them in solvent, stretch, twist or scratch them. Nissan specifies clean bare-hand handling of the O-rings to avoid glove contamination; do this at the clean assembly stage after containing fuel, then use suitable protection again for fuel handling.
Fit a new clip to each injector, matching its cutout to the injector projection. Insert the injector squarely into the rail, align the rail projection with the clip, and confirm the rail flange is captured in the clip’s groove. The injector must not rotate or pull free. Never use mounting bolts to force a resistant injector or misaligned rail into place.
6. Reinstall and use the correct fastener values
Seat the assembly evenly. In the 2008 rail drawing, bolt 1 is at the fuel-inlet end and bolt 2 is the other mounting bolt; tighten in that order. Fit new intake and throttle gaskets with clean grooves and mating surfaces.
| 2008 Sentra MR20DE fastener | Factory value | Application note |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel-rail mounting bolts | 25.5 N·m (19 ft-lb) | Do not confuse these with adjacent bracket bolts. |
| Five main intake-manifold bolts | 27.0 N·m (20 ft-lb) | Follow the main-bolt sequence below. |
| Manifold support bolts A and B | 19.6 N·m (14 ft-lb) | Tighten A, then B, after the main bolts. |
| Electronic throttle-unit bolts | 10.0 N·m (89 in-lb) | New throttle gasket. |
| Engine-cover fasteners | 5.5 N·m (49 in-lb) | Use the low-range wrench. |
With the manifold oriented as in Nissan’s drawing, throttle opening to the right, the five main positions tighten: lower center, upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left. Align the actual part with the factory figure before applying that order. The table covers the 2008 example; obtain the correct fastener drawing for other years and vehicles.
Reconnect every hose, plug and harness attachment. Restore coolant hoses and clamps to their original locations, remove all temporary caps and plugs, and reinstall the dipstick. Push the undamaged fuel quick connector fully into its locked position, check retention with a gentle pull, and refit its cap and support clamp. Restore coolant level using the specified fill/air-bleed procedure if coolant was lost.
7. Check for leaks before and after starting
After closing the system and clearing spills, reinstall the fuel-pump fuse and reconnect the battery. Turn the ignition on without starting and inspect the fuel connection, rail and injector joints. If any fuel appears or its odor persists, switch off and correct the problem after safely relieving pressure again.
Because the throttle connector was disconnected, the 2008 procedure requires throttle-valve closed-position learning: keep the accelerator released, turn ignition on, then off, and wait at least ten seconds while confirming the throttle operating sound. Idle-air-volume learning is additionally required if the throttle unit/ECM was replaced or idle speed is out of specification; use the full Nissan procedure and its prerequisites.
Start only after the stationary fuel-leak check passes. Inspect again at idle and during warm-up, including coolant connections. Never open the hot cooling system. After a safe road test, recheck for pending codes, misfires and leaks; recheck coolant when cold. A continuing misfire means further diagnosis, not repeated code clearing.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring Federal-emissions restrictions or the NV200 production cutoff.
- Replacing injectors because of a misfire code without checking ignition, compression and air leaks.
- Reusing clips, mixing upper/lower seals or tearing a dry O-ring.
- Breaking a connector by forcing the wrong disconnect tool.
- Confusing manifold support torque with main-bolt torque, or in-lb with ft-lb.
- Leaving an intake port plug installed, a vacuum hose disconnected or a coolant hose unclamped.
- Skipping the ignition-on leak inspection or the required throttle learning.
Frequently asked questions
Does the kit fit every 2007–2012 Sentra?
No. It lists the 2.0L application, with Federal-emissions-only coverage for 2009–2012. Verify the VIN and OE reference; the SE-R 2.5L is a different application.
Are the included O-rings everything needed?
No. You also need new retaining clips and the intake/throttle gaskets disturbed by the procedure. Check each seal before use; a damaged supplied O-ring is not reusable.
Can a basic scanner identify the bad injector?
It helps identify the affected cylinder and operating conditions, but it cannot by itself distinguish an injector from ignition, wiring or compression faults. The linked basic reader does not command injector tests.
Can I follow these torque values on a Versa or Cube?
No. Shared injector catalog coverage does not make the engine access, fasteners or learning procedures identical. Use that vehicle’s service information.
Is this a suitable first DIY repair?
Fuel connections, precise seals and manifold reassembly make this an advanced job. If you cannot verify connector retention, torque or pressure relief, use a qualified repair shop.
Sources and further reading
- A-Premium APFI206 product specifications and application catalog.
- A-Premium seller listing with emissions and production restrictions.
- Nissan 2008 Sentra Engine Mechanical manual, reproduced by Manualzilla: MR20DE intake manifold, EM-18–20; fuel injector and rail, EM-33–36. Consult the illustrated fastener locations.
- Nissan 2008 Sentra Engine Control manual, hosted PDF: MR basic service and pressure release, EC-81–85; lean/rich diagnostics, EC-250 onward; misfire diagnosis, EC-275 onward.
- Lisle 39210 manufacturer tool application.