Years
The Nissan 240SX was a compact sports coupe and hatchback sold in North America from 1989 to 1998, spanning two generations known internally as the S13 and S14. It served as Nissan's affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car, positioned below the Z cars in the brand's lineup. The model is noted for its lightweight construction, balanced chassis, and durable KA24 four-cylinder engines. These traits made it popular for drifting and grassroots motorsport, though it lacked the turbocharged engines offered in the Japanese-market Silvia.
Manufacturer: Nissan
Nissan Motor Company was founded in Yokohama, Japan, in 1933 and became one of the world's largest automakers, forming a long-standing alliance with Renault beginning in 1999. The company released the Leaf in 2010 as one of the first mass-market electric cars and is also known for the GT-R performance car and its pioneering work with continuously variable transmissions. Nissan's reputation has been mixed in recent years, with its CVTs drawing reliability complaints and the company experiencing financial difficulties and leadership turmoil following the arrest of former chairman Carlos Ghosn in 2018.
Model: 240sx
The Nissan 240SX was a compact sports coupe and hatchback sold in North America from 1989 to 1998, spanning two generations known internally as the S13 and S14. It served as Nissan's affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car, positioned below the Z cars in the brand's lineup. The model is noted for its lightweight construction, balanced chassis, and durable KA24 four-cylinder engines. These traits made it popular for drifting and grassroots motorsport, though it lacked the turbocharged engines offered in the Japanese-market Silvia.
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1989-90The 1989 model year introduced the S13-generation 240SX, replacing the 200SX with the KA24E 2.4-liter single overhead cam four-cylinder engine rated at 140 horsepower, offered as a hatchback or notchback coupe with pop-up headlights. The 1990 model year was largely a carryover with only minor equipment and trim adjustments. Common service considerations for these cars include timing chain and tensioner wear, oil leaks from the valve cover and rear main seals, aging suspension bushings, and cooling system maintenance on high-mileage examples.
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1994The 1994 Nissan 240SX was the final model year of the S13 generation, with few changes from the previous year. It was offered as a hatchback or coupe powered by a 2.4-liter KA24DE four-cylinder engine rated at 155 horsepower. Common service considerations include timing chain wear, oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and rear main seal, and rust in the rear wheel wells and floor pans. Aging suspension bushings and cooling system components also typically require attention on higher-mileage examples.
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1998The 1998 Nissan 240SX was the final model year of the S14 generation sold in the United States, with changes limited to minor carryover updates from 1997. It retained the KA24DE 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Common service considerations include timing chain and guide wear, valve cover gasket oil leaks, and deterioration of aging rubber components such as hoses and belts. Given the car's age, inspection for rust and replacement of worn suspension parts are also typical maintenance items.
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1996The 1996 Nissan 240SX was largely a carryover from the 1995 redesign, with changes limited to minor trim, equipment, and color options. It continued to use the 2.4L KA24DE inline-four, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. High-mileage examples commonly require attention to the valve cover gasket, distributor and ignition components, and the timing chain tensioner, which can produce startup rattle. Due to their age, these cars also typically need inspection of suspension and subframe bushings, brake components, and underbody rust.
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1995The 1995 Nissan 240SX debuted the S14 generation, replacing the S13 with revised body styling, updated suspension tuning, and standard dual airbags. It was offered in base, SE, and LE trims, all powered by a 2.4-liter KA24DE four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Common service items include timing chain tensioner wear, valve cover gasket leaks, and oxygen sensor failures. Older examples may also need attention to suspension bushings, clutch components, and rust repair.
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1997The 1997 Nissan 240SX received a mid-cycle refresh with revised front and rear fascias, updated taillights, and new wheel designs, while the 2.4-liter KA24DE four-cylinder engine carried over unchanged at 155 horsepower. The model was offered only as a coupe, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Common service items on high-mileage examples include timing chain tensioner wear, oil leaks from the valve cover and oil pan gaskets, and worn suspension bushings and struts. Rust in the rocker panels and around the battery tray is also worth inspecting on older cars.
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91-94The 1991-1994 Nissan 240SX (S13) received a revised front fascia and switched from the single-cam KA24E to the dual-overhead-cam KA24DE engine, rated at 155 horsepower. A driver's airbag and updated interior trim were added during this period. Common service items on the KA24DE include timing chain tensioner wear, valve cover gasket oil leaks, and distributor issues. High-mileage examples often require attention to suspension bushings, ball joints, clutch wear on manual-transmission cars, and rust repair in the rear wheel arches and floor pans.
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1989The 1989 Nissan 240SX debuted the S13 generation, replacing the 200SX with a new hatchback body, pop-up headlights, and a 2.4-liter KA24E four-cylinder engine producing about 140 horsepower. It was offered with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Common service items include timing belt replacement, valve cover and oil pan gasket leaks, worn suspension bushings, and rust inspection on older examples. The KA24E engine is generally durable, but neglected maintenance can lead to oil leaks and overheating issues.
Manuals
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180SX SR20DET 180SX_SR20DET.pdf -
1992 240SX Convertible Service Manual Supplement 1992_240SX_Convertible_Service_Manual_Supplement.pdf -
Wiring 240 wiring-240.zip