1998 nissan frontier xe 4 cyl auto misfire cyl #2 engine vibrates like a bad sparkplug when driving

Depending on the sub-model, 2005 - 2012 versions *can* fit. Look for yours in the list below:

• Fit note: Crew Cab Pickup, Extended Cab Pickup

This product fits the following Nissan Frontier submodels

• 2013-2013: Desert Runner; 6 Cyl 4.0L;
• 2011-2013: S; 4 Cyl 2.5L;
• 2011-2013: SL; 6 Cyl 4.0L;
• 2011-2013: SV; 4 Cyl 2.5L;
• 2011-2013: SV; 6 Cyl 4.0L;
• 2009-2013: PRO-4X; 6 Cyl 4.0L;
• 2011-2012: S; 6 Cyl 4.0L;
• 2008-2010: SE; 4 Cyl 2.5L;
• 2005-2010: LE; 6 Cyl 4.0L;
• 2005-2010: SE; 6 Cyl 4.0L;
• 2005-2010: XE; 4 Cyl 2.5L;
• 2005-2008: Nismo Off-Road; 6 Cyl 4.0L;

When calling to inquire or order - tell them the year, make, model (S, SL, SV, LE, SE, XE, etc.) Cab type (crew, extended, etc.) before paying. Have a look at the link below.

2005 2012 Nissan Frontier Tail Light Replacement Driver Side...

misfire, has many cause, i have 50 reason list. for get that.
1: bad engine compression, or other major engine issues. mech.
2:bad spark
3: bad fueling. (too much or too little)

it only takes a few tests to find which it is, and in that order.
above assumes, 13.3 to 14.7v at the EFI system at all times running.
and EGR is not leaking.
what does engine light mean.
are you saying the CEL , check (service) engine light glows running? if yes ? why not scan it and report all DTC codes present. P0300 is random misfire. and P0301 is #1 cyl misfire.
as 2 examples.

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, MISFIRE, #4 MISFIRE, KNOCK SENSOR, THESE ARE YOUR TROUBLE CODES, PO120,PO300, PO304, PO325, RESPECTIVELY, REPLACE THE TPS @ THROTTLE BODY, REPLACE KNOCK SENSOR , @ ENGINE BLOCK, REPLACE YOUR SPARK PLUGS & PLUG WIRES ! AND YOU MUST ALSO REPLACE BOTH YOUR AIR & FUEL FILTERS, DISTRIBUTOR CAP & ROTOR , INSPECT, MAY NEED TO REPLACE, I WOULD ANYWAY !!!!!!!! ADD SOME GOOD FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER TO TANK, NEXT FUEL UP !

You may have a faulty instrument cluseter. Have a service station test the panel for faults.

If there are no symptoms, the simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back.
I know the elm327 plastic 1.4 can help you reset the code....
If there are symptoms such as the engine is stumbling or hesitating, check all wiring and connectors that lead to the cylinders (i.e. spark plugs). Depending on how long the ignition components have been in the car, it may be a good idea to replace them as part of your regular maintenance schedule. I would suggest spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor (if applicable). Otherwise, check the coils (a.k.a. coil packs). In some cases, the catalytic converter has gone bad. If you smell rotten eggs in the exhaust, your cat converter needs to be replaced. I've also heard in other cases the problems were faulty fuel injectors.

Cylinder #2 is the the second spark plug counting from the right to left.
EX.Below are spark plug on engine
engine
-------------------------------
' (oil cap) '
' (4) (3) (2) (1) '
'_________________'

Your misfire can be cause by couple of things but the cheapest way that you can try to fix your car is to do a tune up by replacing:
1)all spark plugs
2)do a oil change
3)spark plug wires
3)distributor cap and rotor

note misfire can be cause by:
1.bad gas
2.spark plug and/or wire
3.distributor cap and/or rotor
4.valve adjustment
5.injector
6.off timing
7.ECM
8.bad wiring(power, ground or feed line)

When your check engine light flashes, it means there is a serious problem. When you tested the code, is that when you got the misfire code?

your feeling what Nissan refers to as limp mode (also known as fail safe ) Nissan computer strategy is when its detects a computer sensor (that could cause engine damage)has failed,or your engine for any other reason is running in a way that could cause severe engine damage is to make your engine run at limited rpm until the concern is repaired,I would assume your check engine light must be on, if not the bulb in the dash may be bad, anyways the best route is to have the engine control module scan for trouble codes which will get you headed in the right direction.

did you check to verify that you have the wires in the correct order possible distributor pick up bad

the coil is inside the distributor under the cap.