01 pathfinder dies at red light but fires up no problem??

[stoic_machine]

Through out the day today every once in a while my 01 pathfinder while sitting at a red light would just die. It's not sputtering out or anything that would make me think fuel system. It basically sits there then all of sudden the revs drop and truck dies, I am able to fire it right back up with no problem right after and it drives away just fine.

I took it in to have it hooked up to the diagnostic computer but mechanics couldn't find anything wrong with it and when we drove around it wouldn't do it for me (typical car). Has anyone else dealt with anything like this before? Or is this just gonna be one of those typical random electric bugs that comes and goes?

Thanks for your help guys!

[Towncivilian]

What is the manufacturing date of your Pathfinder? You can find this on the driver door jamb sticker.

Does the "service engine soon" bulb illuminate with the ignition set to "ON"?

Loosen and retighten ground screws:

[Buzzman]

Haven't had this problem with my Pathfinder, but did have a similar problem with an older Plymouth Voyager.
Turned out the problem was a weak/failing fuel pump.
I'm going to suggest you test your fuel pressure, and, if you haven't replaced your fuel filter in a while (or ever), do that as well.
Keep us posted.

[cps2001path]

I have been chasing this exact problem with my '01. I have replaced the following: fuel pump, fuel filter, ALL O2 sensors, ALL plugs, ALL coils, ALL cam position sensors, crank position sensors. Had ECU reprogrammed and updated at dealer. Runs great while at speed. Some hesitation during WOT or hard acceleration. But dies almost immediately at traffic stops. Wish we could figure this out. I have P1320 code (misfire).

[Towncivilian]

What is the manufacturing date of your Pathfinder (found on the driver door jamb sticker)? Is P1320 the only engine code?

Measure the resistance of the engine coolant temperature sensor; see page EC-175 of the factory service manual for reference resistance values and the prior page for the wiring harness location.

[cps2001path]

Build Date: 06/00. Yes 1320 is the only code. Not sure wher the ECTS is located but judging by my Haynes manual, it appears to be located in a pipe between the engine and the firewall that is not accessible without removing the intakes. IS this correct?

[Towncivilian]

You have a 2001.0 Pathfinder, which is more prone to coil pack issues. Were your coil packs replaced with OEM or Hitachi brand parts?

The Hayne's manual is not that great. Download a copy of the factory service manual; to save a copy of the FSM, right click -> Save As on every PDF, save them into a single folder, then use fwd.pdf to navigate.

Page EC-174 of the FSM shows the location of the harness; it is easily accessible on the passenger side of the engine.

[cps2001path]

Pretty sure I did the BECK/ARNLEY coil packs from Rock Auto. Also replaced the plugs with factory NGK's at the same time.

[Towncivilian]

Beck/Arnley parts should be good, and NGK plugs are great of course.

Have you tried loosening and retightening ground screws as pictured in my first reply?

[cps2001path]

not yet

[cps2001path]

So the picture on page 174 shows a connector and a device mounetd to a bracket. Then the picture on page 175 shows a device that would appear to bolt into a water passage or intake or something with a tapped boss. I'm confused (easily done).

[cps2001path]

Did the loosen and retighten engine ground strap suggestion...same problem persists. looked again at the area indicated on page 174 and on my vehicle, those connectors go to the O2 sensors.

[cps2001path]

I have the 3.5L V6 BTW.

[cps2001path]

Any other thoughts on this?

[Towncivilian]

I believe the coolant temperature sensor harness may be behind the two O2 sensor plugs. I will try to take a look later on my Pathfinder.

P1320 is the only current engine code, correct? There have not been any cylinder misfire codes?

Try cleaning the MAF sensor. Use MAF sensor cleaner spray only. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before disconnecting its harness. The MAF is secured by 2 T20 tamper-resistant Torx screws.

[cps2001path]

Correct on codes.

Will pick up some MAF cleaner this afternoon. Thanks for all your help BTW.

[cps2001path]

Well for those interested in possibly fixing this problem, dont do as I hae done and chase this ghost for two years by replacing everything in the emission system. Start by cleaning the MAF sensor. Even though I have never got a SES code for teh MAF, today I followed Towncivilian's suggestion by cleraning the MAF. The truck runs, accelerates, and idles better than it has in two years. Funny how a $6 bottle of cleaner could have saved roughly $1K plus all my time and effort.

Thanks for the help. Hopefully it will continue to perform as is. Now onto the head gaskets. Not looking forward to that.

Oh and if any of you are chasing the dreaded Pathfinder "Death Wobble", replacing the rear control arms definitely corrects that problem. That was todays other task. And as cheap as the complete arms are from Rock Auto I wouldnt bother wasting the time of pressing in out new bushings. IMO.

[Towncivilian]

Glad to hear that fixed it! If the code reappears, I'd be inclined to replace the MAF sensor. Luckily a new OEM one is only $89. Though it is a Maxima MAF, many members here have used it with success - it's certainly cheaper than the $442 Pathfinder OEM MAF.