01 PF runs rough and putputs

[bikerguy06]

hey guys, so i have a 2001 pathfinder that has never let me down.
it has 170k miles, and drove flawlessly for the last 30k i've owned it.
a couple days ago it started to run rought and putput on occasion (sounded like a misfire)
then it became more common, and now it sounds like a tractor whenever it runs.
scanned the codes, and came back with
p1320
p0302
p0100

misfire in cylinder 2.
pulled the coil and plug out, and grounded the plug while i had someone crank the car. seemed to spark fine.
checked the TB, wasn't dirty.
checked air filter. also fine.

Question here, could the coil still be causing this just from being weak? how far should it arch when i test?
also, how does one properly "clean" the MAF

[Towncivilian]

What is the manufacturing date of your Pathfinder? 2001.0 model years seem to be plagued with coil pack issues. You're lucky to have a specific cylinder misfire code - all you probably need to do is replace coil pack #2. OEM coil packs are $89 each on Courtesy Parts, but I'll need the manufacturing date to be able to link to the specific one your engine needs.

To clean the MAF sensor, see here. I hope it'll solve the P100 (MAFS) code.

[bikerguy06]

i was also thinking the coil is the culprit here. is there a more accurate way to test the coil?
i already pulled it out, put a plug in it, grounded the plug and cranked the engine.
the plug sparks. not much but it sparks.

[Towncivilian]

See page EC-506 for a diagnosis procedure. Somewhere in there is checking resistance for the coil pack, I think.

The spark plugs have a 105k mile replacement interval. How many miles do you have on your Pathfinder?

I still need the manufacturing date of your PF. It can be found on the driver's door jamb sticker.

[bikerguy06]

schweeetness!!!
that file is awseome. judging from that, seems that the green red colored wire on coil #2 should be reading and ouput voltage of .1-.2 at idle, and .1-.3 at 2500rpm. digging out the voltmeter right now to check on this.
also, sticker reveals manufacture date of 11/00. i think that the post 08/00 already have the revised coils correct?
Suppose i'll ride my bike to napa to pick up some plugs and maf cleaner. lovely in 5" of snow!!

[Towncivilian]

You can obtain 6 NGK PLFR5A-11 (6240) spark plugs for $40.54 + tax at Advance Auto Parts if you order online with discount code RETMENOT123 and pick-up in store. MAF cleaner is sold at AAP, too. There is a guide on changing spark plugs here if you need it.

[bikerguy06]

are the NGK PLFR5A-11's the only ones i can use?

[Towncivilian]

They are the OEM plugs specified in the factory service manual. I would suggest them - the interval is 105k miles with them, for a cost of $41 for 6 new plugs it ultimately isn't that much.

[Chuck Tribolet]

Is the #2 coil pack the same as some other coil pack on the engine? If so, swap them and see if the bug moves.


Chuck

[Towncivilian]

Is the #2 coil pack the same as some other coil pack on the engine? If so, swap them and see if the bug moves.


Chuck

Only coil pack #1 is different on 2001 VQs. And I should have thought of that, but I blame getting only 4 hours of sleep last night.

[bikerguy06]

ok, its been a few days. finally got some time to swap the coils around again. nothing. still shows a misfire on cyl 2. this leads me to believe the coils aren't bad. wouldn't the cyl 2 misfire code move to , say cyl. 5 if i swapped those coils?
anyhow, decided to take the car to a local "pro" shop. got a call today telling me that i need to replace 2 coils before they can go further :/
i guess i'll order 2 coils, but seems like i'm chasing ghosts here. could it possibly be a fuel related issue or injector throwing the misfire cyl 2 code?