‘06 Pathfinder electrical issues

[Bigguy3535]

I’m having electrical issues with my ‘06 Pathfinder. All the gauges and lights die, radio stays on. Motor still runs but will not rev when giving it gas. I’ve replaced the IPDM, alternator, & battery didn’t solve the problem. I do hear a click coming from underneath the drivers side of the dash just as everything dies. She starts up every time with no issues. I would really appreciate any input and suggestions. Thank you in advance

[VStar650CL]

See if your ECM relay is crapping out. There was a recall for it on the '05~'06 Pathies and they can do some really weird stuff when the relays get high resistance in the contacts.

[Bigguy3535]

VStar650CL thank you for the reply but shouldn’t the new IPDM already have a new ECM relay? The IPDM was $800+ and took over two months to come in

[VStar650CL]

Sorry, yes. I know the IPDM's are on "intergalactic back order" and I kind of assumed you put in a used one. If it was new then the relay is new as well. This still sounds like a high-resistance issue giving the clicking in the dash, so you might want to try an ignition switch (the electrical portion is cheap and doesn't require replacing the cylinder as most people assume). If that doesn't help then I'm afraid you'll need to go old-school and try to catch it in the act, to track down what parts of the system are losing voltage and whether the problem is with the power or the ground.

[Bigguy3535]

VStar650CL I really appreciate the info. I’ll try replacing the ignition switch. Thank you

[Bigguy3535]

VStar650CL I changed the ignition switch and it was great just driving around the neighborhood for two days but now it’s back to the same issue. Since she always starts up no problem would you think it’s a short or something else? I’m pretty much passed my skill level and am unfortunately left to take it to a shop. I thank you & appreciate all your help. Any suggestions or do you think I should just go to a shop that specializes on electrical?

[VStar650CL]

You've pretty much gone through all the easy culprits, and this will be a hell job even for an electrical shop unless they can catch it in the act. So I'd say try to accumulate some clues that may at least point them at the right tree. One other thing you can do yourself is make sure all your grounds are good. Hit the PG chapter of the manual, there's a whole section devoted to nothing but grounds. You'll find a complete list and drawings of where they all are. I'd get all the ones in the engine box and under the dash, but there are three directly behind and under the battery that are particularly prone to corrosion and failure on R51's. Don't worry about anything aft of the dashboard, that stuff is unlikely to be cause a global issue. If tweaking the grounds doesn't help, try driving the car with a scanner attached to stream the live battery voltage and engine speed data. If the scanner drops out or the ECM goes comatose when it misbehaves, you can be pretty certain there's a problem with the ECM's power or ground. If the ECM stays online then it's more likely the problem is in a subordinate circuit like an ignition relay. If it comes to sending it to a shop, remember that the more clues you can offer them, the more likely they'll be to find an answer.

[Vic33]

I am having a similar issue in my 2007 Pathfinder as Bigguy3535 did. Does anyone know what worked to fix his issue?