1989 Pathfinder spark no spark start no start phantom issue

[My89Pathfinder]

My 89 Pathfinder will sometimes start and run just fine and sometimes will just shut off. It's sporadic. I have replaced a fuel injector, replaced the distributor, checked fuel pressure, spark plugs and wires are good, replaced the Ignition coil, replaced the MAF Sensor, swapped out the ECM, replaced the Alternator, put in a new cylinder head gasket and did an oil change. I'm about ready to throw in the towel because the issue still randomly is happening. Please, if anyone can point me in the right direction on what this phantom issue is... I would truly appreciate it. Thank you.

[mdmellott]

I had an old '91 that acted that way. My current '02 had a similar issue awhile back where it would start most of the time but sometimes it played dead when I turned the ignition key. In both cases, for my Pathfinders, it was due to a worn out ignition switch. The copper rotary contacts in the switch get worn down, dirty, and lose contact over 20+ years of use. It was a simple fix for me since the switch is basically plug and play. For my '02, I took my switch apart and cleaned it up to be sure that was the cause. I cannot recommend doing that because those switches are not meant to be serviced, but I did and it resolved any more sporadic occurrences. I then spent $50 for a new one and replaced it because I knew it wouldn't last.

[My89Pathfinder]

Thanks for the well thought out reply. To be honest I had posted on another Nissan forum with the same issue and someone there suggested it could be the Ignition Switch as well. I was wondering if there is a way to test it before I go out and buy a new one. I'm in Sacramento but used to live in the Bay Area by the way. Thanks for your help.

[My89Pathfinder]

Also, would you recommend I buy the Ignition lock and cylinder switch made by Standard Motor Products that includes new keys or should I buy just the ignition switch? My key is really worn down and I'm wondering if there is a connection here...

[VStar650CL]

Also, would you recommend I buy the Ignition lock and cylinder switch made by Standard Motor Products that includes new keys or should I buy just the ignition switch? My key is really worn down and I'm wondering if there is a connection here...

A worn key may give you problems turning or removing the key, but it's purely mechanical. It will never cause electrical issues. If the cylinder works smoothly then all you need is the switch. Personally I wouldn't trust SMP electrical parts for something critical like the ignition, almost all of the stuff is China-made.

[mdmellott]

Also, would you recommend I buy the Ignition lock and cylinder switch made by Standard Motor Products that includes new keys or should I buy just the ignition switch? My key is really worn down and I'm wondering if there is a connection here...

A worn key may give you problems turning or removing the key, but it's purely mechanical. It will never cause electrical issues. If the cylinder works smoothly then all you need is the switch. Personally I wouldn't trust SMP electrical parts for something critical like the ignition, almost all of the stuff is China-made.

I agree completely. It is tempting to get any number of cheap aftermarket switches at $15 to $20 for this part, which is Nissan part number 48750-01G00 for your '89, but they are not reliable parts. A genuine Nissan part for this critical item is the best way to go.

[My89Pathfinder]

Ok. So there is a loss of spark happening when I rev the engine causing sputtering and shut off. Could the Ignition Switch be causing this? This is frustrating. Someone please help. Thanks!

[mdmellott]

Could be as simple as a corroded negative battery cable ground connection at the engine. "Sputtering", as you say, and then shutting off when you rev the engine isn't a typical ignition switch fault that I am aware of. Either one of the battery cables, if corroded inside the cable insulation, could lead to such an event you just described and there would be no DTC flagged because of it.