1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE (4WD): Engine Stalls

[utfan4554]

Hello, new to the forums.

I drive a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE (4-Wheel Drive). About 2 months ago, my check engine light started coming on. Some of the symptoms I was experiencing were an abnormal idle, stalling (when completely stopped or slowing to a stop), hesitation, and a lack of acceleration. About a month ago, I took it to an Autozone and discovered the codes were for multiple misfires and the knock sensor. I replaced the spark plugs (which were long overdue anyway), then took it to a mechanic who replaced the rotor and cap. Thankfully, this fixed the hesitation and lack of acceleration. It also cleared the multiple misfires error code, and the check engine light has not come on since. However, it did not solve the abnormal idle and stalling. In fact, the engine has now started to stall more frequently. It starts back up with no problem, but in order to prevent it from dying out again, I have to stick it in neutral and hold down the gas pedal every time I stop at a light.

In looking at some of the forums, I’ve now got some ideas on what it could be, but I would sure hate to be shooting around in the dark, spending money on fixing things that don’t necessarily need fixing, only to find out it’s something else. So, I have a few questions:

1. Could a bad knock sensor cause the engine to idle abnormally or stall completely?2. Should a mechanic be able to easily diagnose the problem and fix it (rather than take guesses at what might be wrong and charge me to fix things that may not need fixing)?3. In reading around, it sounds like it could be the MAF or maybe a clogged valve. Is this something that can be easily fixed by a mechanic, and if so, what would you estimate something like this would cost?

I’m not very mechanically inclined, so I will probably have to take it to a mechanic to fix. That being said, I hope someone can provide some answers or at least some direction. Thanks for any and all help. It is greatly appreciated.

Jon

[utfan4554]

Wow, nobody? Am I the only one that has this problem? Someone, please help.

[OOzy9mm]

try cleaning throttle body and recheck ur ecu for codes.. sometimes the codes are pending and the light is not on.......and also clean ur MAf and 02 sensor to see if ur are getting propper air and fuel ratio...good luck

[jaypee221]

hello, i am having the same problem and was just wondering if u figured out what is causing the stalling?? thank u in advance

[Steve92]

Hello, seen this and the discription of my problems pretty much match this so didnt want to start a new thread.

I have a 1992 Maxima doing the samething currently. I have no engine check light on (yes it works, atleast when i start it) and told that its to old to have a pending code.

I'v had the fuel filter, fuel system flush, put engine cleaner(yesterday, not sure how long until i see results its Risolve or something) in it and that hasnt helped really. Mechanic's saying its bad lifters but i'v gotten alot of odd looks when telling my friends that and one said lifts dont go bad.

I'm out of the loop car wise, but ill try to check out the MAF and 02 sensor tonight myself, Just seeing if anyone has some better idea's on what it could be if those arent it.

Thanks for your time, sorry if i posted wrong just eger to get my car fixed(first one in 9 years )

[utfan4554]

My problem ended up being the mass air flow sensor (which I had seen posted in other areas of the forum as the possible culprit). I initially tried replacing the spark plugs, then the distributor (hoping it was something simple and inexpensive). Unfortunately, that didn't do me any good (although replacing the cap initially helped for a day). I finally had to bite the bullet and take it in to a mechanic, who properly diagnosed it. He said would tap the sensor (while the engine was running), and the engine would sputter out. Apparently, it has something to do with an element in the sensor or something like that (sorry, I'm no mechanic). Anyway, it cost me $345.00 to get it replaced, but I haven't had a problem since.