1997 Nissan Pathfinder cranking but wont start

[PBmamaRae]

Ugh I need HELP! Ive got a 97 Nissan Pathfinder 6cyl...rear wheel drive. It usually runs really well but this morning when attempting to leave for the day it would NOT turn over! All it would do is go GRRRR GRRR GRRR like it was trying to turn over. We could smell the gas and all my electrical was working just fine. Windows, radio, lights, etc. We tried jumping the car and that didn't work. Hubby pulled the battery out and used his charging thingy and charged it fully. He also filled the oil because it was a little low. My check engine light has been on for a REALLY long time...since I bought the car 3 years ago actually LOL Anyways I need to figure out how to get it running again and fast! Please help!

[sx moneypit]

Sounds like you have a starter problem.
Welcome to NICO!




-Ben

[PBmamaRae]

Well problem solved...mechanic came out and looked at it. Apparently it needs a new ignition coil....its not getting any spark. However that part doesn't come by itself so I have to replace the whole dang distributor! *sigh* There goes $500!

[sx moneypit]

You made it sound as if it wasn't turning over.
Anyway, glad you got it straightened out!




-Ben

[PBmamaRae]

Sorry about that Ben! I'm not very mechanically knowledgeable with cars....I would say I am not mechanically inclined...but I'm a welder so that wouldn't be true! LMAO

Anyway...after I did some research I found out just how easy it will be on my model Pathfinder to switch out the Distributor. I may not even need to replace the full thing because the cap is still good...its just the ignition coil that is inside and it comes apart. So I ordered the distributor from O'Reilly Auto parts down the street. I have a neighbor who is a mechanic and he has agreed to "help" me replace it tomorrow! I am so excited to be working on my own vehicle! LOL I am so glad I found this forums. I will let you guys know how it works out.

[Towncivilian]

Welcome to NICO.

It sounds like you've got things figured out, but if not, let us know! Good luck with the distributor replacement.

[AZhitman]

Welcome home, Rae!

We're here to help with anything you need, so don't be shy about asking.

[PBmamaRae]

Thanks for the welcome guys!

My baby is FIXED!!! My neighbor friend & I actually decided instead of replacing the distributor we took the new one apart and the old one apart and basically rebuilt it. We left the bottom part of the distributor aligned and replaced the insides with the new parts and replaced the cap. It was SO easy and my Pathy is starting up & the idle sounds great too. Sounds like it was just before so I think that it is lined up good. I am going to take it for a test run soon. I had to put my ankle up before making a run. I had surgery on it Jan 31st to repair a tendon...so I am hobbling around in a walking boot!

OH & get this.....so far the check engine light has stayed OFF!!! ROTFLMAO Imagine that!!! Wonder if this has been messed up the last 3 years and its just finally had enough.

[Towncivilian]

My check engine bulb burnt out after about 3-4 years of constantly being lit (turned out to be a couple bad camshaft position sensors), so check that yours is still operational by setting the parking brake and setting the ignition to ON. It should light up solid.

Hope your ankle feels better soon!

[BillyIvy]

I also have a 97 pathfinder, I was driving when it lost power then died, it'll turn over but won't start. I've been told it could be a number of things causing the issue. How can I figure out whats causing it without replacing everything on the list?

[Leo1998]

To me, it seems like the 96-99's when they turn over but won't start? 9/10 times its the distributor. I have 120k on my 98 and looking at the bolt that locks down the distributor, mine looks like its been replaced. I would look there, how many miles? Any codes?

[BillyIvy]

216k on the odometer but supposed to be about 80-90k on the motor and haven't had the codes read yet. I've had it 2 years and know it neads the choke sensor replaced.