1997 Nissan Pathfinder: Cutting out

[krisrhei]

My problem is not consistent. However, this has been happening for 6 days. It seems after driving a long distance, it begins to cutout, while accelerating and idling. Now the SEL is on. In the past, I have had the SEL come on with O2 sensor problems. However, I have never replaced it. It remains intermittent. Is it the sensor, the fuel pump, etc?

[krisrhei]

I checked the error code for the SEL. I have misplaced my manual, so maybe someone with one can help. At first, the light blinked 4 long and 3 short. I turned the switch fully CW and then fully CCW. Then it went to 5 long and 5 short. Now the light is out. But I am not so sure the SEL and the cutting out are related. Any ideas?

[180fan]

I'm assuming you meant CEL for Check Engine Light codes? If you pulled up a 43, that's the TPS.

[krisrhei]

You are correct, I meant the CEL. TPS? Help me out here, I 'm not thinking straight. And it was a 43 first then a 55. Now the light is off and the cutting out has gone away. Any ideas?

[krisrhei]

180fan, can you help me out here? It quit cutting out, but I'm sure when I go on my next long trip, it will start up again.

[NISTECH]

Erasing a code wont stop an existing problem. Kinda odd though that it went away. There have been issues with the tps on that year pathfinder but its not something to cause a run problem as your describing. It usually just throws a code for trans shift problems. but No problem is ever felt by the operator.

Is there any way you could give a more desriptive symptom list?

[krisrhei]

At the end of that trip, at cruise, idle, and acceleration, the RPMs would fluctuate. For example, at idle, with normal idle at 800-1000, it would make its way up to 1500-1700 over the course of 2-3 seconds, stay there for 5 seconds or so, and then make its way back down. When driving or accelerating, it would cause the vehicle to jolt as if your foot had slipped off of the accelerator or the clutch. The engine never showed signs of overheating. I have owned the vehicle for 7 years, it's 9 years old, and I don't think the spark plugs have ever been changed. Could this cause this problem? At first I thought it was the fuel filter, but it was replaced about 1 1/2 year ago. Maybe the fuel pump?

[NISTECH]

Hmm just by your descrption this may very well be a TPS problem. This does occur but not all that often on pathfinder. What I suspect is happening is the hard idle contacts are going off and on. When the contacts open the injector pulse width and idle air valve increase, this will cause the idle to climb as your desribing. The jolting your feeling is likely the trans switching gears when ity sees the contacts close thinking your decelerating. Replace the TPS and have it adjusted properly.

Still odd the problem went away when you cleared the code.

[AZhitman]

Had a very similar problem in my 97 Pathy, it was a bad MAF.

[tiger]

my brother had a problem like that in his stanza... might as well take a look at the plugs too if you haven't in a while.. bad plugs can cause that jerk that you're describing.

[krisrhei]

I will take at a look at these things and get back with you. Thank you all for your help.