2000 QX4 engine dies when in gear or in park..with Video!

[Brewcity]

Thanks...and thanks for all the help...your my only support on this!!

[Brewcity]

Well...I replaced the Engine Coolant Temp sensor...and it died on me at a stop light again today.
I have NO idea whats going on! Some forums say to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor...others say to relearn the Idle Air Control Valve...but I dont know how to do this, and dont have a code reader.
Any other suggestions...it doesnt happen until the engine is warm.
Thanks!

[Towncivilian]

Your engine does not control idle via ECM. Try to follow the service procedure as best you can on EC-42 to check ignition timing, idle speed, and idle mixture ratio.

The crankshaft position sensor is a possibility, I've read of instances similar to yours where replacing the CKPS fixes things. Luckily they are easy to change out if all else fails and not terribly expensive.

[Brewcity]

Your engine does not control idle via ECM. Try to follow the service procedure as best you can on EC-42 to check ignition timing, idle speed, and idle mixture ratio.

The crankshaft position sensor is a possibility, I've read of instances similar to yours where replacing the CKPS fixes things. Luckily they are easy to change out if all else fails and not terribly expensive.

I'll try to replace the Crankshaft position sensor tomorrow and report back.
I dont have any code readers to perform the service procedures you mention, nor have a timing light...that kind of stuff is a little over my head.
I'll report back about the Crankshaft postion sensor tomorrow.
It does mention about the IACV in those procedures, and to replace if necessary. I am not sure what you mean by "Your engine does not control idle via ECM". If the IACV goes bad, does that not make the ECM go bad as well?
I really dont know much about this engine at all...just relaying what I have read.
Thanks again for ALL the help!

[Towncivilian]

It's possible to follow the majority of that guide without a scan tool, you just need a voltmeter to check voltages and resistances, and I'm fairly sure an auto parts store will lend a timing light. If the IACV is bad, idle speed will be affected, but it will not harm the ECM.

[Brewcity]

OK...i just went outside to do what the service procedure sai to do to "Check ignition timing"...I rev'ed the engine to 2000 RPM's for 2 minutes...then 3 quick rev's to 3000 RPM's...then let it idle, and turned off the car.
I then disconnected the Throttle Position Sensor, and started the car and let it idle...it died after about 10 seconds.
I then reconnected the TPS, and started the car...it sat at idle around 900 RPM...then dropped to about 500...thought it was going to die...but then it jumped up to 1500 RPM...then idled down to 900...then dropped to 500, almost died again...then shot back up....then back down, an then it died.
So...could I have a faulty TPS? What about a faulty or failing fuel pump? Is the fuel pump in the tank?
Thanks for the help!!

[Brewcity]

Does anyone have a real picture of the crankshaft position sensor? I cant, for the life of me, find it on my truck.
I have been underneath by the bell housing, and have not been able to identify or find it.
Also...is it hard to replace once I DO find it?
Thanks again for the help!!

[Towncivilian]

I'm not exactly sure how to interpret your results after disconnecting the TPS.

This is the best diagram I could find of the CKPS, but I assume you've already seen it:



As far as I know, it's just held in by one bolt. There may be a heat shield over its exterior.

[Brewcity]

I'm not exactly sure how to interpret your results after disconnecting the TPS.

This is the best diagram I could find of the CKPS, but I assume you've already seen it:



As far as I know, it's just held in by one bolt. There may be a heat shield over its exterior.

Yep...thats the one I saw...I cant seem to locate it on my QX4...its driving me nuts!!
Is it on the drivers side (right) or the passengers side (left) if looking directly at the engine from the front of the car? I dont see anything even close to what the picture looks like. Maybe it cant be accessed on the 2000 QX4...because if it is in the position of the picture...there is no way to get to the top of the bell housing.

[Towncivilian]

I wish I could help. My Pathfinder has a VQ35DE and your QX4 has a VG33E, so the setup is different. Hopefully someone will provide a picture soon.

It looks like the sensor is on the driver's side of the vehicle. Perhaps try looking for through the engine bay?

[Brewcity]

I wish I could help. My Pathfinder has a VQ35DE and your QX4 has a VG33E, so the setup is different. Hopefully someone will provide a picture soon.

It looks like the sensor is on the driver's side of the vehicle. Perhaps try looking for through the engine bay?

Well...thanks for ALL the help thus far...I do appreicate it.

[Brewcity]

OK...heres an update...I let it idle in park after a cold start and the battery disconnected for the night, and it died right away.
I then started it again...and rev'ed the engine to 2000 RPMs for 2 minutes...then let the idle drop.
I then rev'ed it up to 3000 RPM in 3 short burst...then let it sit at idle (which, by the way is at 1000RPM), and it sat at idle for about 20 minutes...then died.
Thought this may be helpful.

[Brewcity]

Can anyone point me to the IACV please?
I looked for it under the throttle body, but it doesnt seem to be correct.
The pictures of a new IACV looks like it has two connectors, and nothing under the throttle body has that.
Does someone have a real picture of it?
Thanks!

[Brewcity]

Here is a video of what is happening with my 2000 3.3L QX4:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf_6UoXtSWw

[Brewcity]

Well guys...I give. Just replaced the throttle postion sensor...still dies.
It actually wont even start anymore...so having it towed to the dealed to take it up the a**.
I'll report back with what they have to say.
Thanks for ALL the help.

[Brewcity]

UPDATE: I took it in to the dealer....they said it was a cracked housing to the throttle body that was causing a leak. They replaced it, and relearned everything, and said it should be good.
I pick it up tonight...$230 for everything including the diagnostics, parts, and labor. Not bad in my opinion...but probably could have done it myself (if I saw the crack) for $35-$50 bucks! Oh well...I just hope it fixes the problem. Though you would like to know the resolution. I'll report back if the problem persists.

[Towncivilian]

Well, that's a strange issue. Never heard of a cracked throttle body housing before! I sure hope this finally fixes your problem.