2001 Pathfinder P1140 - Buying New VTC Sensor Online?

[pathypepo]

Hi

Long story short: 2001 Pathfinder LE 3.5L 4x4 51K miles; SES light; P1140 ODBII code.

After reading all the great entries and FAQs on this board (especially this discussion and this helpful page also found through this board - thanks!) I mustered up the courage to replace the VTC sensor myself. One problem: I can't find it online.

Part numbers 23731-2Y523 and 23731-2Y524 have since been superceded by 23731-2Y52A. But I only have success in the Pinnacle Nissan parts ordering link if I search under the new number (23731-2Y52A) and select Infinity. No results under Nissan.

I'm hesitant to buy it because the descriptions mention 4.5L FX's and m45's. Is it OK for my Pathfinder? Otherwise, can you point me in the right direction? Prefer a genuine Nissan part, of course.

Thanks in advance.

[keelhaul]

I kept getting the same code, so I removed the drivers side sensor and found that there was sludge built up on the metallic face. I wiped it off put it back and it has been good for just about a year now. ( I also checked passenger side sensor but it did not have the same metallic pickup on it)

[pathypepo]

Good suggestion, I'll give it a try.

[pathypepo]

I kept getting the same code, so I removed the drivers side sensor and found that there was sludge built up on the metallic face. I wiped it off put it back and it has been good for just about a year now. ( I also checked passenger side sensor but it did not have the same metallic pickup on it)

A quick update:

Your suggestion worked.

Took some electronic cleaner to the sensor this morning and cleaned it thoroughly. Sure enough, after resetting the code, the SES light was off and stayed off, even after driving around for a bit.

Thanks keelhaul and everyone on this thread.

[pathypepo]

Resolved!

Turns out that the cleaning job didn't hold. Got the SES light again later that day.

Ordered the part from Pinnacle (had to use the Infinity drop down) and installed it yesterday. Drove around last night for about 40 mins with a couple of starts, and again for an hour today and no SES so far.

Thanks everyone for sharing your expertise and saving me a fair amount of money.