2001 pathfinder running rough for a minute then runs fine

[system_v]

Hello Nicoclub. New forum member here.

I purchased a well cared for 01 pathfinder last year and am now beginning to have an issue where she cranks up fine, but as soon as i throw the car into gear the whole car vibrates hard and runs rough but after a minute will resume running smooth like always. While it runs rough, the check engine light starts flashing, then ends when it runs smooth again. This issue started about a week ago.

After doing some research online, it looks like it might be an emissions issue. Not too sure though. Was hoping for some opinions/advice here. Any ideas?


Truck Specs:
2001 Pathfinder SE
5speed
fairly new clutch & slave
124k miles
the check engine light has been on for 6+ months

[Towncivilian]

A flashing SES light (along with vibration and running rough) indicates cylinder misfiring. Get codes pulled at an AutoZone (they do it for free) and report back.

[ARKQX33V6]

misfire
lean or rich
timing not retarded enough
fuel blockage
enrichener not working
partial plugged EGR or carbon foued
Low battery voltage, low alternator or brushes worn
clutch not releasing totally (try with clutch all the way in, transmission oil wrong or bearing going

[system_v]

A flashing SES light (along with vibration and running rough) indicates cylinder misfiring. Get codes pulled at an AutoZone (they do it for free) and report back.

This sounds like a scary issue. If it is a cyl misfiring, is there normally an easy fix for that? Or, does that mean my engine needs a rebuild/replace?

BTW, it is still giving me the same issue. Tomorrow, I plan on taking it to a mechanic and getting their opinion on the issue and i'll report back. I'm hoping it something easy like a bad catalytic converter or something...

[fleurys]

sounds more like the dreaded coils problem... get the code...you'll know after that.

[tbsbiker2]

I have same year and had same problem...would shudder then I'd shut it off and it would run fine again...eventually it wouldn't run well. I had a bad coil pack (maybe even 2)...so I bit the bullet and replaced all 6 since I wanted to keep the truck for several years and since I was doing one might as well while I had it apart. If this is the same problem for you (the code will tell you) you can try to do the ONE...

[system_v]

Coil pack seems like it might be the problem after reading online. Seems like a fairly simple replacement. Have any of you done this yourself? Time consuming? Is it better to have a mechanic do this? (btw, my car repair skills are limited to me being able to changing oil and flat tires)

[Chuck Tribolet]

I've pulled all the coils off to change spark plugs. The only one that's difficult is #6 as its under a bunch of stuff.

Get the codes pulled and go from there. If the code is P1000 or above, take AutoZone, etc's, description of what it means with
a very large grain of salt. Codes below P1000 are the same for all manufacturers, above P1000 they vary, possibly even within
models from the same mfg. Report the code here and we'll check for you.

Chuck

[system_v]

Will do!

[system_v]

p0160 , p0301b, p1320

Was told cyl. 1 was misfiring most likely due to bad coil pack.

Still havent had it fixed yet, I will prob take it to the nissan dealership on Monday.

[asnorton44]

What color are your coils? Black or grey?

[system_v]

I can't tell what my coil packs are under the hood. I think they're black, but not 100% sure im looking at the right cables.

[asnorton44]

This is an example for coil #1:



I ask because I have two extra coils, but if your cylinder 1 is different the the others and they are grey my coils won't work.

[Chuck Tribolet]

P0160: Rear O2 Sensor, Bank 2 (Driver's side) high voltage.
P0301: Bad coil, #1 cylinder (front cylinder on passenger's side). Are you sure about the "b"? I've never seen a code with a letter after it.
P1320: Ignition signal problem

I'd start by unplugging and replugging the #1 coil. If that doesn't work, replace it. The good news is that it's about the easiest coil to
work on. I've a suspicion that will clear up P0301 and P1320 but not P0160.


Chuck

[system_v]

Thanks guys for all the help.

I will try to unplug and replug the coil and see what that does. Also prob going to try to install a new o2 sensor today aswell. I'll let you guys know happens.

BTW, Chuck - Im not sure about the "B", the mechanic just wrote down those codes real fast on a sticky note after running the codes off my ecu very quickly. He may have just accidently added that on there and not even realized it. I just wrote down exactly what he wrote down on the piece of paper.

[pathymr2]

Whats the significance if they are black or grey? I'm having the same problem with cylinder #4. The dealership was supposed to fix this before I bought the car, however the problem came back. The coil underneath the throttle body is gray, while all the others are black. Is this coil 4? If the coil has been replaced and the problem still persists where do I look next?

[Empty V]

Be careful when buying coils, you need the ones specific to your productions date. For the 2001's there were 2 production runs for both Pathfinders and QX4s and they don't share those dates. Your production date can be found on the driver's side door. 2001 Nissan Pathfinder Coils & 2001 QX4 Coils

[system_v]

Got a nissan/honda mechanic shop replacing my #1 coil pack - $150. They were pretty cool - showed me exactly where the problem is/was, the codes while they were reading them off the ecu, all the diff coil packs, etc. They'll also clear out the ecu for me and see if it throws any new codes.

I'll prob change the o2 sensor myself if if throws that code again.