2001 pathfinder Won't start.... NEED HELP!

[tasearay]

I have a 2001 Pathfinder LE with a 3.5L. engine. The truck has around 66K miles and has never given me any trouble. Well about 6 months ago it started having issues starting. The problems continued then went away for a few months. Now the problems are back and getting worse. It's completely random and might start fine for a few days then act up, When you turn the key the engine cranks over and over but doesn't fire. If you stop then hit the key and keep on doing that It will start an run just fine. Two weeks ago it stalled while driving for the first time. I had my wife try and start it yesterday while it was acting up. I removed the air filter and shot some carb cleaner in there and the engine fired right up. So I now know it's fuel. Am I safe to assume it's the Fuel pump? or could their be something else to check? No codes or lights are lit on the dash. Also if the pump does need to be replace. How hard is it to replace? does the tank need to be dropped?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide......

[5upra]

right on the nose...fuel pump.

[tasearay]

Thanks for the input. Any idea if the tank needs to be dropped to replace ithe fuel pump? I know in some models their is a removable cover from within the cargo area to gain access. Not sure if this is the case with a pathfinder? has anyone ever replaced one on this truck before?

Thanks

[5upra]

yes I am pretty sure there is a plate that gets bolted over the unit. in passenger trunk area I believe.

[driftingmy240sx]

when the car does not start check to see if the security light is lit. if so you have a key issue. we have been seeing keys lose programming for people with severel high tech gadgets nearby (blue-tooth cell phones, easy pass tags, mobil pay at pump wands, etc.) I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A FUEL PUMP IN A PATHFINDER EVER! check for items that the ecm will stop injector pulse due mising signals.

[tasearay]

Interesting, I never thought of that. The only question I have is when it was acting up and my wife was cranking it over. I was able to start it by spraying carb cleaner into the air duct. Once I stopped the engine went back to cranking over. I then had her push the peddle as I started to spray again and the truck started then kept running. I shut the hood and drove off. Almost as if it lost it's prime! very strange?

[tasearay]

looking for good place and pricing to order fuel pump. Any ideas?

Plus, still hoping someone has put in a fuel pump before and can give me some advise. I need to tackle this project next week and any help would be appreciated.....

Thanks.....

[driftingmy240sx]

remove the rear seat base on the side of the gas door and look under the carpet for a plate that will be held down with 3-4 bolts or plastic clips if you have this plate remove it, disconnect the fuel sending units elec connectors and fuel lines. unbolt the cap and remove sender and fuel pump assm (some senders may need to be disconnected from inside the tank and then removal of the pump from the tank can be achieved) when reinstalling the pump and sender make sure to use a new o-ring as gas will swell the old one and cause a evap leak.

[NM50]

I have seen some ECCS relays fail intermittently and cause this.Only in the R50 Pathfinders.