97 Pathfinder won't start until it has cooled for an hour or 2

[bill834]

Hi,
the Pathfinder will start and run just fine. but once it is warm and you shut it off, it won't start until it has cooled for an hour or 2

History: Had no problems until mice ate the spark plug wires. they were replaced but it would not start. took it to a mechanic who said it was the distributor, replaced it and it ran. then wouldn't start. He said it was a bad distributor and replaced it again. same problem with the second distributor.

He then said there is a sensor under the intake manifold that is the problem and needs to be replaced. Seem $800 is alot to spend to see if he is correct.

Ideas?

Thanks

[PathyPop]

Is your CEL on? Even if not you'd want to check for codes. The sensor under the intake is probably the "knock" sensor. $800 is way too much. After market that part is less than $50 and I think any mechanic could do the job in 3 hours. Not sure if that's your problem, but if you had mice eating your plug wires that sensor is in the same area.

[fueler]

I had the same symptoms in my 95, ended up being a bad starter. It would start when cold, but wouldn't start when hot.

[Blindaviator]

He then said there is a sensor under the intake manifold that is the problem and needs to be replaced. Seem $800 is alot to spend to see if he is correct.

If the sensor under the intake is the same as my 2001 then it is only a knock sensor & that would not prevent it from starting... Seems you need a better mechanic...

You are saying it "doesn't start"... Does that mean you turn the key and nothing happens?? Or you turn the key, the engine turns over but it will not fire?? Can you be more specific??

[MisterH]

Since your problem started after it was discovered that mice had been munching your plug wires I would pursue that angle more thoroughly. It would not be surprising that they chewed on more than just the plug wires. Look for chewed wires leading to other sensors. BTW, it appears to me that your mechanic is just engaging in shotgun diagnoses.

[bill834]

I agree with needing a new mechanic. the car was pulled from them (it is my father in laws) Replacing the distributor twice was what the police call a clue!!

Yes, it turns over just fine, won't start. I will be checking for other mice damage,

Thanks

[Blindaviator]

I would have assumed distributor first thing as well with the symptoms (could have been part of the problem but not the whole issue).

But with mice damage it could be anything now.