Help with 3.5L no start

[99Qx4GroundUp]

Hey everyone,

I have a friend with an 2001 Pathy 3.5L with 160k miles.

She was having idle issues (revs from 1500-2500rpms) in Park and Neutral. In Drive/Reverse it would stabilize. I changed out the IACV, MAF sensor, TPS sensor and Fuel Filter. Before I changed the TPS, it idled rough still, but when I would give it throttle, it just bogged down until it would die(if i kept the throttle open). Now after changing the TPS, the vehicle will NOT start, only crank and crank and crank (strong cranks).

When I changed the fuel filter there was gas in the lines, and I can hear the Fuel Pump engage. I don't know where the Fuel Rail is to see if there is any pressure in it. Can someone point me in the right direction?

There is a metal line coming from the drivers side firewall with a green cap on it, when depressed, nothing comes out... Would that be part of the fuel pressure system?

Do I need to do a throttle relearn? if yes, how would I get it started in order to do so? (engine needs to be warm from my understanding...)

Any thoughts or knowledge on these engines? I have a 3.3L so I'm not too familiar with the 3.5L

Thanks a million,

Javin

[99Qx4GroundUp]

Bumpdate

After some troubleshooting, I know that I have spark in the 1st coil, and after spraying some throttle cleaner into the throttle body, I got the car the run for a few seconds, then dies out. depressing the accelerator does not keep it running.

So now my questions are:

1. Do you think it is the Fuel Pressure Regulator or the Fuel Pump?

2. Where is the FPR and FP?

3. Is there any way of replacing the pump without lifting the vehicle? ( I am without my jack and stands)

Cheers.

Javin

[MisterH]

The relearn was a necessity after you swapped out the IACV, so do that first before replacing any more parts. Your situation represents a perfect justification for purchasing one of those Nissan Consult II knock-offs. ( I think Nissan Data scan is one of them though there are others like autoenginuity). For around $200 you would have the ability to do most of the dealer tests and automated diagnostic routines. This will save you lots of time and money if you intend to do most repairs yourself. FYI: you don't need to lift the car to replace the FP or regulator. Fuel pump is inside the gas tank and that's underneath the back seat. There are multiple videos on Youtube that cover the procedure, but I would deal with the relearn first. Good luck

[Rockwood]

The FR or FP probably did not fail while you were working on the truck.

Check the fuel filter. If you put it in backwards, that could be your problem. Use a new one if you did.

Make sure the flashing security light goes out with the key in the on position, and that the check engine light comes on at the same time.

Check all engine / fuel related fuses, including the ones under the hood.

The TPS needs to be adjusted after you install it. If you start having transmission shift problems, that will be the cause. Do the idle relearn after the TPS adjustment.

[99Qx4GroundUp]

The relearn was a necessity after you swapped out the IACV, so do that first before replacing any more parts. Your situation represents a perfect justification for purchasing one of those Nissan Consult II knock-offs. ( I think Nissan Data scan is one of them though there are others like autoenginuity). For around $200 you would have the ability to do most of the dealer tests and automated diagnostic routines. This will save you lots of time and money if you intend to do most repairs yourself. FYI: you don't need to lift the car to replace the FP or regulator. Fuel pump is inside the gas tank and that's underneath the back seat. There are multiple videos on Youtube that cover the procedure, but I would deal with the relearn first. Good luck

@MisterH, do you have or know the instructions for doing the relearn?

The vehicle is not mine, and she needs it for work by tomorrow (rental getting too expensive) or else I would get the Consult II. I may just get one because it would be nice to have either way.

@Rockwood, I am pretty sure the fuel filter is on the correct way, I was having the issues before I changed it though. I just changed it for a miracle fix, no miracles for me lately...

Do you have the throttle relearn instructions as well? I have been looking on some threads trying to find one, but I only seem to be getting years 03-04 relearns and in their below comments it says that it differs from 2001

Thanks again,

Javin

[MisterH]

Have you checked this forum's FAQ's yet? Here's the procedure for 2003-2004 and I can see no reason why it shouldn't work for 2001. :

how-to-ecu-relearning-procedures-t445702.html

After all, it's the same vehicle series (R50) and same drivetrain. What do you have to lose by trying it? The only downside is that it might trigger a CEL, but since the car won't start anyway that's a trivial thing.

[Rockwood]

Ok, so fuel is definitely the problem. Only quick thing I can think of is to get a container and disconnect the output side of the fuel filter. Have someone turn the key to on and see if you get fuel coming out.

I think it runs for a second or so. Good luck!

[99Qx4GroundUp]

@MisterH,

All of these relearns require the vehicle to be running, this one will not run....

Is there a troubleshoot for vehicles that wont start?

Thanks

Javin

[MisterH]

Sorry- of course they do. You might first try the throttle position sensor initial setting which does not require the car to be running.

[99Qx4GroundUp]

Do you happen to have a link for that?

[MisterH]

Do you happen to have a link for that?

It's right there in the instructions I linked to, but I was wrong- the 2001 model year is different. You can find it in the factory service manual under Engine controls (EC ) section. Download the entire manual or that specific section from this site.

http://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual? ... l%20System