Hi all! Guess I am a member now because...

[moseng]

I just bought a beautiful white 2001 Pathfinder LE 4x4 with 70k and already need some help! It's been quite awhile since I owned an off roader. Last one was a 1975 K5 Blazer. I got it stock, lifted it 4", did some engine and exhaust work and had a TON of fun wheelin and repairing/replacing things that broke... until I rolled it... several times... down a BIG hill! So I want some more of that fun LOL!! Maybe minus the rolling.

And the fun starts!! Not even a week after buying it the SES light comes on and it drives like Sh**! Yesterday fine, today not! As soon as I put it into gear it starts to shake and sputter. I'm thinking possibly MAF from what I've read on this forum no? Plus I am thinking the dealer who sold it, tried cleaning it, and/or just cleared the code, and it worked for a couple of days, just long enough to sell it to me! <G> Thing I don't get is it ran fine for a week and all of a sudden, crap! Nothing changed, and yes premium gas.

Anyway, now to my questions.What type (brand/model) of code scanner do you all recommend? How about laptop connected scanners? Do they offer more information?What repair manual(S)? I got Chiltons and Haynes coming but should I spring for Nissans shop manual for that year?Any special tools recommended? For example I plan on changing the plugs, wires, etc and as I've read... the O2's are problematic.

BTW - EXCELLENT forum!!! You folks sure do know A LOT about these toys... I mean vehicles! And thanks in advance for any help!

[slickroger]

I use the most basic of code readers just tells me the code and thats it not sure exactly what your looking for there.

you dont need a special tool for the sparks on your truck because i didnt.

02's are problematic but very easy to replace

welcome to the forum

did you get any codes after the truck started s***tin on your day

[naladude911]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk2ckIS5qss

[moseng]

Thanks for the welcome slickroger! And, no haven't checked for codes yet, just started yesterday. That is why I was asking about a scanner also! I was going to go to one of the chain auto parts stores and see if I can borrow one in the meantime but I'm in California and I "heard" there is some law about that?

[moseng]

Thanks man, brings back (not to fond) memories!

[Densetsu]

OBD-II code scanners illegal in CA? Hmm. Police radio scanners, yes. Code scanners, nope.

You can borrow a code scanner for the time being, but some are as inexpensive as $40 and they pull codes just as well as ones that cost hundreds of dollars. The $40 probably won't give you real-time or freeze-frame data, but 99% of the time you won't need that to diagnose your problem. Either way, code scanners are a reputable and inexpensive tool to have in your toolbox, I'd recommend one.

Welcome to the forums!

[moseng]

Well, just got the codes on my SES issue.

P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire DetectedP1320 ??

Now I am guessing probably a coil?? It did ride ok this morning on the way to the auto parts store. I reset it and we'll see.

Still hoping to hear from some more of you on my questions above!

[moseng]

Thanks Densetsu! I did find out that Autozone a chain store apparently got sued by some of the dealerships for scanning so they stopped! Anyway, "other" parts stores don't seem to have this problem as I went to one and they were more than happy to get me the codes!

FWIW - I have been looking at scanners and I kind of like the idea of saving the data (either on the device or a laptop) and the low ends ones don't do this. So far that's all I can see in addition to what you you said. Is there anything else?

[miamiheat3332]

I bought this about 5 years ago for like 150$ and it works f*ckin great. You can test 0-60 times, 1/4th mile, a buncha other stuff, read sensors, temps, revs, speed etc. and obviously read and turn off SES light.

http://www.digimoto.com/shop.htm

And they probably have even more features now then when i bought mine.

I recommend 100%

I looked thru what they sell now, and this is what i would get if i would be buying one now

http://www.digimoto.com/shop/p....aspx

[moseng]

Thanks for the info. I checked it out and looks pretty good! Wish I didn't need one though if you know what I mean!
Modified by moseng at 7:14 AM 8/28/2009