intermitant starting and stall when braking

[markdickinson]

Hi all,

Need help!

I just got a used 2004 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4x4, 177,000 miles. It is not starting intermitantly, but started for me this morning when I put it in neutral? Also, it is stalling when hard braking?

What is needing fixed and are they related issues?

[atraudes]

Welcome to Nico!

What flavor of not starting are you getting? Click and no crank, crank and starting, no click and no crank, crank and sputtering, etc.

Also, does it stall when you brake hard every time (is it reproducible) or is it intermittent?

[markdickinson]

sorry for not adding more info.

when starting there is no noise, the dash panel does light up and radio turns on. Also, security light turns off. starts immediately if automatic trans in neutral.

The stall does happen every time i brake hard. But it does start immediately after.

[atraudes]

No sweat, sometimes it's hard to know where to start

Offhand, it sounds like the neutral safety switch is causing your no start problem. Give this thread a read as the OP was having the same problem. It'll give you some ideas on what to check and other possibilities.

As far as the stalling goes, I don't think the two issues are related. It's possible, but I wouldn't start there. There are quite a few things that could cause this, but here's a few quick and cheap suggestions. Post back if you have questions on any of them.

- Check your battery connection points, specifically ground. If they're loose, crusted over, or otherwise suspect, address them. This could also cause or lend to your no start problem. Also check that the battery is secured and not moving around.
- Check for vacuum leaks. The easiest way to do this is stick your head under the hood while the engine's running and listen for hissing. Move your head around and listen to different areas. Flex the intake ducting and see if there are any cracks or splits.
- Try cleaning your IACV (idle air control valve). The Engine Control section of the FSM should have the info you need to do this.
- Clean your throttle body if it's showing carbon buildup.
- If your fuel filter is overdue to be changed, do that.

Give those things a try and let us know how it goes!

[neato]

My wife's 2008 PF don't have any starting issues but sometimes when we stop say at a stop sign or light the rpms drop almost to where the engine almost quit running, but then it revs back up and works fine. I cleaned the throttle body and have used fuel additives but nothing have changed, the PF has 135k miles atm.

[markdickinson]

Thank you atraudes! Great info.

Good news...I think the stalling was just because low transmission fluid, I mis-read the dipstick. Seems to ok now.

Not starting is still persisting and I think it might be neutral safety switch too. Do you know where then switch is on my model? Is it in engine compartment or under shifter console?

[atraudes]

If the transmission fluid was low, I would expect it to rev high and slip into a neutral state, but I'd hate to look that gift horse in the mouth if it works!

You should be able to find everything you need for the neutral safety switch in the Engine Control section of the FSM, which calls it a "park/neutral position switch". Check out page EC-663.

[markdickinson]

Thank you atraudes! I think I need to take it to mechanic now, beyond my expertise.