Is this the right engine for my pathy?

[Pathfound49]

Every time I go to do a repair on my truck, I see some things that just don't jive. According to the paperwork, I have a 2003 Pathfinder SE. Now most of the time, the parts are the same. But in this case they are not. I'm replacing the crankshaft position sensor. The sensor for an '03 and '04 3.5L are completely different.

Does anyone know how to determine engine year? Is there a code in the vin#?

Any help would be appreciated.

[asnorton44]

Well if you have an 2003 then get a crank sensor for a 2003. You can see them here:

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2003/n ... ensor.html

I just replaced mine a month ago, also in the drivers side door jam you can get your MFG Date atleast.

[Pathfound49]

That's the problem. I did get an '03 crank sensor. The one by the oil pan. It is not the same(i didn't get the wrong part because various websites state so). I looked at an '04 crank sensor, and that is the same as what came out of my engine. I knew my truck was an auction vehicle, but had no idea that an engine swap may have occured sometime before I bought it. Something not normally shown on a carfax report. Thus the question.

And why the difference in sensors? Same 3.5L, right?

[Pathfound49]

Thanks Infiniti. Apparently, there is something regarding manufacturing date that applies to this sensor. Prior to 01/03 was one type, and after was another. I would personally like to thank the Nissan brain trust for that.

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Here's an easy way to see if your engine is for a 2003, if your throttle body is electric and not mechanical then you have the correct engine.

[Pathfound49]

Thanks Pwnin. In the future, date of manufacture will always need to be considered when shopping for replacement parts.