My PATHFINDER DIED on highway--please help

[90210]

2000 Pathfinder.
168000 miles
SE model
Automatic
2wd

I service the car at the dealership, all fluids and belts (except for timing) were done at 159K miles, 6 months ago. New shocks/tires, etc.

Today driving my on the highway, doing 80mph, no problems. Suddenly "Engine Service Soon" blinks 3 times, car cuts power down. I go over to emergency lane. I put foot in gas, nothing happens.

Car shuts down. Battery all ok. I tried starting it, it cranks over, but doesn't start.

Engine Service Soon light is on full time. I had the car towed to a shop---they don't open till Monday.

All my friends are suggesting "crank angle sensor, coil pack, distributor," but I trust your knowledge on the forum more.

Any thoughts? Radiator/Oil all ok. No funny noise, no smoke. I am in Los Angeles.

[Towncivilian]

Can you get the codes pulled somehow? Borrow a friend's ODBII scanner?

Blinking SES light indicates misfiring. Was the timing belt done at 105k miles?

[90210]

Thank you for your kind response. Car has been running fine, just so surprised it happened this suddenly. Literally last weekend I took the car on a 800 mile road trip through Mexico. I drive the car 70 miles a day, with 0 issues.



Yes timing belt was done at 100K miles.

On the 2000 pathfinder if timing belt breaks, would there be any indication (if it happened when being driven?)

I won't get to car till Monday, so will check code then

[Chuck Tribolet]

Blinking SES light is VERY significant. It means the computer thinks something is VERY wrong. Pull the codes.

Chuck

[90210]

Yeah I figure it is very significant, thus I took it to the place that services the truck always. (NISSAN DEALER)

I just hope it isn't a very significant repair. If it is over $500, it may be time for the salvation army. I spent 2500$ on the truck last year.

Just getting to a point not worth it anymore

I hope it is a simple fix, as I really like the truck.

[Chuck Tribolet]

A broken timing belt on your engine will result in a lot of nasty noises as the valves contact the cylinders.

Let us know what the dealer finds out. Flashing SES light is VERY uncommon (I can't remember any other being posted here.

Is it possible you ran out of gas?


Chuck

[90210]

Hi Chuck

Wanted to update the thread

No runnning out of gas, truck had full tank.

After all the tests, it seemed "emission related" code was read. Dealer suggested it was the distributor, and replaced it. Says it is fixed and runs fine. I haven't picked it up, as I have been away on business. Will pick it up this week.

[yngw13]

your the 2nd vg33e guy who had his distributor replaced....one of those things you wont know on a OBD reader...hehe...good to know you got it working