My poor Pathy is sick! (updated FIXED!!!)

[PBmamaRae]

So several days ago my RPM started jumping & the car stared kicking. It's gotten worse since then. So far I've replaced the MAP sensor, all s.mall vaccume lines to intake manifold. My cracked elbow for the intake, air filter, spark plugs, & fuel filter! Check engine light has been on since I got it 3 years...almost 4? Code was 1105 so that's why I replaced the MAP. Well code went off for while although problem of kicking has not gone away. Came back on & re tested codes. Got 1105 again as well as 0325 for the knock sensor! GRRR Im about ready to take it to Nissan for a stupid $100 diagnostics. Any ideas? Its a 97 with a 3.3L has 184.5k on it. Here are some pics of my cracked elbow and its replacement with new map sensor & vaccume tubes!

[qx4girl]

Hey there! I've been where you're at! Have you replaced or checked the
Evap control vent solenoid? Its located in the charcoal canister. Should be fairly decent priced and takes less than 5 mins to replace. It is what did the trick for me! Good luck!

[PBmamaRae]

Hey there! I've been where you're at! Have you replaced or checked the
Evap control vent solenoid? Its located in the charcoal canister. Should be fairly decent priced and takes less than 5 mins to replace. It is what did the trick for me! Good luck!

Thanks qx4girl! I will check that. It was raining pretty bad today so I was unmotivated to crawl under the car today. I'm also going to take it in the am to Nissan for diagnostics! Hopefully it will be something I can fix myself. I'm getting frustrated & my poor baby is getting worse.

Oh & Don't you love how my power steering canister is the one from the 3.5L AND on the wrong side of the intake manifold! At least according to chilton! LOL

I will keep you guys updated on what Nissan says

[Towncivilian]

The power steering fluid reservoir looks identical for 3.3L and 3.5L models. The 3.3L has it on the driver's side while the 3.5L has it on the passenger's side.

PBmamaRae, please print out a copy of NTB97-001 - 1997 PATHFINDER - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1105 AND-OR DTC P0105 STORED IN THE ECM and give it to your service adviser when you drop off your vehicle at Nissan. It may help speed up the diagnostic procedure for them. OR you can follow the instructions on page EC-278 of the factory service manual by applying voltage to the solenoid valve's terminals to check for air passage (I'd imagine this also causes the valve to click as the TSB describes). If it fails testing, replace the valve with the part indicated in the TSB.

[qx4girl]

I would def test that solenoid before going in. It's a very common thing to go wrong and I am sure yours is original also. But that's just me. You can do whatever it is your car after all curious to see how it turns out!

[PBmamaRae]

OK SO here is the list from Nissan: map solenoid was un plugged?, distributor ring worn, both valve cover gaskets leaking bad, cam seals leaking (water pump & belt), rear main seal, struts noise. Grand total if THEY fixed: $3318.15 +tax can I cry now?

I know that some of this we can do ourselves. I'm not sure HOW the map solenoid was unplugged...according to Nissan I was only supposed to have the boost sensor (map sensor) they couldn't even locate a part to order if I needed it! LOL

Well now I need how to's because I've listed all my mechanical experience with cars...if only I could weld it all better! Harassment

[Towncivilian]

Everything except the unplugged MAP solenoid and maybe the distributor ring wear is a costly and labor intensive fix, unfortunately. I am not familiar with distributors; I am going to hazard a guess that replacing the entire distributor would be in order, but please wait for someone else to chime in before doing so.

The FSM clearly lists the MAP solenoid valve on EC-276, I don't know what Nissan is smoking.

How badly are the various seals and gaskets leaking? If it's just weeping and not leaking like a sieve, try changing to a high mileage oil and running that for several oil change intervals. It may slow or stop the leaks. Also, tighten the valve cover screws (should be able to with a Phillips head screwdriver, if I recall correctly) and that might solve the valve cover gaskets leaking.

Strut noise? Are they worn? Do you hear clunks when going over bumps, etc?

[PBmamaRae]

No clunks or noises when going over bumps at all. I think it was just a bit worn. Hubby has some experience with the gaskets & I've got a couple mechanic friends that can help. The distributor I can do myself....I rebuilt the one that's in there now. It does need a new cap & rotor. I might have an extra ring from the last rebuild.

[PBmamaRae]

OK so I am getting pretty frustrated. Nissan gave me a list of stuff to fix. Mostly seals & gaskets. Nothing that should be causing my issues & it gets worse. I need to fix my baby or I'm going to have to get a new car. She is our only working vehicle! Ugh
So list of troubles are:
Rmp jumping & car jittery
No power to go up inclines
occasionally dies when idle or even driving but no applying enough gas
Running rich & sputtering gas out damn exhaust pipe.

I'm at a loss any ideas? Is it time to call it quits? I'm sad.

[Towncivilian]

Sounds like MAF sensor. Try cleaning it using MAF cleaner spray only.

[PBmamaRae]

Thank you Towncivilian!!! I will try that tomorrow! I really hope that works! I will let you know. I am about in tears...if I cant get her fixed we will have to trade her in and that would mean either a kia soul or a scion xB considering our budget/credit! BLAH I want my Pathy! LOL

[PBmamaRae]

Ok so I think I have a good idea what a huge part of the problem might be. Just pulled the distributor apart so I can exchange my distributor that's warranty. When I got down inside there were metal shavings everywhere & the inner seal was completely gone! I could see the little balls that I shouldn't see. So I'm off to exchange & will keep you updated. Here is a pic of the inside:

[PBmamaRae]

WOO HOOO! I fixed it all by myself! It was the distributor! I replaced it and the spark plug wires. Runs like a champ now!! thanks guys!

[yngw13]

congrats! have a cookie

[Towncivilian]

Great, glad you were able to fix it! Thanks for sharing the fix.

So all engine codes are gone now?

[PBmamaRae]

Yes all codes are gone & the Path drives better than before. Now I need to work on replacing my valve cover gaskets & cam seals with water pump & belt. I think I'm taking it to a shop for the pump & belt Lol. After that we have to get the rear main seal replaced & new struts will be last. I think I'm going to upgrade my shocks & struts at that time. Not sure yet.