nissan dies when idling nistech fixed my car before!! hope to do it again

[jcyoung]

hello, i have a 1996 nissan pathfinder completely stock with 115,000 miles, 4WD. the car started out stalling at idle. it doesn't matter if it's cold or hot, park or drive, ac on or off. it shakes hard then dies. a couple of times it would shake then get a gas surge. that went on for about a month then this week it's been stalling at low speeds when letting off the gas. the only thing i've done since this started happening is replace the air filter. it didn't help. the car doesn't stall everytime. like in an hour trip it will die 5 or 6 times. any thoughts? i would appreciate any help.cheryl

[jcyoung]

does anyone have any comments? please help. i can follow directions like a champ if someone will help.cheryl

[s13sr20chris]

will it happen if you just let it sit and idle for a long time? does it start right up afterwards? my idea is to eliminate some fuel correction items. try unplugging your o2 sensors and maf sensor and just let the truck idle for a while. if it does not cut off and you suspect it would have otherwise then we know its one of those two sensors.another idea is to find out if she is leaning out. you could wait for her to start stalling and spray some carb cleaner in the intake. if that saves it, then you have a def fuel issue.another thing to check is whether or not you are getting spark at the stall.

[jcyoung]

thanks so much for the input. i found the maf sensor. do you know where the o2 sensors are? what do they look like? should i spray carb cleaner around the whole intake? i sprayed all the vacuum lines and nothing changed. i took auto mechanics in 1988 & 1989 so i have the basic concept. and i mean basic because looking at the new cars is like trying read spanish. i recognize a few things and that is about it. anytime i've taken a car to the shop i've left there walking funny. have a good day.cheryl

[ricebike]

did u change the fuel filter lately?

when my fuel filter finally clogged up on me (purolator brand 42K miles ago) it sorta acted like your problem. I had sporadic hard starting too...

soo if u can't find any vaccuum leaks, this may be the cause.
Modified by ricebike at 3:54 AM 10/29/2004

[s13sr20chris]

ok, o2 sensors are on exhaust manifolds. they have 3 wire connectors usually red, white, and black on early r50 pathfinders. spray carb cleaner everywhere. if idle pics up while spraying then you have found an intake leak.