Pathfinder 3.5l P0011 P0021 P0340

[JIsaacDenver]

Problem for '04 Pathfinder 3.5l

So, I've been having a long battle with the Pathfinder...here is the summary:

The problem first occurred when I would lose power at 3k RPM (stalling..sputtering) and was throwing a code for the VVT solenoid on bank 2.

Was fine for about 50 miles and started doing the same and eventually got worse. I made it to a shop and it died in the parking lot and would not start.

The mechanic asked when I had changed the oil last and I told them I had changed it the week prior when I swapped out the VVT solenoid. They flushed it and changed the oil and it seemed to
be running better than ever. I got about an hour from the shop and it started doing the same thing and barely made it home. The car again would not start.

It then started throwing a P0340 and I replaced the Camshaft pos sensor. It would barely start/stay running and eventually did not start.
I then cleaned the wiring connect and manually set TDC and finally got it running but is back to not having acceleration and stalling around 3k.

Also, it is now throw P0011, P0021 for both banks and P0340 for the bank 1 in which I just replaced.

Any ideas?

Again, Bank 1 Cam Pos Sensor is new and VVT solenoid on bank 2 is new.

Thanks for any advice or tips!

[atraudes]

Have a look at this thread for P0011 and P0021. I think it'll give you a good starting point.

As for P0340, take a look at this thread. This one may help as well.

Got my fingers crossed they're easy fixes!

[JIsaacDenver]

So I disconnected my VVT solenoids and reset the codes however it still cuts out at 3000 RPM and within about 15mins the acceleration from the start is very weak.

Also, I only saw 2 engine grounds (unless I'm not seeing others). I disconnected both, cleaned them and reconnected. Still the same problem.

Anything else I might be able to try? I'm hoping the timing chain hasn't slipped a tooth. Also, the harness connections are slightly beat up but appear to be intact and clean.

[JIsaacDenver]

Also, I do not have engine noise like the one guy in the thread.

[JIsaacDenver]

Could it be my crankshaft sensors? They get pretty covered in oil underneath. Or if they were failed they would throw the crankshaft code?

[atraudes]

Well, after some more reading up on the 0011 and 0021 codes (I think 0340 is a side effect of them), I'm feeling strongly that your problem is the Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve. However, before you swap new parts in again though, check that your oil level is ok (I'm guessing it is, but it's worth a look). Also, what weight are you using? Oil weights too different from 5W-30 (mfg recommended weight) can cause this issue as well. Any reports from the mechanic about finding sludge?

It could still be the crank sensor since it's also listed amongst possible causes for the codes, but I didn't see anyone report that they fixed their problem.

Here's some links to back up my solenoid conclusion:

http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f8/c ... fix-70306/
http://x.nissanhelp.com/forums/altima/2 ... p0011.html
http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/2007-2 ... codes.html
http://maxima.org/forums/infiniti-i30-i ... codes.html
http://maxima.org/forums/5th-generation ... p0021.html

and per this thread, you may be able to fix the solenoid simply by cleaning it up

http://www.altimaforums.net/p0011-and-p ... t6334.html

[JIsaacDenver]

They asked me when I last changed my oil (and I did just change it a couple weeks before) but they must have found something. They flushed it and added seafoam. That's when it ran really well for about 50 miles.

5w-30 as recommended always.

[JIsaacDenver]

And my VVT on bank 1 looks way different than bank2 (in which I replaced). Is this correct? It even has a different looking wire harness...smaller and older in appearance.

[JIsaacDenver]

And my VVT on bank 1 looks way different than bank2 (in which I replaced). Is this correct? It even has a different looking wire harness...smaller and older in appearance.

Never mind that; they are slightly different...

[JIsaacDenver]

I pulled my VVT out completely. Is it correct that if it is functioning properly that I should be able to move the piston back with a flathead?

Thanks!

[atraudes]

Sorry, not sure. I'm guessing the part that slides out of the housing should move freely. I think as long as you clean it up well and get rid of any gunk or buildup you should be good. How did it look overall? Lots of buildup, rust, corrosion, etc.

[JIsaacDenver]

No build up, corrosion or rust. It appeared to be fine but that piston would not move.

[JIsaacDenver]

My new one arrived today and I'm about to put it in... I'm so tired of dealing with this issue. I don't mind auto issue but this one has been an ongoing ordeal.

[JIsaacDenver]

So I replaced the VVT solenoid (now both are new), reset the ECM, and drove it to find the same issue. Very poor acceleration and cuts out around 3200.

Now bank 1 with new VVT and cam shaft pos and bank 2 has a new VVT. The code (without CEL being on) reads P0340 bank 1 still and after it had warmed up both P0011 and P0021 come back...

I'm lost...I really do not want to spend more money and roll the dice on crankshaft sensors when it's not even throwing codes for those.

[atraudes]

Yeah, I hear you. Sorry that didn't fix it, I was sure it would! Let me do some more looking around.

[atraudes]

Based on this, I'm going to recommend you check your oil level, oil pressure, and do a compression check. I'm especially curious about the results of the compression check.

[JIsaacDenver]

So it's been in the hands of my mechanic... he replaced the crank shaft sensor and it's still having the same problems. He's thinking it's the ECM. I know most places only have a return and rebuild service.

Do you have any recommendations? I really need to get this resolved asap.

Thanks for your help!

[PathyPop]

JIsaac -
Old post, but did you ever sort this out? I have the exact same problem on an 03 Pathfinder I just bought. No codes prior to purchase, drove it about 120 miles with no codes and now I get the P0021 code and lack of power within a few miles. Very frustrating.