problem after start

[rfkhan28]

hello guy's i have an issue with my 03 pathfinder it only happens when i start. the car would start ok but as soon after it is started the engine dies out and then recovers back to normal idle, also i have noticed that it only happens when the engine is warm, if left over night and started the next day it starts ok.

can any one advise me on which direction i should approach this problem or what it might be?
check engine lighy not on.

[Pwnin O'Brien]

I would suggest cleaning the MAF and see if that remedies the issue. If the issue returns then try this: unplug the MAF and see if the problem returns after it is warmed up. If the vehicle runs fine with the sensor unplugged then you probably need to just replace it. Of course, once you unplug the MAF you will get a DTC and the SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp will illuminate so you will just need to reset the ECU after you put in the new MAF.

[rfkhan28]

thanks i will try it and let you know how it goes

[rfkhan28]

hello guys i am still having this problem with my car i did what pwnin said but no luck any techs who could lead me in any other direction

[ARKQX33V6]

Without being there it is difficult to diagnose. Before pulling anything apart, on a cold start depress the gas peddle and see if the same happens.

When warm it has this problem, so when warm there may be too little fuel, the enrichener circuit is not needed. What shape is the EGR circuit, if carboned up...problems

Is battery voltage and alternator good, low voltage will do this also.

When it slows down does it stop when problem exists?

Try removing the air filter put everything back with no air filter and test out.

Fuel, air and spark at the right time...

[asnorton44]

Is it misfiring?

[rfkhan28]

no misfiring but it did give a a rough start couple of days back when it was really cold, battery voltage is good and the alternator is working if not my amp would run it it down within half an hour, i noticed something new this mornirg if i rev the engine all the way to the floor and then release the pedal it does the same thing dies out and then come back to normal idle, but i going to clean the air filter and clean the maf again and see what happens, it has 81k on it other than regular oil changes i havent had any problems but i did have to replace the evap canister because it cracked.

[CanuckQx4]

And how does it run with the MAF sensor disconnected?

[rfkhan28]

it idles a bit crazy but still have the same problem

[ARKQX33V6]

Check your advance ignition...sounds as if it is sticking then catches up and runs OK, use a timing light to see on the dampener from idlr to 3000 RPM whether the timing advances.

[rfkhan28]

ok, i have to get a timing light, i'll keep u posted

[rfkhan28]

ok guys i used a scantool to monitor the engine stats and the engine idles at around 750 +/-and the timming does advance to around 34+/- deg at around 3000 rpm and 16+/- at idle i replaced the spark pulgs and it seems to run a little better but i still have a problem that when the engine is warm and i shut it off and then restart it stalls unless i give it some gas imediately after restarting.could this be a vacum problem

[ARKQX33V6]

Check your fuel rail

[rfkhan28]

is there a specific procedure for servicing the fuel rail

[CanuckQx4]

Real time timing display on your scantool? Thats pretty sweet. Did you get it off ebay by chance?

Id imagine it would have a vacuum reading on the thing if it could read timing as well since its already communicating and displaying info from the ecu

[rfkhan28]

yeah i got it off ebay it is made by uiftech model u581 but they have a new model that is even more sick it has features similar to the consult 2 which the dealer uses it is model n607 check it out www.uiftech.com

[yeldogt]

So you never get a code?

Not starting when hot is a classic failure of a position sensor - they tend to fail when hot. I had a similar problem and the dealer told me it could be the crank position sensor or one of the cam sensors. Told me they just replace all three --- obviously wanted a fortune. Not getting any codes I was reluctant to drop $600.00 + on a guess even though they told me it was common. I went online and ordered the parts for around $100.00 (all three) ......while waiting for the parts to arrive I did get a code for one of the cam sensors -- but I still put all three parts in when they came --took about 15min - unbelievably easy and it fixed the problem. I have since had the same failure in another car. I would take a look at the sensors and make sure the connections are sound -- all three are visible from the front of the engine -- small gray plastic held on with a singe bolt - the crank may have two bolts -- it has been a while. Good luck

[rfkhan28]

i will check into that and let u know how it goes