Push gas and nothing...then the car dies...any ideas

[mnajar]

Hi guys,

I have a 98 Pathfinder. For the past several months, when I push the gas the car acts like it isn't getting gas, then surges ahead. Occasionally I push the gas, and nothing. Then the car dies. If I wait 10+ minutes it will start again. I have replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, and had diagnostics run. Nothing turned up. It is also getting about 40 miles less per tank than normal. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[SixGuns]

Have you tested your compression? And when at idle, is it smooth? No vacuum leaks?

[K03sport]

I'd almost be incliced to think it may have something to do with the throttle plate inside the the throttle body. Sounds like it could be sticking.

Next guess would be the TPS (throttle position sensor). Since the VQ is drive by cable, I would focus my attention on the things that control the air and fuel going into the engine.

Or maybe it is the choke/cold start idel control valve. I'm not too familiar with the VQ so I don't know exact names of things.

There are manuals floating around on this board somewhere, search around. Good luck.