Startup Issue

[cjb1989]

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a 2001 Pathfinder SE 4x4 at a good price. The issue I'm having is it will start up immediately, and immediately die unless i give it gas right away for a few seconds and then it will idle and run all day. The colder the engine the longer I have to feed it fuel, and if it has been running for a while I can turn it off and restart without having to give it gas. The codes thrown previously have been for the swirl control valve solenoid and vacuum cut valve, as well as the typical downstream o2 sensor fail. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar issue or what the most likely issue is? I don't know much about the parts the codes are referring to so not sure if one is the likely culprit.

[frapjap]

Welcome to NICO! Sorry to hear that your car is having trouble. I'm not all too well versed in your vehicle, but can offer an option for you.
Here at NICO, we have Factory Service Manuals available free to members. Take a peek at the link in my signature and find the FSM for your car and you'll have all the info you'll ever need to make the repair and try to diagnose it for yourself while help is on the way.
There is an awesome symptoms and diagnostic tree in the further back pages.

[Q451990]

to NICO!

This might be what's going on... 2002-pathfinder-wont-idle-any-suggestions-t530479.html

I saw some mention of a dirty or defective MAF (mass air flow meter) causing idle issues too.

I would try the idle relearning procedure mentioned in the thread. Check out the factory service manual for your pathy at http://www.nissanservicemanual.com for the relearn and description of what's going on to throw those other codes.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Yeah, possibly dirty or faulty idle air control valve not giving the engine the air it needs at cold temps.

[carnal_c30]

Definitely heed the advice posted above, clean/replace MAF if it is indeed the problem (try unplugging it and seeing if it runs and doesn't die of course you will have to deal with the light on until it resets unless you have a scanner handy) IACV is also common make sure to clean it well. Perhaps the easiest thing to check would be any possible vacuum leak. start there.

[Slumpert]

Everyone has offered good suggestions, you might also want to check the automatic choke.

It is temperature controlled and mechanical so its easy to overlook.
This link might help you check it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_L9DQyI5Aw

[cjb1989]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I replaced the MAF sensor and that did not fix the issue so I will be replacing the IACV tonight and go from there.

[cjb1989]

replaced the IACV tonight and it starts up without giving gas now. The idle surges from 2000 to 2500 rpm constantly and won't take idle relearn. any ideas?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

That almost sounds like you've got a vacuum leak somewhere.
I'm not familiar with the IACV system on that vehicle, but were there any gaskets to replace when you changed it?

[cjb1989]

Im thinking vacuum leak as well. it was idling very low (250 rpm) before the new IACV so now it seems the part is doing its job and if it's a vacuum leak it's more obvious now. Thanks for your input!

[donald]

did you perform re-learn after R/R on the IACV?
Someone posted about the re-learn process earlier in this thread.

[cjb1989]

I tried the relearn several times but I'm guessing with the revving it isn't allowing it to take the relearn. I even unplugged the new IACV and it still revs up and down. i have other vehicles so it's not a pressing issue but I obviously would like to figure it out. I'm considering when I have time replacing the old part and seeing if I can get back to square one

[atraudes]

Sounds like the symptoms I had when my TPS (throttle position sensor) went bad. Check out this thread and see if you get a sense of deja vu. I linked to the section of the FSM that allows you to test the TPS to confirm it's the problem.

Also, using a scan tool, reset the codes and see which ones come back. It'd be interesting to see if any new ones come up beyond what you originally listed.