*video* Qx4 dies out, sputters on startup. Idle relearn?

A forum for the legendary Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4.
SimpleSolution
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:51 pm
Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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Ive been having trouble with my Qx4 ever since I pulled the intake manifold off to tighten the ower valve screws. The car is very unreliable to start, it will always start eventually, sometimes after a second of cranking, sometimes 5. But I ALWAYS have to give it a little gas while turning it over or it will stall out after revving to 1k rpm, then just dies unless you pedal it.

I made a video to show what it does.I let it die on the first startup, then I keep it alive with the pedal the second time.
http://s394.photobucket.com/albums/pp26 ... 010629.mp4

Does it kinda differently everytime, this is just what happened this time. Its almost embarassing to start the car around people.

Im thinking I may need to do an idle air relearn or possibly even more?? Ive tried the test for the 2001 specific but I dont know if the test ever took or not. The car does have an aftermarket cold air intake.

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!


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Innovazn
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all vaccum lines are put back in and what not? check connections/

ARKQX33V6
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From your video 1st off the idle seems set low as per your tachometer, 2nd on the first attempt there is fuel starvation which was not evident the 2nd start up. Your enrichment system on start up seems to be low.

When warm what does it idle at?

When you get it going use a hammer handle and tap the EGR valve to possibly remove carbon.

You may have to set your cold idle and verify your coolant sensor is good.

That motor from cold should spin at about 1500, then drop down as the temperature climbs, and gradually go from 1500 to 1300, to 1000, look at the temp gauge, then 900 and settle around 750 A/C off, defrost off.

When at 750 at temperature, start the A/C and see if the motors revs higher.

SimpleSolution
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:51 pm
Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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Vacuum lines seem fine, they were replaced entirely 2 years ago, didnt have any problems then.

When it is warm it idles @ 650-750, I dont quite see any pics after researching of the egr valve so I can tap it.

How do you set the cold idle?? That is what I think is the problem

SimpleSolution
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Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:51 pm
Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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bump

SimpleSolution
Posts: 22
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Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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added video

SimpleSolution
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:51 pm
Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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Anyone can help how to get the idle right??

How to make it idle and rev up higher when it starts so it doesnt die....

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Towncivilian
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You're saying the idle relearn procedure didn't take? Make sure you followed the correct procedure outlined on EC-57. Also, verify that the IACV is operating properly by turning heater on, brights on, and rear defroster on after engine start and see if RPMs climb slightly while idling as they should.

Ever changed the fuel filter?

SimpleSolution
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Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:51 pm
Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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Well maybe the IACV is the problem, when I turn heater/brights/rear defrost on, my idle drops 100rpm and holds there

I was trying the steps for the idle air relearn, and it definetely doesnt take, I get to the part where I disconnect the brown plug on the throttle body, wait 3 seconds to plug it back in, and the car stalls out when you plug the sensor back in. (this test is 2001 specific)

Now I am thinking it may be the IACV malfunctioning....

Fuel filter was changed this weekend with OEM

SimpleSolution
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:51 pm
Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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I scoured the FSM for quite a while to try and find a test for a broken IACV but was unsuccessful, but I atleast found its location on the engine so I may remove it today and try and clean it??

Id love some guidance! Im curious if this part is the actual problem to my stalling starts

SimpleSolution
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:51 pm
Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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page 2 bump, is it my IACV causing all this?

SimpleSolution
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Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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page 2 bump

I threw a P0505 error yesterday

SimpleSolution
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Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:51 pm
Car: 2001 Inifiniti Qx4

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bump for possibility of an IACV test / fix

I want my car to start and idle without having to be ghetto and press the pedal!!

ARKQX33V6
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Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2010 3:35 pm

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Rereading this post.
When you push down the gas pedal the car starts correctly but will it idle correctly when cold?

Forget everything about what was, now do things to establish the faults.

A cold engine needs to be enriched or choked to enrich, more gas less air. You must know the layout of your engine and controls, I do not have this for a 2001 QX4 but you need a manual, of which there is a copy on this forum.

The book will show you the cold idle controls and from what you say there has been a lot of answers by others.

A cold idle can be badly effected by vacuum loss but vacuum becomes more important at temperature so to be sure when you get the motor started can you by controlling the idle get it warmed, if so do it.

Then while idling, no load, all lights, A/C off, all things off RPM should be 700-750 in P or N parking brake applied. Record this.

While idling take a butane, propane gas bottle, do not light it, turn the bottle of gas on so you hear gas bleeding out, then carefully aim the nozzle around the engine intake, manifold, vacuum lines, EGR, PVC.

Does the engine increase in RPM, yes you have a leak, no, no leaks apparent.

The car now is too warm to continue. Let cool down, but when it is hot going from cold to cool to hot does the idle change at all.

A cold engine will start at 1500 RPM but depending on ambient temp slow to 1200, the IA Idle air control valve will adjust to more or less air, the EGR will be non existent unless stuck with carbon. Your car may have further controls on it.

Is your MIL light on, if so why, this must be known. If no MIL light you may have problems with the ECU so a self test may have to be done. Most do a selt test every time it is energized.

The stoichiometric ratio of fuel to gas is by the computer and usually when the engine is cold this setting is rich by default but everything controlling the cold temperature start and run is out to lunch.

With a non MIL light the alarm or warning of bad combustion is not being produced. If you have no light.

Things that should help a cold engine start and run:
Mass Air flow, absolute pressure monitor, EGR(C), TPS, IACV-AAC, the O2 sensors will be on by pass but not when at temperature.

There are many controls that come into play while cold, cool, and at temperature, but it appears your foot is able to do the job when this engine is at cold temperature, now to find the controller that is causing the problem.

When you do a cold start listen to the open hood when you engage the ignition on just before you engage the starter.

Did you hear that EVAP canister purge control whine in.?

If you can help me with eyes, ears, smell we might be able to solve this.

mnpathy
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Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2010 7:29 pm
Car: 2001 Nissan Pathfinder

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Hey Simple Solution, I feel your pain. I have been having the same starting issue with my 2001 Pathfinder for almost a year now. The car starts normally about 75% of the time when it's cold. If it is warm or has been run within 24 hours, the car might fire off normally 10% of the time. On average, I will crank the engine 4-6 seconds before the engine will fire off when warm and there is usually a cloud of smoke that smells very rich that comes out of the exhaust once it does start.

Another issue that I believe is related is that the truck idles rough when I am at a stoplight and the vehicle is stopped in drive. I have shifted the vehicle into neutral and the idling is improved. Have you experienced the same idling problems?

In the last 6 months, I have replaced all 6 plugs, 2 bad ignition coils, the MAF sensor, and the fuel filter. I also SeaFoamed the air intake manifold and gas tank. In April, I installed a K&N cold air intake that has improved the performance of the vehicle but has not helped the starting or idling issues.

Because my Pathfinder always starts eventually, I have just lived with the embarrassing cranking but I am quickly tiring of it. I will follow the advise of ARKQX and see if I have any luck diagnosing the problem. I would say that our Pathfinders are suffering from the same issue and maybe with the help of this forum, we can get to the bottom of this. I have next Monday off and I plan of spending most of the day working on my vehicle. I will report any findings.

Joel

prochr0744
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Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 3:29 pm

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I own a 2001 Infiniti Qx4 and I experience the same problems, when I crank my car on, sometimes I feel like it doesn't have a FULL start, and at idle my car sputters and doesn't sound smooth and shakes. But also when I am driving sometimes, it will randomly act up and do this thing where in about third gear it will just drop to 1500 rpms and start shaking. It has really been pissing me off, so if anyone has any advice or help that would be great

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Towncivilian
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Can you go over 3600 RPM?

Is the transmission fluid at the proper level and color? It should be within the notched areas on the dipstick when hot, red colored and not smell burnt.

prochr0744
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Yeah, I can go over 3600 RPMs. It's just random car rides where it will start acting up. But happens frequent. I took it to a shop they said I need a new fuel injector and if that's not it then they will just charge me for the labor. but I have took it to them before to get it look at and they give me a different answer each time. And I haven't got check the transmission fluid lately but I'm pretty sure I just got that refilled by Infiniti

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Towncivilian
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If a fuel injector was bad, you would likely be getting a service engine soon light. How old is the fuel filter? If it hasn't been changed in the past 2 years, replace it.

prochr0744
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not sure, Im about to check all that, but what all could I do to my Qx4 that would improve it and eliminate that problem and enchance it even better?

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Towncivilian
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Depending on mileage on the engine, you may be due for spark plugs (105k miles/168k km interval). Fuel filter, replace engine air & cabin air filters if they're sufficiently dirty, run some fuel system cleaner...

You don't get a service engine soon light, not even during the sputtering etc? Make sure the SES bulb works by setting ignition to ON with the parking brake set.

prochr0744
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Alright, Im going to check and try to repair all of those. But yeah Im pretty sure my bulb works. But any preferences on fuel system cleaners and types of filters?

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Towncivilian
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I linked a reasonably cheap and very effective fuel system cleaner in my post: Redline SI-1.
Good luck!

Greilly
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Joined: Wed May 07, 2014 4:00 pm
Car: 2001.5 QX4

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2002-pathfinder-wont-idle-any-suggestions-t530479.html

Check out this thread. I've been having similar symptoms and I can attest that my ECM was burnt. Fortunately, I realized this problem quickly and only drove it for a couple miles after I realized there was a problem. You may have damaged more of you ECM in the process.
Regardless, I would check your ECM and see if any components are blown (easy to see stuff like cracks, fluid, etc).
If ECM failed, then your IACV failed. you need to replace both at the same time.
If you want a super in depth analysis of this problem, check out this thread http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generation ... conds.html
its not a pathfinder, but the components and systems are almost identical for the 2001ish model year.

Hope this helps

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CanuckQx4
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..... Id imagine it was fixed.... 3 years ago when the thread was made... :spitout: :spitout: :rotflmao

Leo1998
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And this is my issue with forums. Hardly anyone comes back and says what fixed the problem, exactly. So for people like me who like to read, we could be helping others with similar problems and all the while the takers keep on taking.

I saw a few more old posts pop up too, so be on the look out of the date the post was originally made.

Buzzman
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Leo1998 wrote:And this is my issue with forums. Hardly anyone comes back and says what fixed the problem.
Could not agree more.
I've been on this forum for years, and always look forward to hearing back from people who've come on here with a problem.
Thing is, they're never seen or heard from again.
I also see tons of posts from people who join the forum, post their one problem/comment, and never post again. Why even bother?
As an example, look back up in this thread and you'll see a post from mnpathy.
One posting in 2011, and never to be seen again. I don't get it sometimes.

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donald
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Buzzman wrote:
Leo1998 wrote:And this is my issue with forums. Hardly anyone comes back and says what fixed the problem.
Could not agree more.
I've been on this forum for years, and always look forward to hearing back from people who've come on here with a problem.
Thing is, they're never seen or heard from again.
I also see tons of posts from people who join the forum, post their one problem/comment, and never post again. Why even bother?
As an example, look back up in this thread and you'll see a post from mnpathy.
One posting in 2011, and never to be seen again. I don't get it sometimes.
really disheartening when this happens :(
In the past, I often would post suggestions or help troubleshoot. But it seems now when I see a postcount of 1 or 2... I get discouraged and almost ignore. There are times I am bored and throw in some advice anyway - just in case someone else comes along and (hopefully) utilizes the search feature and the thread pops up. This isn't to say that my 200-so posts is anything to be boastful about. But, I do try to provide some input where I can.


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