1995 Nissan Pathfinder starting problem

LLOYDMHARDY22

MEMBER
1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC

Ok I have a 1995 nissan pathfinder and it will not start. It will turn Over but nothing I checked to see if the motor was getting fuel and it is then I checked for spark from the distributor and nothing no spark at all. Then I checked to see if I was getting spark from the coil and I think I am. Like I will put a screwdriver in the hole of the coil and bridge it to the motor and when I did this I turned the motor over and for about 10 seconds nothing, then after that it will rapidly spark then when I stop turning it over it makesa noise that I don't usually here it sounds like a machine gun and it will do it for about 5 seconds and it sounds like it's coming from the coil or from the ignition control module. Can you help me or do you know a problem is please help and if I need to get into more detail please let me know thank you lloyd hardy by the way I have a 1995 nissan pathfinder 4 wheel drive v6

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Here are procedures for ignition checks.

IGNITION CHECKS
DISTRIBUTOR IGNITION
To determine cause of no-spark condition, perform following tests in order given. Deviation from this procedure may cause false diagnosis and replacement of non-defective components.

Spark
Check for spark at coil wire and each spark plug wire using spark tester. DO NOT crank engine continuously for more than 2 seconds. Inspect secondary coil wire for arcing while testing spark at plugs. Check electrical connections at Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor, ignition coil and power transistor.

Ignition Coil Power Source
1. Disconnect ignition coil 2-pin connector. Turn ignition on. Check for voltage at Black/White wire terminal.

2. If voltage is present, go to POWER TRANSISTOR. If voltage is not present, check continuity of entire circuit between battery and ignition coil, including fusible link and ignition switch.

Power Transistor
For power transistor system testing, see DTC 21 - IGNITION SIGNAL in the TESTS W/CODES article. For power transistor component testing, see IGNITION SYSTEMS in SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.

Ignition Coil Resistance
1. If ignition coil malfunction is suspected, carefully inspect external housing for burned spots indicating secondary circuit arcing to primary or ground circuits. Disconnect ignition coil primary 2-pin connector.

2. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance between primary connector terminals. Check resistance between secondary tower and positive terminal (Black/White wire) of coil primary connector. If either resistance is not as specified, replace ignition coil.

V6 IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE

Primary = 1/0 Ohms @ 68°F (20°C)
Secondary = 10,000 Ohms @ 68°F (20°C)

Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
1. CMP sensor is located inside distributor. If a fault is present in CMP sensor, Code 11 may be set in ECM memory. If Code 11 is set, perform DTC 11 - CMP SENSOR in the TESTS W/CODES article.

2. To test CMP sensor, remove distributor. Leave wiring harness connected. Using a voltmeter, connect negative lead to ground and alternately connect positive lead to 1-degree signal terminal and 120/180-degree signal terminal. See CMP SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL TERMINALS table. See Fig. 1.

3. Measure voltages at both terminals while rotating distributor by hand. Voltage should fluctuate between 0-5 volts. If either voltage signal does not fluctuate between 0-5 volts, check harness for short or open circuit. If no problems are found, replace CMP sensor.

CMP SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL TERMINALS

1-Degree Signal = Terminal # 4.
120/180-Degree Signal = TErminal # 3.

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