Cranking but not starting

Tiny
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,456 MILES
Good morning, this vehicle was not working perfectly before now, the way it was behaving, it was obvious that either the ignition coils or spark plugs are not functioning. I decided to replaced the plugs and coils. Starting the vehicle after the repair, it refuses to start but it was cranking. I checked the ignition coils for spark while cranking the engine, there was none. Fuel injectors were not pulsing. Looking at the combination meter with the ignition switch in "on" position, I could not find the "service engine soon" light but the "security light" was blinking.
How will I know that the problem is from the PCM or the immobilizer?
Is there any test to confirm that immobilizer or PCM is faulty (I mean to isolate PCM symptoms from immobilizer when faulty)?
Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 8:03 PM

20 Replies

Tiny
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Hi,

There was a technical service bulletin related to the key not being detected. Take a look through this and let me know if it mirrors what you are experiencing and if the diagnostics help.

See the attached pics.

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
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Thank you, I will get back to you.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

You are very welcome. Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
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Good morning, after going through the technical service bulletin, it is obvious that the vehicle key is not the problem and the immobilizer warning light will not illuminate during attempt to start the vehicle. The "service engine very soon" light could not be found on the combination meter any longer. Is there any technical bulletin concerning the PCM?
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Here is a list of everything related to technical service bulletins regarding the PCM/ECM. Take a look and let me know if there is something you see that may be beneficial.

Technical Service Bulletins (51)
Emissions - System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins
NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING
Powertrain Management >> All New Technical Service Bulletins
Emissions - MIL ON/DTC's P0442/P0448/P0455/P0456/P1446
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins
Engine Controls - ECM Replacement Procedures
Engine Control Module
Recall 10V517000: ECM Relay Replacement
Engine Control Module
Computers/Control - CAN Code, Diagnostic Tips/Guidelines
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins
Engine Controls - ECM VIN Registration Procedure
Engine Control Module
Computers/Controls - CAN Communication Diagnostic Information
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins
Engine Controls - ECM Programming Interruption Recovery
Engine Control Module
Electrical - Electronic Component Damage Prevention
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins
Emissions - System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns
Vehicle Systems
Emissions - System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns
Vehicle Systems
Step 5: SRT Road Test (Perform Drive Pattern)
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins >> Emissions - System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns >> Service Procedure
Engine Controls - DTC P0603 Diagnostic Information
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins
NISSAN; FUEL TANK IS SLOW OR DIFFICULT TO FILL
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins
WHEN REPLACING CONFIGURABLE BCM
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins
Service Procedure
Engine Control Module >> Engine Controls - ECM Replacement Procedures
Owner Letter
Engine Control Module >> Recall PC068 - Engine Control Module Relay Replacement
Service Procedure
Engine Control Module >> Recall PC068 - Engine Control Module Relay Replacement
Recall PC068 - Engine Control Module Relay Replacement
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins
Engine Controls - ECM Replacement Procedures With Consult 3+
Fuel Delivery and Air Induction
SRT Drive Pattern Layout
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins >> Emissions - System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns >> Service Procedure
SRT Workflow
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins >> Emissions - System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns >> Service Procedure
Step 1: Check For DTC
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins >> Emissions - System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns >> Service Procedure
Step 2: Check SRT Status
Powertrain Management >> All Technical Service Bulletins >> Emissions - System Readiness Test (SRT) Drive Patterns >> Service Procedure

Let me know.
Joe
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
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Good morning, I don't understand the list. The major challenge is for me to confirm if the PCM is faulty or not. I have gone through the ones you sent earlier concerning the immobilizer and I understand that the problem is not from immobilizer.
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Friday, October 23rd, 2020 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Check pin 3 again and see if there is power when you actuate the window switch.

Let me know.
Joe
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 10:49 PM
Tiny
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Good morning, I am concerned about the PCM not window.
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

To check things at the PCM, you need to be specific. The PCM controls many different things, so to say check it is really too general. I hope that makes sense.

Update: I just realize I am working on a few of the posts you listed. Sorry about that. I saw the name and thought it was related to the window problem on the other vehicle.

Joe
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Sunday, October 25th, 2020 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
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Lol.
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Monday, October 26th, 2020 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
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Good morning, the vehicle PCM (service engine soon) light is not illuminating on the instrument cluster, I have checked all the fuses related to that but they are okay. I want other test or other things to do before I confirm that the PCM is faulty. Replacing the PCM and later find out that is not the PCM will not be a good idea.
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Monday, October 26th, 2020 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Since there isn't one specific test for the PCM, let's start in another way. Since the vehicle cranks but doesn't start, have you checked to see if it is an ignition-related issue? Is there spark to the plugs?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 27th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM
Tiny
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Good afternoon, no spark.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 7:10 AM
Tiny
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Okay, let's start at the beginning. Here are the diagnostics for testing the ignition coil and power transistor. Do this and let me know what you find.

If you have already done this, let me know.

__________________________________

2006 Nissan-Datsun Truck Pathfinder 4WD V6-4.0L (VQ40DE)
Component Tests
Vehicle Powertrain Management Ignition System Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Component Tests
COMPONENT TESTS
Component Inspection

IGNITION COIL WITH POWER TRANSISTOR

CAUTION: Do the following procedure in the place where ventilation is good without the combustible.

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect ignition coil harness connector.

Pic 1

3. Check resistance between ignition coil terminals as follows.
4. If NG, Replace ignition coil with power transistor.
If OK, go to next step.

5. Turn ignition switch OFF.
6. Reconnect all harness connectors disconnected.

Pic 2

7. Remove fuel pump fuse in IPDM E/R to release fuel pressure.

NOTE: Do not use CONSULT-II to release fuel pressure, or fuel pressure applies again during the following procedure.

8. Start engine.
9. After engine stalls, crank it two or three times to release all fuel pressure.
10. Turn ignition switch OFF.
11. Remove ignition coil harness connectors to avoid the electrical discharge from the ignition coils.
12. Remove ignition coil and spark plug of the cylinder to be checked.
13. Crank engine for five seconds or more to remove combustion gas in the cylinder.
14. Connect spark plug and harness connector to ignition coil.

Pic 3

15. Fix ignition coil using a rope etc. With gap of 13 - 17 mm between the edge of the spark plug and grounded metal portion as shown in the figure.
16. Crank engine for about three seconds, and check whether spark is generated between the spark plug and the grounded part.

Spark should be generated.

CAUTION:
- Do not approach to the spark plug and the ignition coil within 50cm. Be careful not to get an electrical shock while checking, because the electrical discharge voltage becomes 20 kV or more.
- It might cause to damage the ignition coil if the gap of more than 17 mm is taken.

NOTE: When the gap is less than 13 mm, the spark might be generated even if the coil is malfunctioning.

17. If NG, Replace ignition coil with power transistor.

CONDENSER-1
1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect condenser-1 harness connector.

Pic 4

3. Check resistance between condenser-1 terminals 1 and 2.

Resistance: Above 1 MOhm at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F)

____________________

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

This showed up in my inbox which normally indicates you replied. However, there is nothing listed. Did you need help with anything?

Joe
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Friday, October 30th, 2020 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
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Good afternoon sir, is there any programming or diagnostic software for Nissan?
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Saturday, January 16th, 2021 AT 4:38 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

A 2006 has the standard OBD2 protocols. Is that what you mean? As far as specifics, all companies have their own proprietary programming.

Let me know if that answers your question.

Joe
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Saturday, January 16th, 2021 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
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I mean Toyota has techstream, which one Nissan do use?
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Saturday, January 16th, 2021 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Sorry. Nissan refers to it as the Consult. I believe it is now version 3 (Consult III).

Let me know if that is what you needed.

Joe
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 12:35 PM

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