Starts but does not stay running?

1999 NISSAN PATHFINDER
255,262 MILES • 3.3L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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99NISSAN
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My car will start for 15 or 20 minutes when it is cold then shuts off. I started right back up for 5 minutes then it shut off again. I just replaced my fuel pump because that went out and also the fuel filter. I read up and seen others has problems with the MAF sensor, Crankshaft position sensor, my distributor or fuel pump relay. But when I first got my car i replaced the whole distributor, wires and spark plugs about 10K-15K miles I also replaced all the fuses in the cab of vehicle.
Oct 3, 2024 at 1:24 PM
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STRAILER
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Yep, any of these parts can cause this issue. Lets run the codes first to see if any are stored. Please go over this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

When it stalls and will not start, can you use starting fluid to make a difference? If so then we know it is fuel related, and if not, we know it is spark related which can help us. Also, I would unplug the MAF to see if things change as well. Please check out this video, it can help as well:

https://youtu.be/lXLJbuAZ4CE?si=H6VSuxxK3wF4PZen

Here is the location of the MAF sensor. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
Oct 4, 2024 at 5:10 AM
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99NISSAN
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I don’t have a code reader, and I will try those to try to narrow the solution.
Oct 4, 2024 at 12:04 PM
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STRAILER
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Sounds good, also did you try unplugging the MAF sensor?
Oct 5, 2024 at 2:39 AM
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99NISSAN
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I’m ordering a new MAF do I need a code reader to rest it or can I disconnect the negative terminal for 15 minutes and put it back on?
Oct 7, 2024 at 9:33 AM
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99NISSAN
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This is the MAF I got.
Oct 7, 2024 at 9:35 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, you don't need a scanner to reset the MAF, can I ask if unplugging it made a difference?
Oct 8, 2024 at 3:10 AM
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99NISSAN
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So, do I need a code scanner to reset it?
Oct 8, 2024 at 4:02 AM
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99NISSAN
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And I haven’t got the part in yet it won’t come in until Saturday.
Oct 8, 2024 at 4:02 AM
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99NISSAN
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And I haven’t unplugged it.
Oct 8, 2024 at 4:03 AM
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99NISSAN
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Hi, I got a code reader and it’s giving me a code P1320. I need help.
Oct 15, 2024 at 2:51 AM
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STRAILER
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The P1320 trouble code on a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder refers to an issue with the Ignition Signal Primary Circuit. This is telling us the ignition distributor is bad, I would get a rebuilt unit and install it would shoel fix the problem. Here is how. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Oct 16, 2024 at 2:43 AM
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99NISSAN
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Could I replace the whole distributor?
Oct 16, 2024 at 4:27 AM
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STRAILER
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Yes, that is best, here is one on amazon for $70.00:

https://amzn.to/3NtaztC

Let us know how it goes.
Oct 17, 2024 at 1:39 AM
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99NISSAN
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It was the distributor. thank you so much.
Oct 22, 2024 at 12:33 PM
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99NISSAN
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It was the distributor thank you so much
Oct 22, 2024 at 12:33 PM
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STRAILER
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You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help. Can you please leave us a rating? (copy entire link)

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Thank you :)
Oct 23, 2024 at 2:37 AM
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