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Engine shuts off while driving?

Tiny
AFILIPS2
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
I have a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder that I have recently had quite a bit of trouble with. The problem is that the vehicle will shut off while I am driving, but will always restart after the vehicle has come to a stop. The vehicle has had a number of problems recently that has caused me to replace the fuel pump, ECU and crank shaft position sensor. I replaced the ECU because I had determined that the fuel injectors were not receiving a signal to deliver fuel. After replacing the ECU and repositioning the distributor/camshaft position sensor (which the mechanic reinstalled incorrectly) the vehicle ran perfectly for about a week. Then the vehicle began to cut out while running again. As a result I removed the upper intake manifold and measured the resistance of all 6 fuel injectors and they were all within the range specified in the repair manual. To recap, the injectors are not receiving a signal to fire. The ECU has been replaced and worked fine for about a week. The crank shaft position sensor has been replace, the fuel injectors have the correct resistance, the distributor/camshaft position sensor works correctly which was tested by replacement, and the computer is not showing any codes. I am really out of ideas here so any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 12:11 PM

30 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi afilips2,

You have checked through most of the items and if the fuel injector is not receiving pulsing signals, the ECU is the prime suspect.

This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Was the ECU replaced new or used?
Did you check the grounding for the ECU located at rear of engine?

Have you attached diagnostic equipment to get the freeze frame data? This would provide all the data of the various sensors when the problem occurred and enable an understanding of the cause.
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Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 AT 7:28 AM
Tiny
AFILIPS2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The ECU was used and I did check the gounds which are clean and in good shape. My fear is that there is something wrong in the FI circuit causing the ECU to source more current to the fuel injectors than the components can handle. This might cause ECUs to continuously fail. Is that a possibility or does the ECU have some sort of over power protection?

I am not sure what freeze frame data is or what equipement is required to obtain it. Can you fill me in?

Thanks
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Sunday, November 29th, 2009 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Freeze frame data is the condition under which problem occurs and can be retrieved with the aid of appropriate diagnostic equipments.

You might need to get another ECU to try.
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Sunday, November 29th, 2009 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
DREMARKLOVE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
A few months ago, my '94 Nissan Pathfinder started stalling during turns. My fiance changed my fuel filter and all of the spark plugs and it ran great for two months or so. Today, it started doing the same thing. During most of my turns, the steering wheel locks up and all of the dash lights come on and I have to turn it off and re-start it to get it to move again. What's wrong?
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BBFOTO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Exactly as you describe.

I've replaced sparkplugs, fuel pump, fuel filter. And still it stalls when making turns.

I'm curious if your problem was resolved by now.

For me, it's usually left turns that cause the problem. I usually can't restart for 5 - 10 minutes.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOTSWANA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Mine was doing the same until I replaced the discs/pads - try that

A few months ago, my '94 Nissan Pathfinder started stalling during turns. My fiance changed my fuel filter and all of the spark plugs and it ran great for two months or so. Today, it started doing the same thing. During most of my turns, the steering wheel locks up and all of the dash lights come on and I have to turn it off and re-start it to get it to move again. What's wrong?[/Quote]
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EDD ROBINSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1993 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,300 MILES
I just bought my 2nd used car(Nissan Pathfinder 1993 V6) and every time that i'm driving I may get about half a mile when I start loosing power: I keep pressing on the gas but there is no acceleration: I cut engine off start up truck again and it may move but same thing, No power:and once it stops it will not start again for maybe half hour or so:I have to let it sit there: I have changed wires, spark plugs, oil, etc: really don't know what to do:
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,136 POSTS
Id change the fuel filter because your fuel pump may be overheating, then shutting down from thermal overload. Then coming back once its cooled off. If that helps then your pump may not be far behind
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EDD ROBINSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Nissan Pathfinder 1993 V6: when I put my truck into drive it wont move:I have to put the truck into 1st or 2nd n then will it move:Also when im driving im hearing a screeching noise when I press down on the accelorator: I had a fuel pump install n that fix my problem, but now im unable to tell how much fuel I have:wen I went back to the store they say I have to buy the whole fuel pump again to get the dialer/floater:how can I get one without buying a whole new fuel pump again
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MALLEN121
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1992 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 146,000 MILES
Engine idles erattic and stalls when stopping after long drives
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

start with getting the idle control system checked for a fault, there may be a set fault code in the ECU and this will help with the diagnosis as well, start here and re post your findings for more assistance.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DRWOLFF52
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I checked the ECU and it said everything was fine. So I started looking at everything and found a bad connector to the air flow meter. Changed it out with a good one I got at the junkyard and it not doing it any more. Nissan makes a good product but everyone that I have had has had electrical issues. And they have all been a bad connection
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

I would have expected to see a code with that poor connection, it just goes to show that even with the zillions they send on engine management, they still can't make it work as one would expect, thank you for that information, this may help someone else in the future.

Thank you for using 2carpros.

Mark mhpautos
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCOTTSCOTT07
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
  • 1991 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 100,000 MILES
It felt like I was losing pressure and I had to play with the gas to keep it going, I also felt a difference with my acceleration when I was driving before it died now if I let it sit it acts like in wants to start but wont. I'm going to do a fuel pressure test once I can make and adapter for my truck but I just replaced my whole fuel pump, relay, and fuel filter so i'm not sure if its that or something else any advice on what I should test or do would be much appreciated as I need my truck for my 2 jobs asap
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Spray choke cleaner in the intake and see if it will start that will let you know it's a fuel problem. If not scan for codes.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCOTTSCOTT07
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
So after talking to my buddy he says that sense my fuel pump was just replaced that its very likely that its my fuel injectors that could be bad and I'm just not sure how to check if they are I've also heard I should try putting in automatic transmission fluid in my gas to clean out the injectors should I try that or any other tricks before I pend money on new injectors I'm not sure I need
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Do what I said previously. Unless your buddy is a know it all expert mechanic which I doubt. And no if you are tryin gto clena the injectors put chevron injector cleaner in your gas. It's available most auto parts stores. Or try sea foam if that's available.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PROJECT37
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
  • 1988 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 107,000 MILES
I had to pull home a car yesterday. After I got it home I went to run an errand and the pathfinder just shut off.I was able to start it a couple of times it seemed week and I could smell a sulfur smell. Had it pulled home. Started last night but I shut it down. Started it today but died when I applied gas and won't restart. Help you don't think towing a car did this do you
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi project37,

Thank you for the donation.

I don't believe towing another vehicle did this.

You would have to start from the basics to understand what is wrng. Here is a link for you to check out what is missing causing the non starting. Let me know if you have additional information.

https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/first_things.htm

Follow the link that aptly describes the condition.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PROJECT37
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
I know that it is getting plenty of gas to the throttle body and there is spark to the plugs what is left. I forgot to mention. The shows this to be an idle up solenoid it seems to be wet sometimes
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)

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