1998 Nissan Pathfinder Engine not Starting SE model

MGALELLO

MEMBER
1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

One day I turned the key and the enginine turned to start but didn't fire up and start. I had it towed to a mechanic and he said it needed a new distributor to the tune of $600. I didn't have the money(lost my job)so I towed the truck to my house and sat for 8 months. I changed the rotor button and two spark plugs that the mechanic left out(i guess he checked compression). It started! I thought I fixed the problem. I drove it for about 5 minutes and it stalled, couldn't get to catch started as the engine turned and towed back to the house.

Any idea what it is? The rotor button turns when I crank the engine.

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

No Start do below:

Disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor /distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, ECM, Ignitor camshaft and crankshaft sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

If both fuel pressure and blue spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time/broken or jumped timing belt/chain