Nissan Repair: Pathfinder Stalls then Cranks but wont start, spark plug wires, fuel pump relay

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1996 Pathfinder, 5 speed with 175,000. I have had the vehicle almost a year. A couple of months ago, it stalled on my way home from work. It cranked but it wouldn't start. I called my son and we pushed it to a safe place, left it until the next morning. It started right up and I drove it home. I replaced the fuel pump relay. I thought I had fixed it.  A couple of days ago, it did it again. My son and I pushed it home. The next day, it started, but cut off after about a minute. But it started again and ran about a minute and cut off. The third time I started it it ran until I cut it off. It runs good, no rough idle, no back fire. I have to go back to work tomorrow, is it safe to drive?

ANSWER: Hi Barb -

If the engine dies only when the car is warmed up, then I would replace the igniter module, located in the distributor.

If the check engine light is on, then take it to get an OBD test, get the code and let me know what the code is. I think Autozone will do it for free.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I couldn't hear the fuel pump run before, so I've replaced the fuel pump and filter. It's still cutting off. It cuts of if it's cold or hot. Only difference is now it will start back up. I can't drive it to Autozone!!
HELP Calvin!

ANSWER: Hi Barb -

Can you tell me if your "check engine" light is on?

You see, there are many, many things that could cause the engine to cut out. A lot of times it is a certain sensor, such as the crank sensor, or flywheel sensor, or some other sensor that is giving the computer a wrong signal. Diagnosing the light will narrow it down and tell you where to start.

If there is no light, then I would start with the basics, like when was your last tune up? Replaced the spark plug wires? Coils? I know you replaced the fuel pump, relay and filter, I would still replace that module.

Let me know about the light -

aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Aloha Calvin. I got a loaner tool from Autozone. Check engine light is on and showing codes P0110 and P0161. The ignition control module is built into the distributor. I don't want to spend that kind of money unless I know for sure that is what it is. I did replace the spark plugs about a month ago. Nissan won't tell me anything over the phone, they have to put it on their diagnostics.

Answer
Hi Barb -

Thank you for pulling the codes. Here is what they mean:

P0110 - Intake Air Temperature circuit malfunction
P0161 - Oxygen sensor Heater malfunction sensor 2 bank 2

Bank 2 is the driver side of the vehicle.

So the best thing, knowing the codes now, is to have the car checked by a competent mechanic. They have the resource and tools needed for the job.

The only thing I can suggest to do at home is to clean the MAF Sensor in the intake boot. There is a special cleaner you need to get. Do not use carb cleaner.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin