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Nissan Pathfinder No Start Problems

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Comments

  • mlaniermlanier Member Posts: 23
    Ok, here is everything I have done hoping for help in right direction; 1st Battery died, replaced. Everything fine for 2 weeks, 2nd changed oil and air filter, problem begins, idling in store lot car shuts down took 3 tries to get started. 3rd started car to leave work and acted like it wanted to shut down, but didn`t. service engine light on, had checked fuel sending unit bad,4th contacted nissan dealer asked if this would harm car, answer was no just keep gas in it,5th Sat. after thanksgiving car shut down on me several times while aout running around, took several attempts to get started, finally made it home and let car sit, tried to start later and started fine. 6th The next day would not start at all had a local mech. come by and check code again, fuel pump bad. 7th Tried several thing like spark, MAS,and a few others, no luck, finally changed fuel pump and fuel sending unit, nothing, but 3 seconds of run time. 8th Tried starting with MAS unplugged nothing. Does anyone thing this could be a security problem or somethign else? I am open to any suggestions, I am going to have to hand it over to a shop soon, need my car back. Thanks for any ideas/help. :sick:
  • nickp2nickp2 Member Posts: 3
    Found your problem due to your message. My 05 pathfinder would not start and after reading your post I was not going to go thru this. Never done any repairs before, but sure can surf the web. google ipdm-er failure/replacement 04-06
    and follow the temporary relay swap. Hopefully this will do it.
  • mlaniermlanier Member Posts: 23
    I appreciate the info. Did this fix your Pathfinder? I know that when I try to start sometimes it tries to fire and acts like it is out of timing, ( I have not read the full article yet to see if this one of symptoms he had ) I just know that I am at my witz end with this, and Nissan is no help at all, I cannot believe haynes, chilton has not published a repair book on 2005`s yet, I always purchase them and if I sell the car I leave it in the car. Thanks for any other reply, and for this info.
  • mlaniermlanier Member Posts: 23
    UPDATE on `05 PATHFINDER!!! Used the info sent to me by Nick P ( Thanks Nick) Anyway if you do try this, and the test step works I suggest doing the relay switch anyway, the test did work on my Path., and I did the switch out, truck started up with ease. So I am posting the link so maybe this will save someone else money and time, if you are not on page one of post go there this will give you all the step needed to do this yourself, http://www.titanspot.com/Titan/index.php?showtopic=9442&st=0, I did this in about 20 to 25 minutes to check if this was the problem, again thanks Nick and I hope this helps someone else. I know this is a Titan site but hey they are both Nissans. GOOD LUCK!
  • nickp2nickp2 Member Posts: 3
    My 05 pathfinder has never run better. I replaced the EPDM-ER ($210)

    in about 15 minutes and the car is running GREAT.
  • nickp2nickp2 Member Posts: 3
    Read my post # 56 and this will solve your problem.
  • afanof_artafanof_art Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1994 Nissan Pathfinder that wont start up. The engine sounds like it is cranking but it never actually starts. The radio and windshield wipers in the car come on but the headlights stay off. The security system randomly goes off too. All of the sudden the little red light comes on and ding goes off in the car and they next thing you know the horn is going off. are these problems related? If so how can I fix them? The most important thing is I get it running so I can get to work.
  • moto915moto915 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2010
    I was driving home from school as i applied the gas all gauges except fuel went dead and car was stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear. Pulled over because I had no torque. This has happened before after doing donuts due to fail safe in tranny after excessive wheel spin and usually I turn the car off and the tranny resets. So i tried this and went to turn the car back on and had nothing no clicking or anything. Checked fuses and the meter fuse was popped after i replaced the fuse and got a jump car started up and I barely got it home before it shorted again. Took altenator out wasn't the problem. I tried replacing the fuse multiple times and every time the key is turned to the on position the fuse blows. The fuse is called meter and after calling the local dealer we determined that fuse controls the gauges. My neighbor an electrician and I took apart the whole dash looking for the problem after my neighbor tested we determined it is the white wire with black stripe coming out of the meter fuse that controls gauges and warning lights that was shorted out. Any Ideas on how to fix this would be greatly appreciated to get me back on the road.
  • moto915moto915 Member Posts: 5
    Found the wire I thought was shorted ended up it was just a loose wire behind the fuse box!
  • troinktroink Member Posts: 2
    I have a 96 PF with a 3.3L engine. Had a no start issue a week ago....no clicking....no cranking....nothing. Lights were bright and didnt dim when trying to start car. Radio and clock work perfectly. Checked connections as well as I could without tools as I was away from home. After 10 min and as many attempts to start it, I jiggled the shift lever and car started. No other issues since until yesterday. Almost didnt start. Sounded sluggish and weak, but started after a few seconds. Today car wont start at all. Same symptoms as a week ago. Jiggling shift lever doesnt help. Attempting to start in Neutral doesnt work. Jumping battery doesnt help. Any ideas?
  • moto915moto915 Member Posts: 5
    Sounds a lot like my problem I had a while ago... Is there a fuse blown? And my second question is do your gauges still work? The fuse i would think is blowing is named the meter fuse and that controls all gauges and indicator lights. Turned out to be just a loose wire right behind my fuse box! Trim is very easy to take out and take the fuse box out.
  • troinktroink Member Posts: 2
    Well, it turns out it was my starter. I wanted to check it first, but couldnt reach it. So, after jacking up the car and finding out there was juice reaching the starter, a couple raps got the sucker turning again. Thanks for the input!
  • moto915moto915 Member Posts: 5
    Glad to hear you figured it out. My starter went out a couple years ago while we were Pheasant hunting. Luckily we limped it home. Just a bit of a heads up if you have to replace the starter our mechanic said he had to practically pull the whole engine out just to get to it.
  • ddaviestxddaviestx Member Posts: 2
    I have the same problem with 87 Pathfinder. I have low voltage below the relay. Where can I find the pages that describe this fix. Where do you install the relay? Does replacing the solenoid wire help.
  • ddaviestxddaviestx Member Posts: 2
    concerning 87 Pathfinder starter problems - does anyone know where to find this bullentin - VG30I Remanufactured BEFORE installing this starter, refer to Application Notice #B-33 in the Bosch reman catalog regarding the reuse of the solenoid wire from the old starter for some applications.
  • oharleyoharley Member Posts: 1
    Have been having starting problems for awhile. Sent it to mechanic, replaced starter. After a couple of days went to start it, nothing. Had it jumped, fired right up with no hesitation. Ran it for 45 minutes in driveway. Turned it off to start it again, nothing. Took battery to autozone, was told battery was good but needed to be charged. Did that, put back in car and started right up. Went out awhile later to go to grocery, nothing. Had it jumped, started up no problem. Took battery back and bought new one, came home, put in, fired right up, no problem. Turned it off to restart it, nothing. Jumped it again, pulled red terminal off battery, car stayed running. Went to DMV to tag it, turned it off and went inside. When done came out and lo and behold it started, was runnin a little hot, found out there was a crack in radiator cap. Bought cap and returned home. Went out to start and nothing. I am completely aggravated. My family's 1 car. Has been very dependable. Frustratyed. Any help out there?????
  • dul311dul311 Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    I have a 2002 Pathfinder LE with 95K on the odometer. I've had it for about 4-5 years now. Ever since I purchased this vehicle, it has had a random starting issue. Every once in a while, I will put the key in to start it and it will try to start but instantly stops as though the fuel was cut off or if the battery is about to die. it won't try to continue to turn over. If I turn the key in the off position and try again immediately, it starts right up each time. It's always starting on the second turn. I've changed out the battery several times.

    From all of the reading I've done, here are some possible issues:
    1. bad starter
    2. bad fuel pump or fuel pump rely
    3. malfunction with the key and security chip within the key. Basically an starting problem.

    I have found several folks with the same issue, no one has been able to solve it. Every time I take it to the dealer, they always call me back saying "we weren't able to replicate the problem".
  • goldymangoldyman Member Posts: 1
    Same issue as dul311, above. Some have suggested bad starter solenoid contacts. Wonder if anyone has replaced the solenoid and had symptoms go away?

    Interesting note about the security chip in the key. Maybe I'll swap keys for a few weeks and see if the problem crops up again. Or have you tried that, dul?
  • david779david779 Member Posts: 1
    Hello, Head Gasket blew on my 2007 pathfinder 2,5TD, Does anybody know where I can get a copy of the Nissan Service manual so I can do the repair work as necessary, especially the torque settings on the bolts.

    May Thanks

    David Ferrier (Belize)
  • mlaniermlanier Member Posts: 23
    Ok I have posted on here before with a problem, and Nick helped me out. So now I have a problem again. A month ago my pathy would not start replaced IPMD-ER with old one it started right up, a week ago it died again, replaced ECM relay, 4 days later died again, replced the IPMD-ER again with an upgraded one, and it still will not start. I have replaced the fuel pump about a year and half ago, so I am again at my WITZ end with this car, I am asking for help again if any can. Thanks. :sick:
  • patrickcopepatrickcope Member Posts: 1
    I am having the same problem after repalcing the IPDM with the new and improved version. Have you figured out what the issue with this POS Pathfinder? Also the lights on the dash flash and the fan cycles does yours do this as well?
  • mlaniermlanier Member Posts: 23
    If you have replaced the fuel pump try disconnecting it and reconnecting it. I have replaced mine , snd tried this truck started right up. I have since traded it in. Unreliable truck for me.
    Hope this helps.
  • pathfinder_93pathfinder_93 Member Posts: 1
    My dad rebuilt a transmission for his old 93 pathfinder, and gave the car to me. When I received the car, it worked great, all but a slight problem with a short in starter. My landlord showed me how to arc the starter to get it to crank when I needed it to instead of waiting 30 minutes to try it again. Recently, I have had some problems with it turning over fine, but not catching and actually cranking up. I had to mess with it every time I needed to go somewhere, and I am by no means a mechanic of any sort. Well, I was going to take it to my dad this morning if I could get it cranked up, and it turned over fine yesterday, just the same problem with it not cranking up. I went out this morning to try it, and low-and-behold, it wouldn't even turn over. I heard a clicking/knocking noise, and popped the hood to locate where it was coming from... and its coming from the fuel pump relay. I tried to arc the starter, and it was so weak, it wouldn't hardly spark at all. My dad is coming to replace the fuel pump relay as we speak.. but im afraid that may not be all that is wrong since I noticed no problems up till a few days ago.. has anyone had this same problem or know some extra tips about this so I could try and give my dad some help to fix this as quickly as possible. I rely on my car for work, and today is my last off day. We are trying to get it done as soon as possible. Thank you for your help!!

    Also, I would smell gas VERY strongly anytime the engine was cooled completely and I would start it up. I have no idea what that means...
  • smartingraysmartingray Member Posts: 1
    I replaced the battery in my 1994 pathfinder and initially it fired right up. I killed it while trying to back it up my driveway immediately after, and now it wont turn over. I just get a clicking noise coming from the relays on the passenger side inner fender. I tried cleaning the terminals and clamps on the battery, it didn't help. I tried jumping it, didn't work. It will run great if I bump start it, but thats not always an option. I'm at a loss at this point.
  • eurekateurekat Member Posts: 1
    Hi,
    I have the exact same model and have been extensively reading through different forums and came to the same conclusions you did as the possible problems. As well as possible solenoid problems. Did you ever find out what exactly was the issue and how did you solve it? I'm in desperate need to fix my car and if it's something I can do on my own I would much rather do that than take it into my mechanic. I'd greatly appreciate any and everything you can tell me.

    Thank you!
  • revrun71revrun71 Member Posts: 2
    2006 Pathfinder that's run well until this week. Battery was recently replaced. Yesterday, it would not start right. Sputtered, died, and had no power. Thought the alternator had gone bad bc it behaved as though it wasn't getting enough electrical power to fire cylinders. Replaced alternator, after couple attempts, it fired up and motor ran well. Took old alternator back to get core charge back get core charge back to find out that it was good. (circumstances were I couldn't get it tested before installing) Anyway, drove home and tried to start it up again. Again it putters and dies like its not getting gas but it ran well across town and back with no idling or power problems at all.
    What gives? I'm stumped by inconsistency of problem.
  • mlaniermlanier Member Posts: 23
    Hopefully you have not spent to much money on this problem. First have you replaced the ECM relay, this is a Nissan recall? If not it is like an 8 dolllar piece.
    My last problem with my Pathfinder, was I had replaced the fuel pump, that some how became a loose connection, so I had to drop the tank and reconnect it , then I traded it in. Unreliable vehicle, and Nissan wants nothing to do with them. Hope this helped.
  • revrun71revrun71 Member Posts: 2
    Unfortunately alternator was pretty expensive and I was dumb not to have it checked first. Ce la vie. I'm thinking it may have more to do with fuel system so will look into ECM and fuel pump after that if it's still acting like this. Not been too happy with this vehicle.
  • mlaniermlanier Member Posts: 23
    I can understand the cost, I replaced fuel pump after battery having the same feeling you have. Then posted here and someone pointed me in the right direction, this lasted about a year, and then it left on the side of road again, after fixing it I got rid of it. If I can find the link that was sent to me I forward it to you through post.
  • mlaniermlanier Member Posts: 23
    Here is that link, I know it is for a Titan but this fixed my problem, also contact your local Nissan dealer and see if the ECM relay is a recall on your truck if not, like I said the relay is like $8 , they have also redesigned the whole thing it is like $500 , how do I know I replaced that too the last time I had a problem.
    http://www.titanspot.com/Titan/index.php?showtopic=9442&st=0
  • necos117necos117 Member Posts: 1
    Any insight is greatly appreciated. I am not a mechanic, but am looking for a solution. Thanks again.

    Since I bought this car at an auction, it randomly will not turn all you hear is a click and then nothing happens, this issue was never that bad b/c the car would turn after 3-20 tries. After a couple of years, the car is now not turning on anymore.

    Issue: Put key in, each stage of turning works fine, there is power, windows, radio, etc. On last station of key turn, you only hear a click and nothing else. If you leave the key pressed all the way, it doesn't keep clicking (just one click), however, you can hear a faint hum until you let the key go back.

    For over a year, the following would work: leave the key in, move the shifter to Neutral and then the car would start up perfectly. I am using the word random in the litteral sense. It randomly occurs and then randomly the car would start up perfectly. (Ranging from working on 2nd try through up to 5 minutes of trying.)

    Now, nothing works, I have changed the battery and had the alternator checked, they are fine. When the car decides to turn on, the starter turns the car on perfectly sounding great, (doesn't sound weak).

    Not sure where the issue is exactly. Is it my ignition switch? What else is there between that and the starter?
  • mggarciamggarcia Member Posts: 3
    My wife and I just purchased a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder with 48k miles and V8 engine. It starts but sometimes will not turn over. It has had trouble starting 4 times in the last 2 days. I took it to dealership to have it looked at and service guy told me that they found nothing on the diagnostic machine and no recalls regarding this issue. He did tell me that sometimes the injectors will flood if the vehicle is parked on an incline. I have not checked if this is the problem but will be in the next few days.
  • ricardo_33172ricardo_33172 Member Posts: 34
    The same happened to me. The incline has nothing to do with it. It is the check valve that is located in your fuel pump (inside gas tank). It gets stuck sometimes and will give you a hard time starting. You still should be under warranty since the fuel pump is covered under the 60,000 drive train coverage. Before you go back to the dealer (and I strongly suggest you go to another one) contact Nissan USA and tell them that you want to open a case for warranty to cover the check valve. Then they will give you a case number. With this case number you go back to the service manager and tell him to do the work. It worked for me!
  • ricardo_33172ricardo_33172 Member Posts: 34
    Also your fuel gauge will stop working around 40k miles. It is also in the gas tank. There was a recall for it. I would suggest taking care of both things at the same time, since both require to take down your gas tank.
  • ricardo_33172ricardo_33172 Member Posts: 34
    Also your fuel gauge will stop working around 40k miles. It is also in the gas tank. There was a recall for it. I would suggest taking care of both things at the same time, since both require to take down your gas tank.

    Here is a copy of the recall:

    Recall ID # 80845 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK Hide Details
    Recall Date MAR 03, 2010
    Component FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
    Model Affected Pathfinder
    Potential Units Affected 80689

    Recall Date:
    MAR 03, 2010
    Model Affected:
    2006 Nissan Pathfinder
    Summary:
    NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
    Consequences:
    THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
    Potential Units Affected:
    80689
    Notes:
    NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • mggarciamggarcia Member Posts: 3
    correction it is a V6\
  • mggarciamggarcia Member Posts: 3
    the vehicle already has 48k miles so I have not noticed a problem with the fuel gauge not reading correctly yet. The PF does not do this everytime we start it and I am not sure if this is helping but before turning the key I listen for the pump to kick in and turn the key afterward. It starts most times and works great overall but the starting issue is still a blemish on an otherwise great suv. My brother told me to empty the tank or drive it to empty and then use gas without ethanol as well as use a fuel injector cleaner and maybe dry gas for a possible cheap fix. After that then we start looking into things like fuel pump, sensor, or fuel injectors.
  • johnp12johnp12 Member Posts: 2
    I have a Nissan pathfinder 2008 around 43000 miles I sometimes it won't start in the morning. last time i got out of work get on my car and when I arrived to my kids school to picked them up and tried to start my car and nothing I was with my kids around one hour to AAA to take it to the colonial Nissan in Medford MA and they did not find anything wrong since the car was able to start at the dealer and no check engine light comes out on the dashboard therefore is nothing wrong with it, I just really scare that every time to turn off mostly when I have my kids with me and end up in the middle of nowhere I need help I feel that they take advantage of me because i am a female
  • johnp12johnp12 Member Posts: 2
    I called the Nissan headquarter and explained was going on with my Nissan pathfinder 2008 have around 43000 miles that sometimes it won't start and that I had take to the dealer three times already their answer was that since the dealer are ears and eyes for them and they had not found anything so therefore was nothing they could do about it and I tried one last time to contact the Colonial Nissan here en Medford, MA and the Nissan in Lynn and they say that as long the car start when I bring it to them and no check engine light comes out on the dashboard the truck is perfectly find so the fact the doesn't start isn't an issue and that they won't be able to help me. I really feel that because I am a female they really take advantage of me and they don't seem to understand the sacrifices I had made to buy this car and isn't safe my main concern is when I have my kids with me I am terrified to end up in the middle of nowhere with them because of a defective truck I need help please
  • ricardo_33172ricardo_33172 Member Posts: 34
    Your problem is a simple one. There is a check valve in your tank that malfunctions on the Pathfinders. There is also a recall for the feul gauge sensor that is in your gas tank. What you need to do is tell the dealer that you want the recall gas gauge replaced. Since they are already going to take down the tank, tell them to replace the check valve. You might want to contact Nissan USA first to start a case explaining what I just mentioned. After you get the case number, contact the dealer and tell them that you have a case number and have them fix the recall and check valve.
  • liberaceliberace Member Posts: 1
    Sounds like the Neutral Safety Switch on the transmission. Keeps the car from stopping unless in P or N. N usually still works when it goes bad. DO NOT hold down the key in the start position it will break things
  • kjs2014kjs2014 Member Posts: 2

    Me and my fiance bought a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder back in September it had a little over 170,000 miles on it. Just recently it wasn't starting at all. All I heard was a clicking noise and then I would turn the key again and it would try to start. Well we had drove it 6,000 miles with no oil change due to lack of funds. I thought it was the starter so I just went and bought a new one and then got the oil change on it and all of sudden no more problems it's been firing up just fine now with no issues. My issue is now though is if I should take the starter back and get my money back for it or not. Kinda worried it's gonna start acting up again. Please help. Any info on these make and model vehicles would be great we've never owned one before and not sure what's going on. Thanks!!

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2014

    I have a '99 Quest and my oil change interval is 7,500 miles (although I often exceed that).

    So I don't think the oil change is related.

    Other posters around the forums say that, in general, no start problems with a clicking noise are usually the battery and then the starter. I'm confused about whether you actually installed the new starter or not.

    Most auto parts stores will load test a battery for free so you may want to have that done.

    I suppose it's possible you had a bad battery connection and changing the oil somehow shifted the cables and made the connection better.

  • Booka5Booka5 Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2019
    We have a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, which we bought in 2016 and have had this issue since day 1. When the temperatures begin to drop to 40 or below, our pathfinder will not start. It turns over but won’t start. But, when being jumped, it will instantly start right up.

    We have replaced the fuel pump, alternator, starter, relay sensor, ignition switch, the main computer thing (sorry, not a car person and don’t know the correct terminology), the battery connection cables, and the battery 3 times. No mechanic can figure it out, the Nissan dealership is clueless. When scanned, it doesn’t throw any codes but will throw a blank screen which has everyone puzzled.

    I can’t, in good conscience, sell it to anyone knowing it’s totally unreliable. I have read multiple forums and I know I’m not alone with this issue.

    Has ANYONE found the culprit to this annoying issue and had a successful fix to it?
  • BigDinBFCOBigDinBFCO Member Posts: 1
    You ever replace the cam position sensor or the crankshaft position sensor might check those I'm not a mechanic but I found out they seem to happen to me sometimes and that's what fixed them
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