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2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE 2WD Auto

2001 Nissan Pathfinder
Trim Info:
Rear Wheel Drive, 4 Door, 2WD Sport Utility
16 mpg city / 19 mpg hwy
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October 11, 2012, 8:29 am

Casey K
 

Question: Runs rough, dies on start, no codes...

Up until 1 week ago, my 98 pathfinder ran fine. All of the sudden it started acting up intermittently. Now, I need to give it gas on start up to prevent it from dying. One morning, I cranked it, it started for a moment, idled low and died. Wouldn't restart all day. The next morning, it started again with giving it gas, but it's running rough. I have no service codes. Recent work includes a replaced distributor, serpentine belt, and ignition relay. Battery is at 80%. I suspect that I also have a failing carbon canister, but that code cleared itself a while a go and hasn't come back. When I had to replace my distributor, the car was bucking at all speeds after warming up and I think this may have also affect my timing. 208K miles.

Would a simple tune-up help my vehicle run better? Should I just turn the idle up? I don't know a TON about cars, but some. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.


October 19, 2012, 8:46 pm

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

For all hard starting or engine performance issues, you should always start with the basics. Make sure the tune up items are done and check the charging and starting systems. The engine must have the basics done in order for it to be able to run correctly. Many things can cause this type of problem, and the simplest sometimes get overlooked.


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