2001 PATH Service Engine Light On

aop · Jan 10th, 2007, 12:10 AM

my 2001 pathfinder has almost 87,000 miles. Just today the Service Engine Light came on. I have read the previous posts but none have addressed my symptoms.

last nite and this morning the truck had a rattling noise similar to what i have heard from loose or rotting heat shields ---- i have had the heat shields removed already so i knew that was not the problem.

the nissan owners manual states that the service engine light is somehow connected to a problem with the exhaust system or the fuel filler cap.

anyone have a suggestion --- my initial thought may be a catalytic converter possibly?

ps---just out of curiosity ---- anyone know of a cd changer or cd player that works with the stock bose system and steering wheel audio controls?

thanks----jeff

**88pathoffroad** · Jan 10th, 2007, 01:00 AM

Go to Autozone or wherever and have them read the codes for you. That'll tell you what's causing the SEL. 99% of parts stores do this free now, so don't pay to have it done.

Evil Empire · Jan 11th, 2007, 09:48 AM

I just started hearing the same kind of noise on my 02(61k). I have an appointment w/ the dealer next Wed. I'll let you know what they say....... And like 88Path said, Autozone does a scan for free.

navygz19 · Jan 11th, 2007, 09:55 AM

Have you guys checked your oil levels?

Evil Empire · Jan 11th, 2007, 11:29 AM

Yup, First thing I did. (Dealer overfilled my Audi once and the cats started to rattle) Oil level is good. Sounds like a loose heatshield but it's not...

aop · Jan 12th, 2007, 12:37 AM

yep oil level was normal --- meaning not too high ---- but check this out ---- i checked all fluids and tightened the gas cap about 20 clicks and then disconnected the positive side of the battery post and re-attached it ---- the check engine light is off ---- who knows!!!

i expect it to come back on sooner or later ----- also i still have the rattle---- i'm gonna get it on a lift and check the undercarriage including skid plate and exhaust system and see what's up ----- peace out!!

lewisnc100 · Jan 12th, 2007, 07:17 AM

Disconnecting the battery clears the codes and it takes 2 consecutive drive cycles with the same error for the light to come back on. Completing a drive cylcle could take several days to several weeks depending on your driving. This is perfectly normal and doesn't indicate in any way that the problem went away.

risho · Apr 9th, 2007, 02:32 PM

MSN Autos has this to say about the check engine light. I have not myself looked into this even though mine has been on for months.

"Occasional problems on this vehicle are failure of the Intake Valve Timing Control (IVTC) Position Sensor, Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor and Ignition Coils. Problems with the IVTC Position and MAF Sensors can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. Failure of the ignition coils may cause the engine to run rough or the Check Engine Light to illuminate. The cost to replace an Intake Valve Timing Control Position Sensor is estimated at $66.14 for parts and $26 for labor. The cost to replace the MAF Sensor is estimated at $500.00 for parts and $39.00 for labor. The cost to replace the Ignition Coils is estimated at $378.00 for the coils and $65.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax."

rooco99 · May 5th, 2007, 08:23 AM

To all the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder owners who are having trouble with their service engine soon light coming on. I have seem to fixed my problem, Nissan replaced the timing solinoid on my pathfinder and it seemed to have rectified the problem. Take care keep in touch

T

golfer · May 5th, 2007, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rooco99

Nissan replaced the timing solinoid on my pathfinder and it seemed to have rectified the problem.

T

Curious... what is it and where's it located ???

rooco99 · Aug 11th, 2007, 11:34 PM

Hello sorry for delay timing solinoid is next to the camshaft I believe, but further to this my light still comes on now. and is still showing the same P1101 code as before. I spoke to the NISSAN service manager who is a personal friend of mine and he told me that it has been his experience that this occurs only with the 5speed manual transmissions. Does anyone disagree with this is there any automatics having same issue?? Apparently from what my bud tells me the camshaft gets so gummmed up that the timing soleniod does not see the sensor markings and this causes it to turn the light on. IF I have made errors in the mechanical terms please excuse me I am no mechanic by any means

T

**88pathoffroad** · Aug 13th, 2007, 10:25 AM

There are two camshafts in your engine for starters.

smj999smj · Aug 14th, 2007, 06:31 PM

Usually it's pretty 50/50 as to whether it's the "intake valve timing sensor" or the "intake valve timing solenoid" that fails. I've also see low oil level cause this issue (often when Jiffy Lube places put in 4 Qts. instead of 5 to 5 1/4 Qts.) as well as technicians replacing the camshaft sensor as opposed to the intake valve timing sensor (sometimes due to parts guys ordering the wrong sensor).

smj999smj · Aug 14th, 2007, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

There are two camshafts in your engine for starters.

Well, actually, for starters, there are four camshafts in his VQ-series engine.

rooco99 · Aug 15th, 2007, 01:45 PM

thanks for you reply on this issue ; I have now resorted to a private mechanic that my uncle knows ; My uncle has two Jags and has had some issues with them, all the mechanics at the Jaguar dealership here in the city could not fix the problem ; this fellow did, apparently he is a very intelligent fellow

Back to my issue NISSAN dealership did change my timing soleniod so they say, I don't believe them but thats the sckeptist in me.

Thanks again

Tony