97 p-finder, total electrical shutdown

steveibe · Sep 9th, 2007, 01:53 PM

I purchased a 97 pathfinder 4wd 3.3 se for my daughter a couple of weeks ago. What has happened at least 10 times ,at freeway and slower speeds , it will completely shut down,
power antenna goes down, doors unlock, obviously no ps or pb . It will restart immediately and may not happen again for a day or two ,or an hour or two. It's pretty scary at freeway speeds but i've gotten pretty good at throwing it into neutral , turning ign. off and re-starting within a second or two. I've checked all battery connections and ground straps, checked and re-seated fuses and relays.

Can anyone point me in the right direction ?

**88pathoffroad** · Sep 9th, 2007, 01:58 PM

That sounds like a main battery cable problem or fusible link(if applicable). Could also be the ignition switch.

smj999smj · Sep 9th, 2007, 02:13 PM

Obviously it's something that effects multiple things, so the areas I would concentrate are:

1) Charging system and battery. I've seen some charging systems do some strange things. Some would test fine at idle but driving down the road they would overcharge or undercharge and cause the vehicle to shut down. I have a $10 voltmeter that plugs into the cigarette lighter that I picked up from Pep Boys. It comes in handy when working on vehicles that don't have a voltmeter. A normal charging system will run from 13.2-15.0 volts. Having the ability to monitor your charging system would be a big plus. First, have your battery and charging system checked out. If all looks good, see if you can get a way to monitor your voltage (such as the method suggested) while driving.

2) Ignition switch. The ignition switch (electronic part of your ignition lock...available seperately) controls most of your electrical devices. A momentary bad contact can cause multiple items to fail. Try wiggling the key around a little while running to see if you can duplicate the "shut down" issue.

3) Fusible links. The links are fuse protection for many items and issues with one will affect multiple items. Generally, a fuse link is either good or "open." I have run into a case or two where they've broken but still make intermittant contact. Try tapping on them. Just as important are the connections to them. Wiggle them around.

You've already stated you checked the battery connections and grounds, which is good. Make sure those battery connections are clean. If there is any acid buildup, clean them with baking soda and warm water and an old toothbrush or small wire brush and dry thoroughly. Also, make sure the major harness connectors, like the SMJ (super multiple junction) isn't loose and firmly connected.

86fj · Sep 11th, 2007, 01:20 PM

What about the Cam position sensor. I am having the same problem with my 97. Nissan said they could find nothing. My car shuts down but the radio remains on. If I let it roll the dashboard lights with flicker then come on, I then shut it off and start it back up. ( Going 70) Been doing this for 2 months. I am lost... Bought a new battery cleaned terminals...