2001 Pathfinder starting issue?

bubba121605 · Jan 16th, 2013, 09:59 AM

I have a 2001 Pathfinder with a 3.5 in it and have a strange problem. In the morning when I start the truck it starts and runs fine. I drive it somewhere and let it sit for about 30 minutes and try to start it it turns over but won't crank. We changed the fuel pump which helped nothing. I did a little testing and it isn't firing when this happens. Now if I let it sit another 30 minutes after I try to start it it starts right up. Has anyone had a problem like this or know have any suggestions?

**rogoman** · Jan 16th, 2013, 01:27 PM

Perform an ECU code readout using a scan tool. Report back to us as to what codes may be set.

**smj999smj** · Jan 16th, 2013, 02:33 PM

I've heard of bad crank or cam sensors doing this; as mentioned above, check for stored trouble codes.

bubba121605 · Jan 16th, 2013, 03:16 PM

It has codes P0340,P0464 and P1140 in it. From what I'm seeing it looks like a cam sensor on the passenger side front.

**smj999smj** · Jan 16th, 2013, 04:09 PM

P0464 is the fuel level sensor. Since you just replaced the fuel pump, it could be related to that.

P1140 is for the intake valve timing control sensor, right bank (passenger side), which could be set due to a bad cam sensor.

P0340 is for the cam position sensor (PHASE), which is mounted to the front cover facing the cam sprocket. There is a pretty detailed diagnostic procedure in the service manual for it. Considering the large number of failures of these sensors, I would just replace the sensor and erase the codes and see how it goes. I would recheck later to see if the fuel sensor code returns and then address it.

bubba121605 · Jan 17th, 2013, 05:45 AM

Does anyone have a diagram of where the cam sensors are? The parts store is telling me there are 2 on each side and I'm only seeing 1 on the front side of each head. They are saying there is an intake and exhaust on each side.

**smj999smj** · Jan 17th, 2013, 02:12 PM

Nissan part #23731-2Y510. On the diagram linked below, it will be part code 23731M:

Part Detail

I would recommend you get the sensor from Nissan.

bubba121605 · Jan 18th, 2013, 03:34 AM

Well I think I changed the wrong sensor. I replaced 23731tb and it changed nothing still doing the same thing. So you think it is 23731m causing the problem?

IanH · Jan 18th, 2013, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubba121605

Well I think I changed the wrong sensor. I replaced 23731tb and it changed nothing still doing the same thing. So you think it is 23731m causing the problem?

Yes that's what he said, believe him !!!

bubba121605 · Jan 18th, 2013, 11:09 AM

Ok I'm going to get the other one and try that. I sure hope this works I'm lost on this thing.

IanH · Jan 18th, 2013, 12:10 PM

You have really good help on this and I am sure you will get it !!!

**smj999smj** · Jan 18th, 2013, 12:42 PM

Your code if for the cam position (PHASE) sensor. If you look at the parts diagram, you'll see "Specification Mitsubishi (PHA)" under the desciption of 23731M. The (PHA) is a referance to (PHASE). Obviously if you replace the wrong sensor, it's not going to fix anything. If you replace the cam position (PHASE) sensor and nothing changes, then you'll have to follow the FSM diagnosic procedure for a DTC P0340 to isolate the problem. It is possible for this code for something other than a bad sensor, but it's not very common.

bubba121605 · Jan 23rd, 2013, 07:46 AM

So happy changed that 23731m sensor and its been running great since Friday. Thank you very much for your help.