1997 pathfinder idle problem

stanen8871 · Nov 7th, 2003, 10:17 AM

I am seeking Nissan technical bulletin NTB01011.
I believe I am experiencing this problem.
Intermittent idle surge, not smooth acceleration from start,
resistance in accelerator pedal, etc...
Any help appreciated.
scott.p.tanenbaum@lmco.com
s.tanenbaum@comcast.net

96R50 · Nov 7th, 2003, 10:38 AM

I am not sure about that specific TSB. However, I had a similar issue with my 1996. My problem was carbon buildup in the throttle body. The sticky accelerator pedal really had me stumped because it was so intermittent for me. The solution was a $3.00 can of throttle body cleaner from the local parts store. I found that the when heated the carbon was acting a bit like a high tack glue and actually holding the butterfly closed. A shot of cleaner to remove the carbon 6 months ago and I have been sticky accelerator free.

I hope that this helps you.

lewisnc100 · Nov 7th, 2003, 12:13 PM

That TSB is related but man is it overkill, it correctly states that throttle chamber deposits can cause this issue but instead of cleaning it out the TSB calls for the replacement of the entire throttle chamber and vacuum piping kit. I guess it makes sense since they've got to figure they're not going to make any money off of you with cleaning it with a cheap can of throttle body cleaner.

I also had an eratic idle and two things removed it for good. The previously mentioned throttle body cleaner and also adjusting the TPS. My TPS had gotten so out of adjustment that I was getting A/T gear ratio errors. Since doing both of these I have not had the idle problem return.

96R50 · Nov 7th, 2003, 12:49 PM

Interesting lewisnc100, the TPS is the first thing that I checked. I didn’t find that it was out of adjustment.

I never thought much of throttle body maintenance until this happened. I guess because so much nasty stuff is dumped into the throttle body from the PCV valve and the EGR valve a little cleaning every now and then can really keep things running smoothly.

jadcock · Nov 7th, 2003, 09:02 PM

I haven't experienced this problem yet on my Nissan, but every spring, I need to clean the throttle body of my Cadillac. I never have idle problems or driving problems with it, but after a hot soak and restart, the throttle will stick closed, and unless I give it a good bump when in park or neutral before driving off, the throttle is abrupt enough to chirp the tires sometimes. After I break it free once, its fine until it hot soaks again. I wonder when my Nissan will start doing this.