Questions and Answers
Pathfinder Idle Fluctuates
Q. I have a question for you and having had the opportunity to visit your web site and read some of the questions and answers I knew you were just the right person to ask.
Year, make and model: 1994, Nissan, Pathfinder 4X4
Engine size: VG30E V6 3.0L
Automatic Transmission
Mileage: 116K+
Fuel Injection
ABS Brakes
P/S-A/C-Cruise Control
Rack and Pinion SteeringFor sometime now I have been experiencing erratic idling. I always allow some time for the engine to warm up. In the morning and anytime it has set for awhile. I am a previous Ford owner Truck, etc. It (Pathfinder) normally idles at approximately 750 rpm. The trouble is that after I have driven it for awhile, 10 minutes or so, and come to a Traffic Signal/Sign and have to stop, I am able to stop but when sitting there out of the blue it will accelerate on its own. It never seems to go above 1500 rpm's. Thank goodness! Other times I can turn the engine on after doing some errands around town/city and the engine will idle at 1500 rpm instead of 750 rpm. Just last week I had to take the Auto in for a Smog test. I was worried that the engine was going to act up and the idle wouldn't operate properly, i.e. I wouldn't pass the test. It turns out I got Lucky and it didn't act up. I passed rather it passed the Test! After the technician was finished sending the information to the DMV electronically, I asked him about the problem. He stated to me that once he had to stop the Smog test on a similar vehicle because the idle would not decrease far enough, i.e. 750 rpm. He mentioned something about an "air idle control valve", but when he/we looked up under the Hood to see where it was located on the schematic there was no information. Needless to say we/I could not locate it. Later I went and checked my Repair Manual (Chiltons) 1994 Nissan Pathfinder, and there was no mention of this in the index.
I understand from reading some of the questions and answers that you were a Certified Nissan Mechanic. Could you please explain to me what and where I should be checking and the locations. I try to do some of the work myself as I cannot afford to pay the prices a Dealer/Mechanic charge to work on this vehicle. Their prices are justified but I cannot afford to pay them. Your Input is greatly appreciated. Once I have a Million $$$$ I'll send it to you or it least share some of it with you ( read one of the Q/A and you mentioned Million $$$$$$$. I'll also get rid of the 1994 Pathfinder!
Happy ThanksGiving!
Look forward to hearing from you, when and if you have an opportunity.
Till Later!
Gregory the KnuckleHeadA. I'm not going to ask the obvious question about the nickname. Oh hell, yes I am. Why do you have the nickname "Knucklehead"?
Nissan had a problem with a high resistance in the ECCS relay that caused these exact symptoms. It is a standard relay and you can swap it with another relay in the relay box to confirm this.
