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Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2003 >> Sentra Limited >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 34 (Engine Controls - On-Vehicle Adjustments - 4 CYL & V6) >> Throttle Position Switch, Ignition Timing & Idle Speed >> Basic Inspection >> Pathfinder & QX4

Pathfinder & QX4

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2002 Nissan Xterra, 2002 Nissan Sentra, 2002 Nissan Quest, 2002 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Use the following procedure to check and adjust throttle position switch, ignition timing and idle speed. Ensure no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) exist before performing test. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - PATHFINDER & QX4 article. Ensure transmission is in Park or Neutral, all electrical accessories (headlights, A/C, rear window defogger, cooling fan, etc.) are turned off and steering wheel is in straight-ahead position.
  1. Check the following:
    • Harness connectors for improper connections.
    • Wiring for improper connections, pinches and cuts.
    • Air cleaner for clogging.
    • Hoses and ducts for leaks.

    Repair as necessary. Go to next step.

  2. Check Throttle Drum Operation

    Check for clearance between throttle drum and throttle stop. See Fig 1. If clearance exists, go to step  4. If clearance does not exist, go to next step.
  3. Ensure accelerator cable is not holding throttle open. Ensure throttle drum and throttle valve operate properly. If problem is found, repair as necessary. If problem is not found, clean throttle body and throttle valve.

  4. Check TP Switch Idle Position

    Disconnect TP switch harness connector. See Fig 2. Insert a.002" (.05 mm) feeler gauge between throttle drum and throttle stop as shown in illustration. See Fig 3. Check continuity between TP switch terminals No. 5 and 6. See Fig 4. Continuity should exist. Remove.002" (.05 mm) feeler gauge, and insert.006" (.15 mm) feeler gauge. Continuity should not exist. If continuity is as specified, go to step  7. If continuity is not as specified, go to next step.

  5. Adjust TP Switch Idle Position

    Loosen TP sensor mounting bolts. Remove.006" (.15 mm) feeler gauge, and insert.002" (.05 mm) feeler gauge. Rotate TP sensor counterclockwise until continuity does not exist. Slowly rotate TP sensor clockwise until continuity exists, then tighten TP sensor mounting bolts. Go to next step.
  6. Open and close throttle 2 or 3 times to ensure continuity exists when throttle is closed and does not exist when throttle is open. Remove.002" (.05 mm) feeler gauge, and insert.006" (.15 mm) feeler gauge. Open and close throttle 2 or 3 times to ensure continuity does not exist when throttle is closed. Go to next step.

  7. Reset TP Sensor Idle Position Memory

    Remove feeler gauge. Reconnect TP switch harness connector. Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. Turn ignition off. Turn ignition on, wait at least 5 seconds, then turn ignition off and wait at least 10 seconds. Repeat 20 times. Go to next step.

  8. Check For 1st Trip DTC

    Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. Snap throttle to 2000-3000 RPM, 2 or 3 times. Using scan tool, check for 1st trip DTCs. If no 1st trip DTCs are displayed, go to next step. IF any 1st trip DTC is displayed, perform appropriate diagnostic procedure. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - PATHFINDER & QX4 article.

  9. Check Target Idle Speed

    Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. Check idle speed with scan tool or tachometer. Target idle speed should be 700-800 RPM with transmission in Park or Neutral. If idle speed is as specified, go to step  18. If idle speed is not as specified, go to next step.

  10. Perform Idle Air Volume Learning

    Perform idle air volume learning. See PROGRAMMING in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - PATHFINDER & QX4 article. Go to next step.

  11. Check Target Idle Speed Again

    Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. Check idle speed with scan tool or tachometer. Target idle speed should be 700-800 RPM with transmission in Park or Neutral. If idle speed is as specified, go to step  16. If idle speed is not as specified, go to next step.
  12. Replace Idle Air Control Valve-Auxiliary Air Control (IACV-AAC) valve. Go to next step.

  13. Perform Idle Air Volume Learning

    Perform idle air volume learning. See PROGRAMMING in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - PATHFINDER & QX4 article. Go to next step.

  14. Check Target Idle Speed Again

    Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. Check idle speed with scan tool or tachometer. Target idle speed should be 700-800 RPM with transmission in Park or Neutral. If idle speed is as specified, go to step  16. If idle speed is not as specified, go to next step.

  15. Check ECM Function

    Substitute a known good ECM to check ECM function. Perform initialization of Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS) system and registration of NVIS ignition key IDs. See appropriate IMMOBILIZER SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. Go to next step.

  16. Check Ignition Timing

    Turn ignition off. Connect TP sensor harness connector. Start engine and let it idle. Check ignition timing using a timing light. Ignition timing should be 13-17 degrees BTDC with transmission in Park or Neutral. If ignition timing is as specified, go to step  24. If ignition timing is not as specified, go to next step.

  17. Check Timing Chain Installation

    Check timing chain installation. See appropriate article in ENGINES. If timing chain is okay, go to step  15. If timing chain is not okay, repair as necessary, then go to step  10.

  18. Check Ignition Timing

    Start engine and let it idle. Check ignition timing using a timing light. Ignition timing should be 10-20 degrees BTDC with transmission in Park or Neutral. If ignition timing is as specified, go to step  24. If ignition timing is not as specified, go to next step.

  19. Perform Idle Air Volume Learning

    Perform idle air volume learning. See PROGRAMMING in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - PATHFINDER & QX4 article. Go to next step.

  20. Check Target Idle Speed Again

    Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. Check idle speed with scan tool or tachometer. Target idle speed should be 700-800 RPM with transmission in Park or Neutral. If idle speed is as specified, go to step  22. If idle speed is not as specified, go to next step.

  21. Check ECM Function

    Substitute a known good ECM to check ECM function. Perform initialization of Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS) system and registration of NVIS ignition key IDs. See appropriate IMMOBILIZER SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. Go to step  19.

  22. Check Ignition Timing Again

    Start engine and let it idle. Check ignition timing using a timing light. Ignition timing should be 10-20 degrees BTDC with transmission in Park or Neutral. If ignition timing is as specified, go to step  24. If ignition timing is not as specified, go to next step.

  23. Check Timing Chain Installation

    Check timing chain installation. See appropriate article in ENGINES. If timing chain is okay, go to step  21. If timing chain is not okay, repair as necessary, then go to step  19.

  24. Clear DTC Memory

    DTCs may be stored in ECM and/or Transmission Control Module (TCM) from performing basic inspection. Clear DTCs from ECM and TCM. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - PATHFINDER & QX4 article.
Fig 1: Checking Throttle Drum Operation (Pathfinder & QX4)
G00156645Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Fig 2: Locating TP Sensor & TP Switch Harness Connector (Pathfinder & QX4)
G00025056Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Fig 3: Checking TP Switch Idle Position (Pathfinder & QX4)
G00156646Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Fig 4: Identifying TP Sensor & TP Switch Terminals (Pathfinder, Quest, QX4 & Sentra 1.8L)
G00014348Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
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