Starts but does not stay running?

Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 255,262 MILES
My car will start for 15 or 20 minutes when it is cold then shuts off. I started right back up for 5 minutes then it shut off again. I just replaced my fuel pump because that went out and also the fuel filter. I read up and seen others has problems with the MAF sensor, Crankshaft position sensor, my distributor or fuel pump relay. But when I first got my car I replaced the whole distributor, wires and spark plugs about 10K-15K miles I also replaced all the fuses in the cab of vehicle.
Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 AT 8:24 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Yep, any of these parts can cause this issue. Lets run the codes first to see if any are stored. Please go over this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

When it stalls and will not start, can you use starting fluid to make a difference? If so then we know it is fuel related, and if not, we know it is spark related which can help us. Also, I would unplug the MAF to see if things change as well. Please check out this video, it can help as well:

https://youtu.be/lXLJbuAZ4CE?si=H6VSuxxK3wF4PZen

Here is the location of the MAF sensor. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, October 4th, 2024 AT 12:10 PM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
I don’t have a code reader, and I will try those to try to narrow the solution.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, October 4th, 2024 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Sounds good, also did you try unplugging the MAF sensor?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, October 5th, 2024 AT 9:39 AM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
I’m ordering a new MAF do I need a code reader to rest it or can I disconnect the negative terminal for 15 minutes and put it back on?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, October 7th, 2024 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
This is the MAF I got.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, October 7th, 2024 AT 4:35 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Yep, you don't need a scanner to reset the MAF, can I ask if unplugging it made a difference?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 AT 10:10 AM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
So, do I need a code scanner to reset it?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 AT 11:02 AM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
And I haven’t got the part in yet it won’t come in until Saturday.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 AT 11:02 AM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
And I haven’t unplugged it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Hi, I got a code reader and it’s giving me a code P1320. I need help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
The P1320 trouble code on a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder refers to an issue with the Ignition Signal Primary Circuit. This is telling us the ignition distributor is bad, I would get a rebuilt unit and install it would shoel fix the problem. Here is how. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Could I replace the whole distributor?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Yes, that is best, here is one on amazon for $70.00:

https://amzn.to/3NtaztC

Let us know how it goes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 17th, 2024 AT 8:39 AM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
It was the distributor. Thank you so much.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
99NISSAN
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
It was the distributor thank you so much
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help. Can you please leave us a rating? (copy entire link)

https://www.google.com/search?q=2carpros&gs_ivs=1#lrd=0x80dcd47364be5d0d:0xba091aa4209f4497,1,,,&tts=0

and

https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/2carpros.com

Thank you :)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 AT 9:37 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE