1989 Nissan Pathfinder idling high

Tiny
BRIANDENNIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 198,000 MILES
My mechanic says the O2 sensor works fine but the computer thinks it needs to run rich and idle high. Can a computer malfunction like that? Can I replace the computer?
Thursday, June 12th, 2008 AT 10:19 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The computer might not be the problem-check below

Too fast an idle speed. If an engine without computerized idle speed control is idling too fast and refuses to come down to a normal idle speed despite your best efforts to back off the carburetor idle speed screw or air bypass adjustment screw (fuel injection), air is getting past the throttle somewhere. Common leak paths include the carburetor and throttle body gaskets, carburetor insulator spacers, intake manifold gaskets, and of course, any of the engine's vacuum fittings, hoses and accessories. It is even possible that leaky O-rings around the fuel injectors are allowing air to leak past the seals. Another overlooked item can be a worn throttle shaft and a defective idle speed speed control motor/valve stuck in the extended (high idle speed) position/throttle position sensor. Also the throttle plate could be binding in its bore and kinked accelerator cable, coolant temperature sensor might not be operating properly misleading the computer that the engine is still cold and computer throwing fuel at it raising the idle speed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, June 12th, 2008 AT 10:28 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links