pathfinder dies at idle randomly - plus distributor question

[97pathowner]

the problem started a few weeks ago. When I come to a stop or idle at an intersection, the vehicle just dies without any warning, no sputter, no shaking. It just dies. I put it in park and can start it right up and keep go. If I put it in neutral and give it a little gas, it doesn't die.

 

I've replaced the plugs since then, no avail. Took it to a mech, he replaced air filter, air mass meter boot and clean up the idle, still no luck. I took it back, he said might be the distributor. I asked could it be the IAC valve, he said shouldn't be because the vehicle idles nicely, rpm not going up or down, holds steady at around 850.

 

any idea?

 

I also ordered this distributor from amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008032N2W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 since it's got decent reviews. I just inspected the shaft, it doesn't really spin freely, I have to really turn it with two fingers. If I place it up side down on a table and try to spin the shaft, the whole thing spins with the shaft slightly. does this indicate a problem? According to this video, it should spin freely https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YJI5mnsz4E.

 

Thanks!

Edited January 14, 2017 by 97pathowner

[Cuong Nguyen]

Dizzy is faulty

[97pathowner]

Dizzy is faulty

the old one or the new?

[ChemExposure]

Mine does this, not every time but it's only when I suddenly come to a stop. Do you notice your clock dimming before it happens?