Two Steps forward...One Step Back

[Guest strudeau]

So I go and buy a new fuel filter and air filter. I want to rid the presure in the fuel system so open the fuse box and...no diagram to which fuse belongs to the fuel pump! Open the owners manual and ... no digram there as well.

 

So gang, where is the fuel pump fuse in a 1998 4x4 Pathfinder SE?

 

Thanks for all your help!

 

Scott

[XPLORx4]

The fuse diagram is on the back of the coin tray.

 

When you go to replace the fuel filter, it's highly likely that even after you release the pressure, the fuel filter lines will still squirt on you and the ground. But, you can minimize this by clamping the rubber lines on either side of the fuel filter with C-clamps or vise-grips.

Edited September 17, 2005 by XPLORx4

[Slick]

or.. a little trick we use is plugging the fuel line with a bolt...works really well for me

[02silverpathy]

Bolts and clamps are both sweet ideas, it will indeed still leak out. heres the only headaches i ran into.

 

I had the old bracketry that holds this thing up not come un bolted, so i had to pulll it apart. I fastened it back up with heavy duty zip ties...yes getto!!!

 

the other prob was that the hose was not comping off the old filter so i had to cut it...i end up replacing all the hose on the truck side (opposed to the fuel tank side) all the way up to the steel lines. I chose to replace that side because i could not see where the fuel tank side ended, and the trimmed hose no longer hung where the clamp style mount was (that broke anyway).

 

if you want pics i will get them for you!!!

[Guest strudeau]

Replaced my fuel filter, gas did start to spew out but plugged it with the plastic top from some chalk line chalk (the type that carpenters use to "snap" a line). That little top plugged it right up. Worked great.

 

No diagram exist on the back of my coin tray. But I found that is was number 17.

 

However, this did not solve my problem so I replaced my spark plugs - this is not an easy task on pathfinders, those spark plugs are WAYYYY down deep. However, my 1993 pathy came with a "goodie bag" that had the appropriate extensions for changing the spark plugs (found under back seats). Also replaced the spark plug cables.

 

And this did not work...

 

Finally decided to give in and gimped the car up to AutoZone to get a OBDII reading.

 

Findings:

 

P0100

The PCM determined that a malfunction exists in the electrical circuit for the Mass Air FLow or volume air flow sensor. This code points towards a possible wiring problem, IE: Short to ground, short to power, or an open circuit.

 

The good guy up at Autozone said that before buying the $140 reconditioned Mass Air Flow he would but a meter to the wires. He said it could be a loose wire.

 

Replacing the Mass Air Sensor looks like a fairly easy job, two screws and its off, and it is easy to locate. However, if it is a short or wiring issue this could open a whole other can of worms. I have no idea how to test for continuity or a short.

 

What tester do I use, and where do I place the tester?

 

Perhaps I will drop the $150 for the sensor and replace it. If this does not work I may have to throw in the towel and take it to a mechanic.

 

-Scott

Edited September 19, 2005 by strudeau

[Precise1]

First visually inspect, open, clean the MAF electrical connector. It is common for them to foul/corrode/etc. Don't spend the $150 yet...

 

B

[Guest strudeau]

Just went out and had my wife start the car. I would gently push down on the air flow sensor connector and the car dies. Any wiggling or movement at the junction between the Mass Air Flow sensor and its connector kills the car. So... is this the connector or the Mass Air Flow sensor. And if the connector, where can I purchase a new connector. Is there a way to test the air flow sensor my possible running a wire from the battery and grounding out the other wire straight to the Mass air flow sensor?

 

At least I am on to the problem!

 

Scott

Edited September 19, 2005 by strudeau

[XPLORx4]

Pull off the connector, clean out the holes and the metal parts of the connector with a little silicone lubricant and an old paintbrush, toothbrush, Q-tip, or whatever else works, then apply some dielectric grease to the connectors and plug it back in. That might help with the intermittent connection.