Xterra problems

[ericcris10sen]

So I went off roading with a friend today. There was this HUGE mud puddle that I've driven through before with little problems, but it had just rained and I believe it was bigger than before. But anyways, I went through it, and after going through it, it seemed to be smoking a little bit under the hood. I waited maybe 5 min. before driving again, and it didn't seem to have any problems. So far the only time I've had a problem with this is when I stop at a light or at a sign or whatever it may be, and then it'll sort of rumble around and die. But it doesn't happen every time, it'll happen randomly if I stop.

I was searching the internet for similar problems and this one guy had exactly what I have. Someone answered "Stay away from that mechanic and other idiots who blame the battery terminals. They have nothing to do with the problem. Just about every Jeep from back then has had the crank position sensors or the connector or harness to the CPS go bad. Water can definitely make it worse. It gets intermittent and will stop the engine for a few seconds or minutes and then be ok again." (it was from a jeep but not sure if that might be what it is, or not).

Under the hood was a mess. It was dirty/muddy as hell under the hood so I took it to a self wash place and lightly washed most of the mud from under the hood (some is stuck on there so I'll clean it with a rag or something). I also have an appointment tomorrow with a mechanic for an oil change so I'm going to have him look it over and also do a 28-point inspection or something of that sort. Even after washing it, I was still having some problems.

Any suggestions? Honestly won't be going through something as bad as that mud puddle ever again. Was fun as HELL but yea, not worth the trouble.

 

[ericcris10sen]

Update. So it seems if I drive at a very slow pace (i.e. reverse) it'll shut off/stall. I can have it in park and the truck will run great. Won't stall or shut down or anything. Buy once I put it into a gear, that when it starts.

Also blinks service engine soon

 

[Muadeeb]

I'd check for water in a connector somewhere. Open it up, blow out both ends, and replug.

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[maillet282]

what's the code that it's throwing???

 

[ericcris10sen]

Not sure what the code is as well as how to find it.

Also Muadeeb, what connector are you talking about?

 

[Muadeeb]

Not sure what the code is as well as how to find it.

Also Muadeeb, what connector are you talking about?

Pretty much any electrical connector under the hood. Most of them are engine control related, so if there's bad data getting to the ECU, then it could lead to a stall.
MAF
O2 Sensors
The two below the O2 plugs (whole engine harness runs there)
Anywhere you think water may have gotten, its worth pulling apart to make sure there isn't any water.

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[ericcris10sen]

Hmmm I'll give it a try. I won't do too much due to the fact I have no real mechanic knowledge and would rather not hurt my truck by doing something I'm not supposed to do.

 

[Muadeeb]

Totally understandable. If you're not comfortable doing something, then don't do it. While you _shouldnt_ run into problems doing what I said, there is always that one time Murphy's hanging out under the hood with ya and decides to cut a wire or destroy some plastic you weren't even looking at.

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[ericcris10sen]

Totally understandable. If you're not comfortable doing something, then don't do it. While you _shouldnt_ run into problems doing what I said, there is always that one time Murphy's hanging out under the hood with ya and decides to cut a wire or destroy some plastic you weren't even looking at.

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Haha true that. I might just try it a little and see how it goes. But what really baffles me is I've seen pics of others who have nothing more than I do, going through deeper and nastier **** than what I went through, and they haven't had any problems (from what I read). *shrugs* Oh well. As long as it is fixed by the time I leave, I really don't care.

 

[luv2mud]

Did you open the filter box? My sons X was doing the same things ,not exactly to that degree but was checking around and his air box was clogged with lots off mud.
Another similar problem on both xterras was a hole on the under side of the air boot. Just throwing a few suggestions out there. Good luck!

Sent from my HP 7

 

[Cameron23]

Did you open the filter box? My sons X was doing the same things ,not exactly to that degree but was checking around and his air box was clogged with lots off mud.
Another similar problem on both xterras was a hole on the under side of the air boot. Just throwing a few suggestions out there. Good luck!

Sent from my HP 7

That would explain why it dies when he has it in drive and not park.

 

[ericcris10sen]

I was guessing the filter was really clogged, as it was. I took it to a mechanic to get everything checked out.

I've been having problems with my X overheating when driving up a hill for a certain amount of time - I was told my fan isn't getting enough power to cool the vehicle, as well as something wrong with my radiator, but they're figuring out if it can be fixed or if it will need to be replaced.

Also, they said my filter and CO2 or 02 sensors are completely clogged with mud (lol they asked, "so did you go mudding or anything like that?") lol yea, so that's what's causing it to stall and shut off. They said it isn't able to be fixed, they need to replace it all.

Also, I've been smelling a very STRONG odor coming from my exhaust (or near it) and I told something wasn't operating properly so the fumes weren't circulating right.

Sorry I couldn't go more into details, there was a lot of things wrong and a lot of information given to me so I can't quite remember all the right terms.

But that's that. It's going to cost $1500 to get it all fixed and replaced, and it'll be done by tomorrow.

 

[Cameron23]

I was guessing the filter was really clogged, as it was. I took it to a mechanic to get everything checked out.

I've been having problems with my X overheating when driving up a hill for a certain amount of time - I was told my fan isn't getting enough power to cool the vehicle, as well as something wrong with my radiator, but they're figuring out if it can be fixed or if it will need to be replaced.

Also, they said my filter and CO2 or 02 sensors are completely clogged with mud (lol they asked, "so did you go mudding or anything like that?") lol yea, so that's what's causing it to stall and shut off. They said it isn't able to be fixed, they need to replace it all.

Also, I've been smelling a very STRONG odor coming from my exhaust (or near it) and I told something wasn't operating properly so the fumes weren't circulating right.

Sorry I couldn't go more into details, there was a lot of things wrong and a lot of information given to me so I can't quite remember all the right terms.

But that's that. It's going to cost $1500 to get it all fixed and replaced, and it'll be done by tomorrow.

Whoa Whoa Whoa b4 you go and spend that chunk of cash consult the oracles (XterraNation)!

Supercharged Model Radiator will increase your cooling capacity a ton, honestly these things should have come with these radiators stock. There is a thread(s) on it and the difference it makes. It is cheap and easy to do on your own.
Idk much about the sensors but I would assume you could just clean them with the proper products and reinstall not get all new.
You need your mechanic to explain everything to you in detail or they will walk all over you. Even if you don't know what they are talking about nod your head that way at least it might appear as though you know what he means. Take it all in then tell them you need to go home and do some research and price comparisons and that you'll get back to them. And then post it on here and we'll tell you if its bullsh!t or not for the most part.

We welcome those who know little about the trucks we were all there at some point.

And we try not to let each other get hosed by these repair places.

 

[ericcris10sen]

I've been reading on here how the radiators on our X's suck arse and they're extremely thin.

I might sound like I'm making excuses, but tbh, I'm going to be leaving for my next job which is 3,000+ miles away, in about 5 days from today. I need it all to be tip top shape and I need to make sure everything is perfect. Once I get to my next location and I get settled in, I have some things I want replaced on the Xterra (shocks but since you mentioned it, a better radiator is something I'm really going to replace, so that'll be top on my list).

They told me what the problems were and with how I've ran this Xterra, I wouldn't doubt those problems have occurred, so I'm right on par with what he told me. Also, my family has been going to this mechanic shop for YEARS and they're VERY trustworthy.

They said it'll be done around noon tomorrow, but for you guys, I'll just ask for all the information and then post it on here.

 

[XTorrey]

Whoa Whoa Whoa b4 you go and spend that chunk of cash consult the oracles (XterraNation)!

Supercharged Model Radiator will increase your cooling capacity a ton, honestly these things should have come with these radiators stock. There is a thread(s) on it and the difference it makes. It is cheap and easy to do on your own.
Idk much about the sensors but I would assume you could just clean them with the proper products and reinstall not get all new.
You need your mechanic to explain everything to you in detail or they will walk all over you. Even if you don't know what they are talking about nod your head that way at least it might appear as though you know what he means. Take it all in then tell them you need to go home and do some research and price comparisons and that you'll get back to them. And then post it on here and we'll tell you if its bullsh!t or not for the most part.

We welcome those who know little about the trucks we were all there at some point.

And we try not to let each other get hosed by these repair places.

^^^THIS. You'd be amazed how much you can accomplish with a little time on YouTube, some sage advice from those who have been there, and a little faith in yourself. You can expect to pay at LEAST double what you would have spent doing things with the internet tools available.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Some bad/clogged catalytic converters will create a bad odor.

 

[ericcris10sen]

Here's the outcome. It was 1200 instead of 1500. But this is a picture of all that was done, as well as some diagnostics on the receipt.

 

[Cameron23]

Oh Jesus if they tore it down enough to get to the thermostat I hope they changed the timing belt and water pump


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[XTorrey]

Dude, $46 in labor alone for an OIL CHANGE? Highway robbery.

 

[Cameron23]

Like I said before I feel like if they knew they were going to tear down to the thermostat why wouldn't they suggest changing out some other stuff while in there. It would save you money later on down the road. Also 92 bucks an hour... yikes

With the sensors can't they just be cleaned? I know there is a MAF sensor cleaner.

And know that our criticism here is not toward you, we are not insulting you or anything, instead we are directing it at the establishment.

 

[Muadeeb]

Like I said before I feel like if they knew they were going to tear down to the thermostat why wouldn't they suggest changing out some other stuff while in there. It would save you money later on down the road. Also 92 bucks an hour... yikes

With the sensors can't they just be cleaned? I know there is a MAF sensor cleaner.

And know that our criticism here is not toward you, we are not insulting you or anything, instead we are directing it at the establishment.

MAF possibly, it depends in the muck covering it. With O2 sensors, everything I've read says you really can't.

Stripping down to the thermostat isn't too bad; radiator, one belt, fan clutch and you're in.

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[ericcris10sen]

lol I know you're criticizing them and not me. It's fine either way. And they said the sensors and filter and pretty much everything they fixed, was clogged up BADLY with mud and water and whatever else was in there. That they wouldn't be able to clean it. Also, I had the timing belt changed at 170,000 miles or so as well as the transmission taken out and a new one put in.

I agree, some of it was overpriced, but having been man handled previously by other mechanics in the past in that area, I've always had positive experiences with the one I went to.