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I have a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder SE 6 cylinder auto 4×4 with this code present. I noticed about 200 miles ago the truck started to get poor gas mileage (typical 17mpg now 14mpg) and then it started to idle rough and if the motor is rev’d it would backfire. Yesterday it finally threw a code, P0021.
Little history on SUV. About 20K miles ago I had the tranny and radiator replaced under recall warranty. The radiator would fail and the tranny fluid would mix with the anti-freeze. Then about 6K ago I had the timing chain replaced under warranty. Total miles is 88K. This is a 3rd vehicle for us and is not a daily driver. The past 2 years we average 5K/yr. Mainly use it to tow our camper.
I am up on the normal maintenance and change my oil every 3000 miles on the nose. I run full synthetic since new (Pennzoil).
Any suggestions on where to start?
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This is actually a relatively common problem with nissans. I wouldn’t be surprised if you started throwing a p0011 (exhaust timing control) as well.
Most of the time the codes are thrown because there is too much/not enough oil or the the wrong viscosity oil was put into the engine. There are also a lot of times where some kind of dirt/debris will get into the timing mechanism for the valves. It keeps the oil from flowing properly into the valve timing mechanism and it doesn’t function properly.
Personally, what I would do is dump about a quart of trans fluid into the engine and let it run to “flush” the engine. Then change the oil like you normally would being sure to add the correct viscosity and amount of oil. This solved the problem for me on my altima.
+1 on using the correct oil. I often hear of people putting different oil in to address an issue. This is often a bad move and can cause other issues with the engine functions. That said, it could also have something to do with a sensor or the timing chain itself. I would start with the oil however since that’s the easiest thing to do.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I have used the same oil since new and always change on time. But it is the easiest place to start so I will start there. Planned to do it Saturday night after work. I will keep you all posted. Thanks!
College man, thanks for the interesting read. It would piss me off if the engine was gummed up since I am a big Pennzoil fan and only ever used it. I am also religious about changing my oil every 3k. But you never know. Also I do have a Solus Pro (that I am learning with) so the readings there give me something to compare with. I will also clear the code and see if anything changes but after I try the oil change first. Thanks and I will post once done with these tasks.
Ok changed the oil and reset the code. It still idles rough. Was told by a tech that the screen normally gets clogged with gunk. It would just happen to be on the side that isn’t easy to get to as well. Well Tuesday after work I will start the tare down to see if I can’t locate the problem.
Stay tuned for more AS THE NISSAN BURNS~.
Changing the oil regularly is a great start, but what I was referring to was using the correct viscosity as called for by the manufacturer. If you don’t use the correct viscosity, it can cause engine damage no matter how much you change it.
Keep us posted on what you find with your tear down.
Ya had me go check to make sure I was using the correct viscosity and thankfully I am. I was pretty sure but the question made me double check. I did check the timing of both banks with the Solus and noticed bank 2, which was my code, was running slightly higher then the timing in back 1. Bank 2 was up around 27 and bank 1 was around -1 to 1. So I removed the solenoid and cleaned it up. Seemed ok. Reinstalled and tested again and both banks are running around the same between -1 and 1. Still rough idle. I haven’t had time to put any kind of miles on yet. I was also told to remove both battery cables and touch them together to clean out my memory and see if the engine was still compensating for the off balance. Going to see if I can do a power balance test if I can get to all the coils since they are sitting on top of the plugs and not real easy to get to.
So update on issue. I tried several things and I was unable to get this corrected so back to the Dealer it went. They replaced the timing chain and the sprockets on the cams and the problem was still present. They then dropped my Automatic Tranny and found a cracked flex plate. Flex plate was cracked around the center bushing completely. New flex plate installed and a new torque converter and they claim it is fixed. Pick it up tomorrow and we will see.
So happy I paid extra for the extended warranty! banana:
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