My SE V6 VG30i had been running like a Swiss watch until Thursday night at
9PM. While accelerating to get on I 95, at about 3500-4000 rpms, the automatic was going through the gears as usual. Without a sputter, knock or notice, the motor suddenly stopped. During coasting and while stopped, the starter turned the motor over, and I knew I had compression, just no spark. (not a timing belt or blown cylinder). AAA towed it in to a convenient upscale shop. I really didn't have a choice, I was just glad to have it off the road. They said the rotor had cracked ( I had about 20k on a replacement) and claimed it was in pieces when they took of the cap. They replaced the rotor and cap for $150.US. nice rip eh? The car started and I drove off. I went around the block and quickly discovered a lack of power. I returned immediately, and told the guy it wasn't running right. He said they would have spent more time on it if I would have had an appointment. Angered, I took it home to my garage. I took off the cap, rotor (at least their replacement looked like quality), pulled the plugs(a little worn), visually inspected the Crank Angle Sensor (looks like a CD player of sorts), changed the fuel filter, and still the same poor performance (like a potato is stuck in the muffler). I ran the timing light, and noticed it is slightly retarded. I advanced the position of the distributer as far as it would go, and checked timing again. It was back in the same place as it had been before, so I assume the Crank Angle Sensor is working. The most surprising thing is the ECU under the passenger seat. I wanted to run codes, but on my particular model, you need a remote control tool,(special Nissan Part #) There is no ON or OFF button to set to take readings.For the experts:
What would make a rotor disintingrate? Why would a smooth running Pathfinder, change to a POS, within an instant? Last but not least, can I still avoid a Dealership? or is it Game Over?
-- Justbrilliant