Nissan Frontier: Running Rough / Misfire: Part I

In this video I have a look at a 2001 Nissan Frontier with a 3.3 V-6 that came in wit the engine light on. It appears to be running rough and I do discover a P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire) stored in the ECM. -Enjoy!
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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained

[@TylerDClott]

Eric, your diagnostic skills are incredible. Many of us DIYers are mechanically inclined, but your knowledge and ability to pinpoint the issue instead of performing part swaptronics is what sets you apart as a true professional. I know I’ve probably cost myself more buying parts trying to fix my own piles than just taking them to a professional to complete the complex work. The problem is that it’s hard to find guys like you these days, and you have to take out a second mortgage to pay the bill a lot of the time. I can only hope to acquire half of your skills one day.

[@taylorkobylik3765]

Out of all my years getting answers watching "professional" KZbin auto mechanics videos. Hands down you are the best, at first I thought well this is a little Overkill but stuck with it till the end and I will admit I thought it was going to be something different then proven outcome in a different direction. Very easy to follow and professional ! I've never subscribed2 A Auto mechanic Channel until now

[@Jonathanbarros90]

You sir are awesome, usually start off my mondays at the hondu service department talking to a couple of other techs about the latest SMA videos, guys with years of experience still learning something unique from watching you, I have to be honest as I'm watching your videos I thank God for protecting you and providing you with the patience and clientele for doing this, your videos are always crisp ,crystal clear and thorough

[@SouthMainAuto]

Tell them guys at Hondoo I said hi!

[@nestorroman2694]

I can only do it if I had that awesome scanner and your brilliant knowledge.

[@noelhernandez5016]

I always love seeing how Eric O. goes through the diagnoses process.

[@bushnut8305]

Good job. Diagnosis is the sign of a good mechanic.

[@mr.nobody4900]

I'll give Two Thumbs Up. Pure Genius Diagnose.

[@spicythai2000]

You do a through troubleshooting and very impressive. I can't do all the troubleshooting you do because I have not yet master all the reading you are showing. I just go off my experiences and take everything off and test it. I don't own a shop, I just do it to help my friends from getting overcharge. Thank you for the videos and helping me out.

[@MrGardman]

Always fun to see the notification for another South Main Auto video. You always know it's going to be informative and fun to watch.

[@mikeys1459]

That has got to be the cleanest 2001 Nissan under the hood anywhere

[@sabledriver]

Call me impressed, that looks almost new. I love it!

[@TheKnightDrag0n]

@Ryan Hogan careful when you pressure wash the engine dude if water geting to the stupid knock sensor it might cause you a headache, for the most part yeh that nissans until 2004 are pretty bullet proof.

[@marknicolich5789]

i was thinking the same thing dam wish mine looked like that

[@darkzero11ca]

@@TheKnightDrag0n its a common think with those vg engines for that generation. The knock sensor going out.

[@jimwhite5964]

Eric, watching you work is truly delightful! Dead-on diagnoses every time. Thanks for sharing it all with us!

[@secureone22]

Eric, been watching you for almost two years now. I normally don't like your diag videos, but I watch them anyway. I'm much more of a nuts and bolts guy. I think if you put out another engine replacement or long nuts and bolts series, I would be smitten. BUT this one was actually really cool! I love how you methodically broke this down. Keep up the awesome work!

[@tonychandler8908]

I have been watching your videos for about 3 months now and I get so much from them the way you go about trouble shooting the problem you do a great job

[@miguelare3]

@Attention to Detail ehhh huh huh you said tits lol

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

OK, This video did it for me. No more playing around, I'm buying another laptop and a PICO scope set up. I have messed with the scope on the shop Verus but this is the way to go. I'm sure I could talk the boss into getting one for the shop but I want my own. I would have spent the better part of an hour of diag. time to come to the same conclusion that you just did in ten minutes. Sold. Thanks brother...

[@diegoaltminc9141]

Snake Skin Productions you can do the same tests on the verus + you get the guided components test

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

@@diegoaltminc9141 I get that but you are missing the point. The shop owns the Verus, I would own the Pico. See where I'm going with that?

[@billsmith2212]

Good to see the thought process . Even though it is most likely a bad injector , you still left open the possibility of a corroded connector . That is what separates you from the pack . Take it to the end , no guessing . Some shops would put in all six injectors if a connector was corroded .

[@robertrichardson1133]

Whew, you just saved me. I was getting so bored and bing, a notification for an SMA video!! Today is a good day, thanks!

[@moldingpro7208]

I enjoying watching your thought process and I love how you teach us.

[@dragsterstransmissions]

Knock sensor is mounted on top of the engine block under the intake. So anytime there's a misfire it will send a knock code as well. Sometimes when the dizzy (distributor) goes bad you will get a knock code. Those early 2000's vehicles are quite common here in central Virginia.

[@MDAdams72668]

really great idea current clamping the injector fuse never thought of that one THANKS Also love how you identified the other reasons the resistance might be high You are way better at explaining things while working than I will ever be

[@spicythai2000]

Great diagnosis. I have 2002 Nissan Frontier with P0301. Going to troubleshoot when I have time. Thanks for the video.

[@Wheel.Evolution]

Honestly why I continue to watch all of your videos; Top quality content, mechanics and methodologies. I have learned so much from you!! That PICO scope is cool stuff! --Shout out from Edmonton, AB, Canada PEACE OUT!

[@dougtexas]

Really enjoy the fact that if we listen carefully, we are able to hear your thought process in diagnosing the problem. Excellent diagnosis. More importantly, Go Fish! Always loved the card games. Maybe a snippit vid of you losing a hand!

[@dave1135]

Had one like that a younger tech friend of mine was checking a misfire on a car and he was setting up his scanner to run all kinds of tests like you were doing Eric. Im a old school driveability tech from the eighties and nineties, I pulled the spark plug. The electrode was completely fouled with carbon. Turned out the intake valve stem seal was bad and oil was being sucked into the cylinder fouling the plug. Edit: it is pretty interesting to be able to delve that deep into the engine and find the problem without ever touching the engine or turning a bolt.

[@ronmitchell8929]

Good to watch a video of someone that is actually experienced. I don't have a scope but I can go straight to checking injectors now that I know the harness connector. Thanks. 👍

[@blockbertus]

I'm pretty impressed on how well this truck looks. Really decent looking engine bay. This owner takes really good care of that thing.

[@danlevesque5437]

They probably moved to the area from a rust free state how spotless that firewall and cables were👍

[@wyattoneable]

Thank you for showing how the scope is connected, that helps. The way you break down the steps makes it easy to follow along too. Always a pleasure, now on to part two...

[@Oldtimecarpenter]

Just want to say "THANKS". because I've learned so much from watching your channel! I really appreciate all the work you put into making these videos!

[@willdutcher7857]

Finally a video that has good instruction. My Xterra is misfiring, so this helps me get an idea of what to ask my mechanic. I just wish I had the fancy tools and programs like you!

[@diydave643]

"Miss Trinity wants to play some Go Fish." Most important diagnosis of the whole video. Awesome job, Dad! 😀

[@Thermool]

Looks can be deceiving, but that truck is in remarkable shape! And it’s like 15-20 years old!

[@ramblerclassicman221]

Wiring and electrical on vehicles has always scared me. Good work mr Erik! Keep it up. Your knowledge helps the world!

[@CopCat34]

Great video. Way to go on the diagnose The step by step method was excellent. The best part was when you realized playing cards with your daughter was more important than the Nissan.

[@High_Tech_Mountain]

Great video Eric. As always thorough diagnosis. Thanks for bringing us along. The power of a scope to be able to check the complete system relatively quick, it’s a beautiful thing. Again thanks for sharing

[@JRAX2]

Hey brother your videos are always informative & makes diagnosing autos so simple! It never goes so simply for me, but thanx so much for your angle, & the way you do these videos! I really appreciate it's! I've been a mechanic all my life, & it's never easy. I wish I had one of those diagnostic computers like you have! Would make my life that much easier! My lil scan tool broke so now I'm up zhitz Creek! My volt o meter even was stolen so it's not easy but thanks for your videos plz don't stop making them!

[@stacydornan9765]

Another top notch diagnostic,great job Nor.You the man brother

[@SSMedic]

I can't believe how clean that engine bay is. Someone with some real pride of ownership. And of course, Mr. O for the win on the diag.

[@cae2487]

You used the terms suck, squeeze, bang, and blow for what you need for an engine to run and I 100% agree but I've always used the acronym to go fast you need F.A.S.T. and that is fuel, air, spark, and timing. Great video appreciate the info.

[@Paul1958R]

Eric, Great video and diagnosis! You did the do diligence: spark, fuel, timing and nailed the problem using the power of the Pico. I wish I had one. SMA#1 God bless Paul

[@bobbybentley8136]

After five kids raised I am the go fish OG and will gladly challenge you Mr. O to a competition. Great video daddyo

[@SouthMainAuto]

Pfff... I am a go-fish world champ at our house.... bring it on!!! BTW... do you have a King?

[@laohantun7404]

Trinity is growing so tall, Mrs O is looking so beautiful as always....Thanks bro for teaching us with diagnostics.

[@Techman4567]

I sure like your TS style Eric, to the point and no wasted time throwing parts at it. Thanks for the video.

[@CubasAutomotive]

Getting pretty quick on the diag, or you got lucky. . I like the adding of the other channels at the door. It makes sense to get as much info from the start. Another awesome feature in this vid, you showed setup. Not everyone is familiar with setup or uses the scope. 2 thumbs up Eric! 👍👍

[@rohithdeevi4739]

SMA is an awesome automotive channel. Thank you eric and vanessa.

[@pleasecho2]

We appreciate your sharing auto diagnostics and repair information in a simple honest way the regular people can understand. Your channel could probably be seen as a resource by those who might not be able to afford dealer service. As we move forward through the next 12 years we hope you and all auto techs will be able to "move on" and abandon servicing all internal combustion engines in a smooth transition toward adapting to providing an equally high level of competent service working on the green power sources that will come with The Big Green New Deal, pitched by Dist 14 Rep Alexandria Occasio Cortez of The Bronx. Just messing with you but i am curious about what you think of all that

[@phillully4472]

Eric, your system of deducing which cylinder and which injector is easy to follow along. Thanks for the look into Eric O's mind on getting to to real fix... glad your not another guy who shoots the parts cannon at it!

[@fire7765]

The power of knowledge and experience, thx for sharing.

[@TrentRussell]

Dang look at those slick screen recording overlays! Good stuff.

[@dragsterstransmissions]

Early 2000's frontiers are known for exhaust manifolds cracking. Passenger (right) side more commonly

[@baxrok2.]

Yeah baby. We were overdue for a good misfire video. Thanks Dr. O!

[@ghost37666]

Watching one of your videos really makes my day.

[@wmcovington1041]

I enjoy watching and learning from your videos. I have a 1992 Honda accord and use your guidance to give me encouragment to explore the electrical part of auto repair. My wife loves to see your family and how they are growing up. Thank you for teaching me sooo much!!

[@Roger21989]

Excellent diagnostics, you make it look easy.

[@localcrew]

Had a ‘92 Maxima. Started missing on one cylinder. Had a gut feeling it was an injector. Stripped the motor down to where I could get to all six. Started testing. One. Good. Two good. Three good. Four and five good. I’m like “Number six had better be bad!” It was. Pain in the ass to get to the injectors. Loved that car.

[@gmcsprintman]

Great job I like the step by step process. I still like when big nasty comes out to play.

[@PaulysAuto]

Way cool, loved this video Eric, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us! SMA for life!

[@lornaz1975]

I think I followed most of what you were doing. I must say it was fascinating!

[@justthetip96]

I need to move to New York so I can have this amazing mechanic work on my stuff.

[@josedasilva8924]

Excellent, it makes my day when I see a new video form you!

[@jameswrobel6578]

i live in buffalo my son works at a ford dealer,still cant get my truck repaired with out trial and error,is there someone like you in this area ,i would rather pay to get the right repair the first time,i do own a 99 tahoe no problems now,I never did any youtube stuff until i started watching your channel,in fact i just joined,We need more guys like you to many guys rip you off,great job keep up your great job,as soon as my daughter shows me how to do this new computer stuff i will do more stuff i am 60 and using my cell phone is ify.Again great channel,nice family

[@the_clowner4017]

If you had a shop near me, I would only take my vehicle to you. Your a great mechanic.

[@kluna1000]

I got a misfire on an xterra, same engine. I’ll use some of the tricks I learned today. Thanks sensei.

[@62ejo]

A+ Eric,hope you get the repair,and you video it... I see the young lady has her front teeth growing up fasted,and nice too see Mrs O.

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

I was hoping it puked up a piston. But, NOOOO!! Great video. 👍👍👍 Bad #2 injector and maybe a bad blower motor switch, or the resistor pack for the speed control. Or wiring. Heck, maybe the motor itself. Who knows? Well, I know you will soon. Thanks Eric!! Keep on keeping on. I got a MRI system to calibrate. Always nice to see Mrs. O and your daughter. Good luck on the ‘Go Fish’ playing!! Cheers!!

[@BoerGuy]

Eric O diagnostic process is a joy to watch. Applies across the board for most devices. Have fun calibrating!

[@MrFishin76]

Same engine in 2000 nissan xterra. You might want to order the lower intake gaskets also, since you will probably replace the knock sensor too. It is a known POS to replace, and very common. The sensor in under the lower intake towards the back.. I did this job last spring on my daughters car. Also, look out for freyed wires at the injector connectors, I had to replace two harness connectors.

[@steveorshon]

Nice move including injector current draw alongside the amp clamp for starter current. On one screen you can immediately see if you have a lame injector.

[@richardjones3112]

Brilliantly explained,learning so much from you.Thanks.

[@papajon6715]

Proper diagnosis is the most important part of ANY repair...

[@samrugtiv3839]

Well done, Eric on the miss note on the nox sensor code should be under the intake if it is one sensor make sure you get the hardness w it or it will burn you, if it is a dual sensor it will come w the harness. Very well done my friend. Thank you again. Sam

[@coryestanton6366]

Absolutely love your troubleshooting techniques!

[@lonwillis783]

Really clean vehicle wow. Good Job Eric!

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

Great video Eric. Love the way you determine if it was mechanical, electrical or control. Nice job......

[@carolynh128]

Can't wait to see part 2. Got 03 nissan xterra 3.3 with 2 cylinder fuel injector clip broken . good luck very brittle parts. Same exact engine .

[@70289121]

WOW, great video. I love learning about the ohm test at the connector, that is something I can definitely do myself. I don't have a scope like you, (wish I did), but I do have a ohm meter like yours. I'm getting a po300 code. I already have changed the knock sensor, fuel pressure regulator, plugs, wires, and distributor. I suspect that I have at least one lazy injector, and I will check the resistance on all of them now like you did at the connectors.

[@38911bytefree]

Great Video Eric. Nice edited, well explained. Thanks.

[@LoveMyZJ]

"You beatin' our children in there???" LOL you guys are great. Love the wicked thorough diag work.

[@haywire17]

A "humble" auto tech, but a "Goldfish Master". That's the way to be... build them memories now...they don't stay small for very long, mine all grow'd up now...

[@JoesAutoElectric]

Great video! As usual. That was a nice, quick find Eric. Hope you get to fix it.

[@jkbrown5496]

You should flag this in the description for the explanation of current and voltage through a solenoid/injector. It was very clear.

[@orville58]

I not seen a Nissan that clean for its age here in Tennessee they even rust out here great video

[@thegoodearth7]

I played your interaction with your wife about five times. Each time I was laughing. Then I played it for my wife and she was laughing as well! Your wife calmly deploys the Socratic method when interacting with you ("excuse me?" "I was screaming?" "I was saying what?" "you can't hear?"). Hilarious!

[@rafaelaguilar5967]

Not only a good mechanic, also a good father, and a good husband. Good for all of you!!!!

[@geosutube]

This approach to auto mechanics gets me all interested in it as a profession. And I have never thought of doing it. Well, I’m 76 and going in for hip replacements. Maybe later. Still, this methodological approach means that it’s removed from the “magic” that I have always assumed was needed. Thanks again for these great examples of mind over matter. Remember, if you can do it, I can do it.

[@td6253]

Ρ 9

[@fsu3784]

Never too late!

[@edwardmyers1746]

Hell yea more time to see Eric o work!

[@AIRJAC33]

Customer. “Hi I need a mechanic to take a look at my car. The check engine light is on” Me. “Is it not sucking, not squeezing, not banging, or not blowing?” Customer. “Let me see your manager!”

[@JoesAutoElectric]

This is one of the best comments I ever read!

[@chiluco2000]

Is not pissing or spitting, it can only be sucking, squeezing, banging or blowing, OK?!

[@iskandertime747]

Yeah, I've had some first dates like that...

[@coollasice4175]

Or maybe, _"What are you doing tonight, big fella?"_

[@danisammy98]

😂😂

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

"Old school. Distributor cap !" WOW, I have not seen one of those in forever. Even my '98 E150 had coil packs !

[@TheAxecutioner]

That's a pretty clean ol Datsun truck right there

[@georgeshadrick640]

My brother has one nothing but Nissan dealership with love thank you for your service

[@sokakutakeda1500]

"suck, squeeze, bang and blow" now I learn new term for 4 stroke cycle, lol! Mr. Eric O. sir more power to your channel and God bless.

[@markplenty2631]

On my Nissan the blower motor resistor was bad, replaced it and got all 4 speeds, good video Eric

[@OscarSegundo]

Good video, definitely enjoy watching Nissan videos.

[@phillully4472]

Hope you and missy Trinity have fun with GO FISH... THANKS for sharing this video... it jogged my mind about of what causing my misfire... but my injector on my Jimmy are a spider configuration! can on the pricey side not like a individual injector. Till your next video take care.

[@dannycole9401]

Had a Mazda cx9. No codes but obvious miss. Relative compression was fine. As you know, no misfire monitor. So did a injector kill test. # 1 made very little difference. Ohm check revealed 85 ohms. 14.6 average. One was at 22 ohms so replaced it as well. Always gotta remember the basics.

[@VoltageDropDiagnostics]

Loving all the videos with the picoscope out! Nerds like myself are in heaven right now hahaha!

[@carlwilliamson6953]

Great diagnosis better than the radiator repair on your Jeep😄

[@davesterl]

The power of a scope

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Excellent, just a cornucopia of information! An homage to ohmmage! Thanks Eric.

[@reddpanda7343]

2001 nissan and it's still running? Amazing!

[@exophthalmos1]

Bootsy Mouser youre crazy. Nissans and toyotas run forever. No other trucks continue to be sold and resold like they do. Great work trucks.

[@brickwal92tt]

Our 2001 Nissan Frontier 3.3 5 speed same color has 336k and still running great!

[@LatitudeSky]

Got a 2001 with the same engine and 220k on the clock. It's beat up but still runs better than the one in this video. Had it way up near 100mph recently to test the engine a bit.

[@JackS425]

I’m a Nissan guy and I can’t say I’ve ever seen a vg of that vintage without a knock sensor code. If it doesn’t have one there’s a problem with the ECM lol

[@williegillie5712]

No need to do a leak down test of the number 2 injector the wave pattern and resistance says it all. Order a new resistor block for that fan and you’ll be all set. Right on the money there as per usual Mr O

[@vincescalise4821]

great scope diagnosis

[@mikeb7887]

Here is an old school reference: "Eric, you are like the Dr Kildare or Marcus Welby, MD of the car world." (young guys will have to look them up!!) Mike B tarrytown

[@jackbarlow7221]

I dunno, I might say Dr Quincy with regard to attention to detail.

[@teacfan1080]

"Suck, squeeze, boom, blow", way better than intake, compression, fire & exhaust! On a side note, that engine bay is super clean for being 18 years old.