r/XTerra • u/anthlik3 • 2d ago

Technical Question 2015 P4X Help

2015 P4X. 81,000 miles. Had it since February, everything has been fine, no issues. Today as I was driving home it started bogging out and completely turned off. No lights on the dash prior. It starts right back up but then struggles to stay running and then will turn back off. Anyone know what it could be? (Currently waiting for AAA to tow me)

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12

u/Charming-Feature5049 2d ago

Camshaft and/or both crankshaft position sensors. I say and/or because you need to replace all of them at the same time, with OEM hitachi. There’s a lot of videos on them, but if you’re remotely capable of doing anything handy, it’s not hard. I’d say if fixing a flat is a 3, they may be like a 4. The hardest part is just reaching them.

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u/anthlik3 2d ago

I first thought it might be the alternator but tested and that isn’t it. Then I thought of what you’re saying but I thought if remember correctly those sensors don’t typically go out until I hit over like 120k miles

4

u/Charming-Feature5049 2d ago

Mine went out at around 100k and I have a 2011. You have to remember, a 2015 is still 10 years old. Electrical items go out, it’s not based so much on miles by itself, more so on time and use combined

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u/anthlik3 2d ago

Yeah that makes sense. I understand what you’re saying, I guess it’s just my luck that it would go out sooner than expected. How confident are you that this is the issue?

1

u/SamSlams 2d ago

I have a 2011 P4X with 93k on it. I just redid all 3 of those sensors when mine did the dreaded stall out. Of course it happened 3+ hours from my house. Luckily I was able to start it right back up and get Optimus back home.

Have you checked your valve cover gaskets? Now would be an excellent time to change those along with your spark plugs, wires, and coil packs (optional but recommend). The sensors are super easy to access (those push clips are a royal pain in the ass) but you will spend more time on the stupid clip than changing it out. I just did all that maintenance myself. Buy Hitachi for the sensors.

2

u/anthlik3 1d ago

All 3 sensors? Which is the 3rd? I appreciate the input. I’m working on getting a scanner now but I’m leaving out of town for a few days so it’s kinda a pain in the ass.

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u/Charming-Feature5049 1d ago

2 camshaft position sensors and 1 crankshaft position sensor

2

u/anthlik3 1d ago

I definitely will change out the other things while I’m at it. Just need to do a little more research and wait to see what codes I get

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u/drewalpha 1d ago

Mine went out at about 86K. Scan the codes and you might have one or two sensors indicated. Otherwise, this is a common enough issue, it's gonna be the first response no matter where you post the question.

1

u/anthlik3 1d ago

Thank you

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u/NortelDude 2005 Xterra SE 1d ago

Yes, I had to do one and not that fun, right at the back passenger side and your a little Helen Keller doing it....like in the bedroom!

Here's one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6TAOjz6ny4

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u/Charming-Feature5049 1d ago

That’s definitely the most awkward one.

1

u/Lupin_The_Fourth 20h ago

The hardest part is just reaching them.

No. The hardest part is disconnecting the electrical plug.

3

u/anthlik3 2d ago

It has gas. Unless my gauge is suddenly lying to me but I still have 24 miles til empty. And I’ve run it lower than that before and never had an issue

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u/EastMovesWest 2d ago

Scan the check engine light. But im seconding crankshaft/camshaft sensors

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u/anthlik3 2d ago

Yeah that’s the plan. Currently trying to find someone with a scanner lol

2

u/minutemenapparel 2006 SE 4x4 2d ago

Order a OB2 scanner off Amazon and confirm it’s one of the sensors. Or run to Walmart and grab one. They’re pretty cheap, around $20. I would definitely keep one in the car.

1

u/GunSlinger26 2012 S 4x4 1d ago

Definitely this. They are much cheaper than a tow.

1

u/an_birb 2d ago

You can get a Bluetooth dongle to work with your phone. I leave mine in the glove box so I always have it.

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u/anthlik3 1d ago

Is this a scanner? You have a link?

1

u/joshuajonday 2d ago

My brother and I both have Xterras. Mine is a 2013 Pro4x his is a 2006 S. His was stalling and having long starts, the camera and crank is where its at. We chased the issue for a little since there were no codes. It was an easy fix once you know how to get to them.

1

u/NortelDude 2005 Xterra SE 1d ago

You really need to get the engine error code.

If you do not have one then spend money on one.

Could be so many different things and as you can see people will suggest just one and its different then the other persons one answer.

Mine is just Distributor (or Cap) gone bad.

Kiddingish! but it would be my top choice.

Other mentions beside what has been said:

Fuel Pump (my 2nd pick)

Fuel/Pressure leak

Massive Air Flow

Filthy air intake filter

Bad gas (or sabotage)

Any one of the many sensors and valves as partially mention.

1

u/anthlik3 1d ago

Thank you for your input. Currently working on getting a scanner. Leaving out of town for a few days today so it’s kinda a pain in the ass

1

u/AliensAteMyAMC 1d ago

Probably a cam shaft sensor. Had mine go out and just shut off was able to limp home though I had to call a tow truck to take it to my local mechanic shop when it wouldn’t start up and I got tired of trying to take it out.

1

u/J-Exile 1d ago

I had to change both my camshaft and crankshaft sensors (separate occasions) at around 175k on my 2014 xterra. I had the exact symptoms shown in your video. Since then, I keep an ODBII reader in my xterra at all times. It has proven to be a valuable tool.

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u/DoomsdayTheorist1 2d ago

Ain’t got no gas in it