← Back to list

1999 Nissan Pathfinder P0340 Fault: No Spark When Engine is Hot, Starts Fine After Cooling

Model: 99 Pathfinder Fault Code: P0340 Posted: 2016-10-27 17:13

My 1999 Nissan Pathfinder starts and runs smoothly under normal conditions. I can drive it for hours without any issues until I turn off the engine. However, when the engine is hot and then turned off, the vehicle will not start — it cranks but shows no spark. Voltage is present at the distributor, but there's no ignition spark. The issue resolves once the engine cools down, after which it starts and runs normally. I recently replaced the distributor due to internal rust, and I've now installed a second replacement distributor with the same result. The vehicle consistently displays fault code P0340 when cranking repeatedly. This behavior suggests a heat-related circuit or sensor issue rather than a mechanical failure of the distributor itself. Bob

Related fault codes
P0340
Comments (4)
Anonymous 2016-10-28 08:34

Consider checking the crankshaft position (CKP) and camshaft position (CMP) sensor signals — verify if they are active, especially when the engine is hot. A loss of signal during high temperatures could trigger P0340 as a circuit fault. Remember that P0340 specifically indicates an issue with the ignition system's circuit, not necessarily the distributor.

Anonymous 2016-11-09 17:49

I found the root cause: After replacing the distributor twice (one OEM and one aftermarket), I still experienced no spark when the engine was hot. The crankshaft sensor replacement did not resolve it. However, when I swapped a cold distributor with a hot one while the engine was warm, the vehicle started immediately — but failed to start again once that same distributor warmed up. This strongly suggests the issue is heat-related and may involve internal failure or signal degradation in the distributor under thermal stress.

Anonymous 2016-11-10 09:07

Two new distributors (both 'new') being faulty is possible but unlikely. A graphing scanner would provide clearer insight into what the ECM detects during operation. The issue may not be with the distributor itself, but rather a loss of signal when the engine heats up. Check the wiring and connector at the distributor using a digital multimeter (DVOM) — inspect for opens or shorts. Refer to wiring diagram #14 on this link: http://www.revbase.com/BBBMotor/Wd/Down...?id=834575 Note: Aftermarket distributors often have lower quality control, which is why OEM parts are typically recommended.

Anonymous 2016-11-11 04:29

Thanks for the tip — I'll check that wiring with a DVOM once the new Nissan OEM distributor arrives. In the meantime, I had a mobile mechanic who used a graphing scanner and was able to start it every time during his visit. After he left and I closed the hood, 15 minutes later, it wouldn't start at all. He suggested trying to swap in the second (cold) distributor while the engine was hot — which confirmed that heat exposure is directly linked to the failure.