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P0302 and P0021 OBD2 Codes - Hard Starting Issue on 2006 Nissan Pathfinder

Model: Nissan PATHFINDER Fault Code: P0217 Posted: 2019-05-24 01:37

My 2006 Nissan Pathfinder experiences severe hard starting every morning before work and in the evening after work. I've already replaced the fuel pump and cold start sensor, but the vehicle now shows OBD2 codes P0302 (cylinder 4 misfire) and P0021 (camshaft position sensor 'A' circuit range/performance). What steps should I take to resolve this hard starting issue? I'm looking for a reliable diagnosis and fix that addresses both the misfire and the camshaft sensor problem.

Related fault codes
P0217
Comments (3)
Anonymous 2019-05-24 07:55

Start by diagnosing and fixing code P0021, as it is likely contributing to the cylinder 4 misfire (P0302). For more details on this code, refer to: https://www.obd-codes.com/p0021 The camshaft position sensor 'A' can affect engine timing and ignition performance, leading to hard starts and misfires. A faulty sensor may cause erratic engine behavior or even limp mode.

Anonymous 2019-05-29 13:17

I own a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder and have been dealing with this issue since March 2019. My P0021 code was initially difficult to resolve, but I found the solution after extensive testing. DO NOT use aftermarket camshaft or crankshaft position sensors from AutoZone, O'Reilly, eBay, or other third-party suppliers. I learned this the hard way — multiple replacements failed. I replaced all three sensors (camshaft, crankshaft, and oil pressure sensor) with original factory Nissan parts. The cost was around $300 plus labor. After the replacement, my hard starting problem disappeared, and engine shutdowns while driving on highways stopped entirely. Nissan refers to this condition as 'limp mode.' I recommend replacing all three sensors together — even if they are stored for years, the internal magnet can weaken significantly. I had a full front engine assembly replaced earlier (over $3,500 in labor), and tested multiple sensor sets using both original Nissan parts and aftermarket ones from various stores. All failed. Now at 89,000 miles, my vehicle runs smoothly with no issues. This experience is critical for anyone facing similar problems on a 2006 Pathfinder.

Anonymous 2019-05-29 13:24

Another factor I discovered was that the oil pressure sending unit failed on May 24, 2019. There was no OBD code generated — only an abnormally high reading on the dashboard. Nissan recommended a $124 replacement for this component. After replacing it with original equipment (OE) parts, the oil pressure gauge now reads correctly and has returned to normal. I do not use aftermarket components in my vehicle due to reliability concerns.