Hey Scotty, I have a Nissan Pathfinder 2005 automatic, with 127273 miles on it and I have a question. I recently scanned the car to get it ready for a smog test and I am having trouble figuring out what PD DTC 2 is. Everything is green checked mark with no check engine light on. I wonder what it could mean and how can I fix it.
Apparently PD DTC means that the code is permanent, just wanted to add that here.
Did you not get a P0_____ code?
Nada, I haven’t had a PO code in a while. Months back I had to change the drivers side cam shaft sensor but that was it. Everything seems okay at the moment.
It's a Permanent DTC which should be able to be accessed through mode 10 of your scanner.
So even after you clear any emission related DTCs (it uses a very loose interpretation of "emission related" your CPS could be included) it stores the code until a certain "drive cycle/speed/rpm/mileage traveled" criteria is met.
It probably has nothing to do with any problem your engine is currently having.
It's a way for the pollution control inspectors to ensure you aren't just clearing codes and "lucking out" that your computer completed the "readiness tests".
So in mode 10 you should be able to see what the issue is/was.
I keep saying "should" because frankly I didn't even know Nissan was incorporating Permanent DTCs in 2005 on any of their models.
The good news is that even if you're in CA, because of the year of your Pathfinder, the pollution inspectors will ignore your Permanent DTCs.
Bottom line is even after you do the repair and clear the DTC you can't clear the Permanent DTC.
You have to complete the wacky "drive cycle" criteria.
Here's examples of the drive cycles the computer needs to delete those Permanent DTCs. There's a "B" classification. A "D" classification. And a "B" and "D" classification.
Driving Patterns B and D for Erasing P-DTCs
The DTC Index in the service information, for vehicles equipped with P-DTCs, includes a group classification of “A” or “B” for DTCs that also set P-DTCs. P-DTC with a Group classification of B requires completion of driving pattern B and D to erase the P-DTC. In most cases, completion of driving pattern B will also complete pattern D.
Driving Pattern B
Driving pattern B means a trip satisfying the following conditions:
• Engine speed reaches 400 rpm or more.
• Engine coolant temperature reaches 70°C (158°F) or more.
• Vehicle speed of 70 – 120 km/h (44 – 75 MPH) is maintained for 60 seconds or more.
• Vehicle speed of 30 – 60 km/h (19 – 37 MPH) is maintained for 10 seconds or more.
• Vehicle speed of 4 km/h (2 MPH) or less with idling for 12 seconds or more.
• Vehicle speed of 10 km/h (7 MPH) or more for 10 minutes or more in total.
• 22 minutes or more elapsed time after engine start.
NOTE : Drive the vehicle at steady speeds when a “maintained” speed is required. When the same malfunction (DTC) is detected regardless of driving conditions, driving pattern B must be restarted.
Driving Pattern D
Driving pattern D means a trip satisfying the following conditions:
• Vehicle speed of 40 km/h (25 MPH) or more for 300 seconds or more.
• Maintain continuous idle speed for 30 seconds or more.
• 600 seconds (10 minutes) or more elapsed time after engine start.
NOTE : When the same malfunction (DTC) is detected regardless of driving conditions, driving pattern D must be restarted.
