03 Pathfinder & Throttle Body Issues
 

I purchased an '03 Pathfinder with 100k, but a fairly new engine. After about 3 months, the check engine light came on. The OBD II code was P1121 which related to the electric throttle system. The dealer started conservatively by inspecting and adjusting the idle and clearing the code. They advised to bring it back for a new scan if the light came back on.

About ten days later, the day after a 250 mile trip, the light came on again. We took it to the dealer and they now say that the throttle body must be replaced (about $650 p&l) and if the computer doesn't recognize the new throttle body, then the ECM computer must be replace for another $1450.

Does this sound reasonable? The car doesn't exhibit any symptoms (other than the light on the dash).

It also dawned on me this evening that we have been putting regular grade unleaded in it, while I believe it calls for a higher grade. Again, it has been running fine on 87 octane, but could this be an issue?

Thanks