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Nissan Pathfinder Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    Could be the right-side O2 sensor BEFORE the cat. The sensor AFTER the cat is used to evaluate cat efficiency. The one before the cat is to determine the proper air/fuel ratio.
  • 2002pf2002pf Member Posts: 1
    Hello, this is my first post on the board. I just wanted to ask the question before spending a lot of money on a mechanic.

    Yesterday while driving my 2002 Pathfinder when i made a u-turn the car braked on its own. When i pressed the gas it clicked. Until I got home it sporatically braked on its own when i turned. When i got home and put the car in park it jolted forward forcefully.

    I appreciate any insight anyone can give me on this. Thanks.
  • falc07falc07 Member Posts: 1
    Hi pd..i also have a 2005 Pathfinder..and yes both top treads on the running boards are coming up due to the fact that Nissan..a company who stress quality..has used double sided tape to hold the tread..onto the board..real nice huh..along with brakes having to be lubed, a click sound after going from reverse into drive9about 50 feet going forward) , a hard to shift selector, a rear windshield washer housing that popped off, a smell of coolant from the wheel wells, and after them having the vehicle for 3 days finally they changed the radiator, but the smell still exists. Hmmm..I thought we bought this vehicle because it was supposed to be GREAT?...seems like we got a welcome to the world of poor quality instead of the new foreign car quality they now push at us...if ya have any other things ya wanna gripe about this car over..gimme a shout..and yes..its covered under the warrenty if ya can get them to fix it..without double sided tape:)...Mark
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    Sounds like your 4WD system (aka. transfer case) was in 4HI or if it was in Auto or All-mode 4WD, then it may be improperly engaging. Are there any warning lights, such as ABS, 4WD, check engine, etc. on your dashboard?

    Try switching the selector to 2WD and see if the problem goes away.

    How many miles are on the vehicle, and when was the last time the transfer case fluid was changed?
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    I'm the original owner of an '01 PF with 107K miles, and from the time it was new my truck has suffered from the well documented highway speed (60-65 MPH) front wheel shimmy. As I recall this problem is common on PF's from '99 to '04. The only solution I have ever found is to have the tires/wheels balanced periodically by a repair shop that has a Hunter GSP9700 "Road Force" balancing machine as recommended by a Nissan Service Bulletin that was issued many years ago. I still use the same model tires that came on the truck (Bridgestone Dueler HT689). When I had the front tires balanced yesterday, the tire dealer gave me the computer printouts from the balancing machine, and he explained to me that the lowest "Assembly Road Force" they could achieve with my right front wheel/tire was 25 lbs. Apparently this is a measurement of how far out of "perfect balance" the tire/wheel assembly is. He told me that typically they are able to achieve 10 to 20 lbs. from most tires and wheels, and that I might still feel some vibration from that wheel. He also told me in his experience Michelin tires are best for vehicles that are "balance sensitive" as the '01 Pathfinder is because they are typically able to achieve as low as a 2 to 8 lb. Assembly Road Force, much lower than any other brand they sell. I recall that many people who are active on this thread now have Michelin tires on their '99 to '04 Pathfinders. Have you found the Michelin tires easier to balance and keep balanced? Thanks in advance for your input.
  • nospam4cjnospam4cj Member Posts: 8
    Since I have not had an expedient reply from Nissan regarding my case of the Bose Clarion 6-disc changer, I decided to call the Executive Specialist I have been working with for this case. I called early on Thursday Oct 12 and left a message. I received a returned call on Friday Oct 13. The Executive Specialist told me that the board was reviewing the case and should have an answer by Friday Oct 20.

    I am really looking forward to a resolution to this problem so Nissan/Infiniti can redeem their name. If a correct resolution is not found, Nissan/Infiniti will continue to allow vendors to get away with using parts that are not engineered to high quality standards.

    Everyone out there that has experienced this problem should check out the NHTSA website and file a complaint:
    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/
    Your local state Attorney General's office can also help you with filing a claim against the CD player.
  • bkfulbrightbkfulbright Member Posts: 15
    I own a '01 Pathfinder that had the Bridgestone tires you mentioned as the original equipment and also had the shimmy problems that everyone else has mentioned before from the day I bought it. I only have 45,000 miles on my Pathfinder now and just replaced the Bridgestone tires last April with Cooper Discoverer H/T tires and have not experienced any more problems with shimmy at highway speeds. The Cooper tires are the same size as the Bridgestones were, but after driving on them for 6 months now I believe they are far superior to the Bridestones and could not be happier. I thought about Michelins but was too cheap to pay the premium price for them even though I am sure they would have been great. I also considered trying Yokohama or Goodyear Forteras.
  • brucheybruchey Member Posts: 1
    Hi i own a 95' Pathfinder XE 2WD Automatic 165,000 miles on it.. i just got it.. it runs fine but the transmission is slipping.. say i just turned it on.. rpms to the first gear runs fine.. but after 1st gear the rpms go way high to switch over the gears.. does so on other gears. I had it looked at by a transmission guy he said it was a censor that had to do with the transmission. If anyone has any info that will help i would really appreciate it.
  • letmenoletmeno Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2001 Patfinder and I just changed both rear o2 sensors and these codes came up.. I know what they mean but how do i fix them...??? I dont believe my catalitic converters just whent bad...
  • nikima1nikima1 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 2001 LE 4x4 and the speedometer and has stopped working completely and the other guages will intermitently stop working anyone have any ideas on a fix or had this problem before?
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    There is a software update that lowers the efficency at which the converters will turn on the MIL lamp. If your truck is still within the emissions warranty, your dealer will do the update for free. My truck was out of the emissions warranty, and the dealer charged me $200 for the update. This really sucks, because it's obvious that there was a problem with the software the day the truck left the factory, long before the emissions warranty expired. Let's all remember how Nissan treats its customers when it's time to buy our next vehicles.
  • smokey75smokey75 Member Posts: 434
    If I remember correctly, I had one replaced under warranty & two repaired. The repair place cut me off when I started explaining the problem & finished my sentence for me because they've seen it so many times. What a bunch of crap.
  • pfx2pfx2 Member Posts: 5
    I rec. a trouble code P0158 on my 02 Pathy.

    It says high voltage on Bank2 Sensor2 pertaining to the O2 sensor after the cat. But is it driver or passenger side? I would like to replace it my self with a OEM part but need to know which one.

    I also want to start using only high test and make sure the gas cap is tight.

    Thanks for your assistance

    P.S. I just purchased a new '06 Pathy!
  • pfx2pfx2 Member Posts: 5
    I rec. a trouble code P0158 on my 02 Pathy.

    It says high voltage on Bank2 Sensor2 pertaining to the O2 sensor after the cat. But is it driver or passenger side? I would like to replace it my self with a OEM part but need to know which one.

    I also want to start using only high test and make sure the gas cap is tight.

    Thanks for your assistance

    P.S. I just purchased a new '06 Pathy!
  • mikevtmikevt Member Posts: 1
    i recently purchased a 1999.5 nissan pathfinder with 80k miles. i decided to change the spark plugs the other day, what a mistake. does anyone know how to reach that one plug in back of the motor? also, three of the plugs are stripped, and i can't get them out. any ideas??? please let me know. thanks!
  • nospam4cjnospam4cj Member Posts: 8
    I called the executive specialist today (Oct.24) that has been working on my case regarding the Bose Clarion Err2 Err3 problem. I was expecting a call or an email on Oct.20; however, no such luck. I was told that Nissan does have a finding and information to send to me; however, I did not get any details on the phone. I will post the findings and information here to allow everyone to generate their own
    opinion on how Nissan handles this problem.
  • gbxk86agbxk86a Member Posts: 12
    having the same problem with 2001 Infiniti QX4, and will file a complaint as you suggested.

    However, you said you bought a service manual for the Clarion unit. Can you tell me how to get a copy?
  • gluna51gluna51 Member Posts: 1
    I just changed out my plugs but you have to use a straight extentsion then an elbow extention and then a straight extensions to get to the Spark Plug. Be patient, you have to feel for the plug using the socket and the first extension. Once you find it add the elbow and hte other Extension and you should be good. Good Luck.
  • newmannewman Member Posts: 11
    have a 95 pathfinder 4wd with a 3.0 l engine have the pushbutton overdrive. had no problem with it early in the day that night went to a friends house getting ready to leave put it in reverse it wouldnt go it goes into overdrive and drive but not reverse what happened???
  • pfx2pfx2 Member Posts: 5
    When I first start out in the morning there is one click noise coming from the front suspension/engine area after about 10 feet of driving forward? Then it disapears. Weird, huh?
    I let the engine warm up about 3-5 minutes before proceeding. It happens when the car is shifted from reverse to forward after backing out the driveway. It's under warranty, should I have the dealear gear heads look at it? Maybe it's the front diff. or locking hubs? Pathy has always been in 2 wheel drive. p.s. it has 5500 miles on it.
  • starstonestarstone Member Posts: 1
    I have an '03 Pathfinder LE and just bought a radar detector (Escort 8500). I don't care for the rubber suction cup mounts and want to know if anyone makes a mount that attaches to the rear-view mirror.
  • choongschoongs Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem. I'm going to take it to the dealer sometime soon. I'll let you know if they find out what it is.
  • newmannewman Member Posts: 11
    :cry: i miss driveing my pathfinder i need help nobody around the southeast kansas area dont know what happen. it didnt give me a waring our anything. Drive and overdrive works fine. it is a 95 pathfinder 4wd 3.0liter engine. can anybody help me please. i want to go 4 wheeling, but with my baby being sick i dont need anything else go with it :sick:
  • maximaloumaximalou Member Posts: 4
    I have a used 2000 Pathfinder LE which I bought with 77K miles on it. About 5 months into having it the speedometer, tachometer and temp gauge would just do dead then it would come back on it's own after about 15 minutes. When my wife drove it the other night the speedometer and tachometer starting going all the way to the right in (in a clockwise direction) even thou she was driving slow. I took it to Nissan and they wanted almost $900 for a whole new system :cry: . Of course I did not leave it with them. I recently found a good mechanic so within the next couple of days I am going to take it to him and see what he says. I will hit you back when I find out some information.

    Maximalou
  • icemanqx4icemanqx4 Member Posts: 1
    Any luck with this?

    I recently purchased a 2002 QX4. I tried putting in a burned cdr into the 6-disc clarion cd changer. I received error Err 3. Luckily I flipped the way the cd was in the changer and I received some sound.

    Has anyone experienced issues with using burned cdrs in the clarion 6-disc changer?

    If so I know certain cdrs have certain colors on the underside, and if the laser is too sensitive you can only use certain kinds.

    Anyone have luck with this?

    Thx
  • nikimanikima Member Posts: 1
    Thanks it is much appreciated :confuse:
  • nospam4cjnospam4cj Member Posts: 8
    Well...I have never had any problems with the Bose Clarion 6 disc changer reading any CDs as you have mentioned above. My guess is the CDr disc you played may have some small surface scratches and made it unreadable in one position. Moving the CD to a separate position sometimes will allow the CD to play. I am unsure of why a CD will play in one slot and not the other...it may be due to the tolerance of the laser reader not allowing changer to read the CD in one slot. I take special care of the CDs that we leave in the car/truck. If a CD is scratched during handling, I have a acrylic polishing kit that I can use to sand the bottle side of disc and remove most scratches. I usually start with 4000grit and work my way up to 8000grit to make the CD shine like new. I always make sure the CD will play one of my home CD changers first before ever putting it back into the car or truck.
  • mypathymypathy Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2005 pathy SE 4wd and had the same issue since the day I bought it. I have had it checked couple of times and turns out it is related to ABS self test and nothing to worry about.
  • bindlebindle Member Posts: 2
    How much should I expect to pay to have the Timing Belt replaced? The bushings?

    I have a 1996 PF SE with 118,000 miles on it. The dealer wants $1200 to replace it, the guide on edmunds.com says that it should only cost about $250 in the Denver area. I am so confused.
  • bindlebindle Member Posts: 2
    How much should I expect to pay to have the Timing Belt replaced? The bushings?

    I have a 1996 PF SE with 118,000 miles on it. The dealer wants $1200 to replace the timing belt and another $1200 to replace the bushings.
  • sastresastre Member Posts: 3
    Hi, I need some help figuring out what two error codes mean. I am old school as far as computer cars go. I have a 98 LE 2wd with 70,000 on it and have two codes P0325 which I think is knock sensor 1, circuit bank one and
    P0420 which I think is catalyst sys. efficiency below threshold bank 1. The car is running fine as far as I can tell.
    Can any one tell me what to do with this info. What needs replacing or how I trouble shoot from here. I am in Mexico and few mechanics have the info. Thanks for the help in advance.
  • jtomjtom Member Posts: 26
    hi, same problem on my 1992 pathfinder xe, v6 manual. I read these posts and many said the headlight/combo switch on the steering column. I had the passenger side low beam not working but hi working. Replaced it w/ a new one, same problem. BUT, I took out the GOOD bulb on the driver's side, changed THAT bulb and all works fine now. Explain that one??
  • jtomjtom Member Posts: 26
    Hello, i have a 1992 pathfinder (manual v6) XE 4x4. wouldn't start and the ignition assy was replaced (twice so far) I see the previous owner also replaced the relay (which many people thought was the problem) but had the same won't start problem after that and his mechanic said it was the ignition assembly ($200 for part and installation) good luck. Keep posting if any REALLY finds the problem. Hope this doesn't creep up again in a few months.
  • jtomjtom Member Posts: 26
    I have the vg30e v6 on a 4x4 pathfinder 1992, XE model. What's my oil capacity? I can't seem to find this info. thx
  • montymmontym Member Posts: 2
    Hi! I also have a 95 PF 4WD automatic with exactly the same problem! It driving me crazy! I have replaced the starter, cleaned all conections,ect. It will work for weeks at a time then "click" for anywhere between 1 minute to 2 hours. It seems to do this only when car has been running awhile and is hot. I have taken it to 2 mechanics and they can't find it unless it fails for them which it never seems to do! I was wondering if you discovered what it was. If so, please let me know. I am to the point of replacing any and all parts that could be bad regardless if they are bad or not.
    Thank You, Monty M
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    I don't know if it applies to Nissan starters, but for the longest time GM starters would fail when hot. They had an intermittant connection inside. It you hear the click of the solonoid but get no cranking it's the starter or the solonoid -unless- all lights go very dim, in which case it's the battery or a connection from the battery (at the battery post). Put a meter or light on the output of the solonoid - if it lights or shows 12V when you are trying to start it's the starter. If the light stays off it's the solonoid.
  • 96pathybs96pathybs Member Posts: 1
    Do not spend $1200 on a Timing Belt replacement. I live in the Littleton area and just spent $650 ($600 with an AAA discount) to get my belt and water pump replaced.
  • gregoriogregorio Member Posts: 1
    I'm seeing 3-5/8 qt in the Haynes manual...
  • jtomjtom Member Posts: 26
    thanks, finally got good info. This is correct 3 1/8 q w/o filter and 3 5/8 w/ filter. Of course I went to checkers and they said at least 4 qts (after looking on their computer) so I ended up putting too much oil in it for a few days. drained it today and put the correct amt. Thanks for your reply gregorio!
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    I'm the original owner of an '01 PF, and twice the engine was running very rough and the MIL light was blinking.

    The engine seems to be running normally now, and the MIL light is on but no longer blinking.

    Both times it happened was after the engine was run for 2 or 3 minutes (not fully warmed up), and then shut off for 10-30 minutes. When the engine was re-started it was running very rough, and the MIL light started blinking, presumably because the engine was misfiring. After both incidents I let the engine completely cool off for several hours, and then it seemed to run normally (but the MIL light was on, but not blinking).

    I’ve noticed something like this before, even back to when the truck was new. If you run a cold engine for just a minute or two (such a moving the truck in the driveway), and then come back to use the truck later, the engine will run a bit rough when it’s re-started, but never as rough as it ran the other day, never a check engine light, and the engine will run rough for only a minute or so, and then will run normally.

    Anyone have any idea what might be causing this? Does the fuel injection system have something like a cold start valve (similar to a a choke on a vehicle with a carburator)that might be malfunctioning? Thanks in advance for your help.
  • nospam4cjnospam4cj Member Posts: 8
    I have not had any contact with Nissan North America since Nov.2 until yesterday Nov.30. I called the Executive Specialist that is handling my case on Nov.21. I was forwarded to voicemail after no one answered and left a message asking if the findings had been sent to me. After waiting over a week with no reply, I decided to call again yesterday. I was forwarded to voicemail once again. I didn't leave a message this time and immediately called the main number to be transferred to someone else. The transferred me to another person; however, they did not answer and I was once again forwarded to voicemail. I left a message with this other person to call me back. The call was finally returned around 4:20pm yesterday. I was unable to answer at the time, but I called back at 4:27pm and spoke to the person for over 17 minutes. This person found my records and told me they are in contact with Clarion on a regular basis and Clarion corrects their problems effectively. I enlightened him to my research in this matter and said there were at least 100 documented cases of the Clarion 6 disc CD changer breaking multiple times. He did mention that the record shows a denial letter was sent to me. I have never seen this letter, and he said that he would be in contact with me regarding the letter and the matter. I mentioned that I really needed this denial letter to move to the next step. Of course, a lawyer(s) will be involved in the next step. From the correspondence and phone calls, Nissan is still completely denying any problems with the 2001 Bose/Clarion 6-disc changers. I honestly hoped this problem would not escalate to this proportion.
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    Mine has done it as well. The light should go out after about 10-15 on-off cycles. Sounds like yours was caused by flooding. When started cold the computer goes into "choke mode", injecting extra fuel. If you shut it off before it warms up some of this extra fuel remains liquid in the cylinders and when you restart the engine is still in "choke mode", injecting still more fuel. This will foul one or more spark plugs, causing rough running for awile, until they burn clean.

    I think mine is caused by an intermittant connection somewhere in the ignition system.

    You may be just about due for new spark plugs.
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    While I agree Nissan/Clarion should own up to this, I think you are going to waste a lot of your own money and time in this endeavour. It would cost you $1000 or so to replace the radio/CD system. I suspect you're going to spend well over 10x that just to get to court, and there's little chance of beating Nissan there. They have deeper pockets than you! Meaning they can hire much better lawyers than you can afford.

    You might have a chance if some govt. agency helped due to some kind of "lemon law".

    I've only used my 2001 CD changer a few times so I don't really care if it's junk.
  • jaedleejaedlee Member Posts: 59
    I'm down to my last 3 slots. First my 5 and 6 slots went down, now my 1st slot is out. As i've told my wife many times, i would never buy another Nissan again.
  • msmith2006msmith2006 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 96 PF and experienced the same problems, it was the front struts. Once I replaced them no more shimmy, hope this helps
  • wastekingwasteking Member Posts: 3
    "Security" light blinks continually suggesting system is locked "ON". Obviously the thing won't start or do anything. I have tried opening and closing all doors, windows, etc., have unlocked and relocked everything. I don't even really rely on the system anyway, is there a way to disarm the whole thing? Or is there an easy check I can do without paying a mechanic to endlessly trace wiring?
    THANKS!
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    The light normally blinks all the time. You have to use a key with a chip in it that has been entered into the system. If the keys you have suddenly stopped working the only fix is to take it to the dealer. They will re-program the keys into the system. If that doesn't work, then a new imobilizer cpu will be needed, and it will have to be programmed into the engine cpu.

    When you say it will not start, it cranks? If it doesn't crank then there may be something else wrong.
  • wastekingwasteking Member Posts: 3
    Engine will not turn over at all. Same keys I've had since day one. Is a chip embedded in the head of the key? I've seen GM keys with a visible chip in them, no such animal in mine. Someone who supposedly had encountered this same issue in other Nissans suggested it was the security system. Do you know if an OBD readout will help?
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    If you look at the plastic head of the key, on the "insert side" there is a rectangular piece of plastic. It covers the hole where the chip is. The "security system" is called the "vehicle immobilizer".

    I think the immobilizer just stops fuel injection. I'd start by trying to apply power directly to the solonoid. If you can close the solonoid and it still doesn't crank, then it's the starter.

    I haven't seen immobilizer data on the OBD port, but I haven't watched that closely.

    Mine is a 2001, and I don't have time to run the electronic shop manual right now, but if you're still haveing problems later today I'll check to see what it says.
  • wastekingwasteking Member Posts: 3
    Don't think it is the starter, here is why. We had called a tow truck. The driver got in before hooking it up. He turned the key three times in rapid succession. Boom...it started right up. Ran perfect. He's the person who told us it was more than likely the security system. We drove it home, turned it off, restarted it right immediately after. Came back out an hour later...it was dead again. We couldn't duplicate what he had done. Go figure...

    There does not appear to be any chip on the keys.
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