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I have 2001PF which I purchased in Aug, 2001. I only had it for one years, and I noticed something, perhaps, paint is peeling off from the roof rack. I don't think it's really paints, but some kind of plastic film for protective purposes. Do you think I should call service and get it replaced? Is my roof rack defective? Also, I found there is little rust in side of trunk door. Seem like it's from deep scratch. I know, if I don't do anything, rust will eventually spread to big. What step should I take to prevent this? Sand and use touch up paint? What kind of Sand paper is good enough? Thanks in advance
No, I do not have a heavy foot and it runs fine.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Gary
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 00V410000
YEAR 2000-2001 Nissan Infinity QX4
"Defect: Certain passenger vehicles may have an ignition lock assembly with improperly seated key cylinder cap connector pins. Vibration can cause the connecting pins to loosen and/or fall out, allowing the key cylinder cap to disengage from the key cylinder. If this occurs, the steering wheel lock rod can move and lock the steering wheel."
Gasp!! This is far more serious than ALL of the Jeep recalls put together! Talk about not only being stranded, but the crash risk is indeed a scary matter. Yes indeed, those QX4's are incredibly reliable! There is also another recall where the rear hatchback door can break off and cause serious injury to anyone underneath it!! This is on 31,000 2001 models. And this is a vehicle you want to recommend to people over Jeeps? I'd rather have a little gear noise than problems like the above!!!!
My only goal is to balance the playing field fairly. My only claims have been that the reliability of the Jeep brand vehicles has improved from "well below average" in 1999 to "well above average" in 2002. That's all. Plain and simple.
I think it's important to give honest and accurate advice on these message boards, as they are an important source of information that influences a lot of buyers. It's fine to post your opinion and experience, good or bad, about a particular model of vehicle that you own. That helps everyone as long as the facts are true.
BigOrange30 has repeatedly written posts slamming the Jeep Grand Cherokee, for a long period of time now, in different topic areas. His statements at times have been inaccurate and unfair, and based only on the experience of a short ownership period of one Jeep. Because he had problems with that one Jeep, he continually brings this up, month after month, trolling on different newsgroups. Other readers have complained about him as well.
What if I took the above Nissan recall information and went on different newsgroups telling everyone to never buy a QX4 because of that and other problems? Would that be fair to the readers and potential buyers? Of course not. But that is what BigOrange is doing, trashing the Jeep due to one bad experience. That doesn't make ALL Jeeps bad, just like the recall above doesn't make all QX4's bad.
If you want to compare reliability, then really how much better are the Nissans than the Jeeps? If I were to make a chart of all the problems each vehicle had from 1999 to date, both sides would have plenty of listings, and both sides would have less and less as you progressed to current model years. Sure, the Jeep was worse in 1999. But not any more. The playing field is much more level now, contrary to what BigOrange wants people to think.
For new car buyers, buying a Jeep GC or Nissan PF will be NO different as far as the risk of potential problems goes. Either one could be in the shop for a number of reasons. Either one could also not have problems for years 'n years. But the Jeep Grand Cherokee outsells the Pathfinder by a very wide margin, almost 4 to 1 (2002 YTD). That pretty much sums it all up as to which vehicle is the runaway winner between these two models. The overwhelming majority pick the Grand Cherokee. And I could name a hundred reasons why, but I won't go into that. The majority has already spoken.
You don't have to look at the JGC board to see how many owners are complaining about them. They even had to create a JGC problems board to handle all of the complaints. I don't see a Pathfinder problem board on this site. There are just not enough complaints to warrant it.
jack <><
While we want to maintain an inviting environment for all members, disruptive conduct, such as off-topic comments in a topic-oriented discussion, is not allowed.
The topic here is Nissan Pathfinder. It is not tloke and it is not bigorange and it is not the Jeep Grand Cherokee!
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
The Pathfinders do have problems, they just don't seem to be that frequent.
By the way, did anyone happen to find interest in gonemoab.com? Or is that concept (4-wheeling a Nissan in Moab) too extreme for most of the folks here?
My new 2002 QX4 has had a clicking noise in the dash since i got. I took it to the dealer three times now and each time they have lessened the noise but this third time they have narrowed the noise as coming from the heater core. It seems the heater hoses running through the firewall to the heater core under the dash are moving up/down when the engine has force upon it. The hose connections are hitting the heater core so they've tried tightening the connections but the noise still exists. My dealer says the heater core element needs to be replaced, however to do this they need to remove the entire dashboard. I'm very concerned about having the entire dash removed over a clicking noise which does bother me a little every time the engine accelerates or while going over some bumpy roads.
But to have the whole dash removed at this time would leave me wondering if I'm asking for more trouble. The dealer says they will be very careful reinstalling the dash and since it is still under warranty if anything goes wrong it can be checked out. Or I can wait just until my warranty is up and have the dash removed at that time and just live with the noise until then.
Folks, I'd appreciate your input on whether to live with the noise for now or take a chance on removing the dash. Has anyone else ever had their dash removed and replaced without further problems.
1) Had new rotors put on at 15,000 or so for warping. Feels like it's time for new ones again. Anybody put any aftermarket (Brombo, etc.) rotors on & had good luck? Also, if they've replaced your rotors did they also replace the pads?
2) Anybody had a squeaking noise as the steering wheel is turned? This is definitely inside the vehicle, not outside.
3) Had excessive tire wear on the outside of my front tires around 15,000 miles so I paid (unfortunately because I waited past the 12,000 mile adjustment warranty) for an alignment & they told me it was toe out & this should take care of it. Well, here I am at 23,000 the front tire wear is just as bad or worse. I've rotated my tires myself per the schedule.
Like I said, these are minor things to deal w/ compared w/ other vehicles... more nuisances. Let me know if you have any comments. Thanks...
Thanks in advance.
Price: 31056 after $1,000 rebate and 0.9% financing of 36 moths
02 PF LE with leather package+sunroof deflector+strips around the vechicle(forgot the term)+front privacy glass(is it standard feature or not?)
I spent several hours negotiating with the dealer.
I was exhausted at the end of the talk. I tried my best. I live in the Seattle area. I seem to see postings complaining about how difficult to talk with dealers in the Seattle area. It is true in my experience. I may have gotten a better deal if I'd prepared more.
Tkanks again for everybody's help.
I expect to get around 20 MPG highway after it gets more fully broken in, particularly when I don't run the A/C constantly
My original equipment Dueler H/T's only lasted about 27,000. I currently have about 25,000 on my Dueler A/T's and expect to get at least another 15,000 out of them with the above maintenance.
By the way, the lifetime alignment is for the life of the truck, not the tires. I'm sure other tire dealers offer a similar deal.
Brakes are spongy. Nissan refuses to bleed brakes. Vehicle was involved in car accident. My hubby thought I was lying until he got a phone call from an insurance company to say that they had a customer that had the same problem with her car and Nissan fobbed it off and told the assessor he was kidding himself just like they did to me. This other vehicle is also a 2001 Pathfinder. Has this happened to anyone else or does anyone know anything about it.
Also, the rear doors are a [non-permissible content removed] to close, you have to 'slam' it to get it to propery close.
Without going on and on about the many reasons I had for finally purchasing a Path, let me say that it is my belief through all of my research that this vehicle will not only meet my personal needs, but it will last a long time and will require less maintenance than most other SUV's in its category.
I leased a 97 Pathfinder XE for three years. Before this particular pathfinder was leased, I had done a lot of research which lead me to the truck in the first place. It was for other reasons I ended up for two years in a Ford Expedition on a short term lease (but a long story). Anyway, this go around, I found myself back again to a Pathfinder, not for a lease this time, but for a purchase. I think that says a lot in itself. I've owned a Toyota SR5 (pre Tacoma) pickup, a Ford Tempo, two Dodge Caravans (for the family), but my personal preference is the Pathfinder. My experience before, and my expectations now, are all very positive as related to the Pathfinder.
I just thought I would throw in my two bits. There are some of folks who are having a few problems with their Pathfinders and there are a multitude of Pathfinder owners who quietly "enjoy the ride" and never complain or even comment. They just quietly turn over the miles (almost always well over 100k and often over 200k).
Thanks very much to those of you who have posted interesting, informative and thought provoking comments here. They have been very helpful for me. I'll keep reading what you have to say and I'll comment where appropriate. In the mean time, I'm going to make my "Path" a fun one to all of those places I need to go.
And, I'll keep going and going and going.
The Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 has (which I am sure your aware)
Horsepower @ RPM
240 @ 6000
Torque @ RPM
265 @ 3200
Towing Capacity (max) 5000 lbs.
Curb Weight (Automatic Transmission) 4304
The GMC Envoy 4x4
Horsepower @ RPM
275 @ 5800
Torque @ RPM
275 @ 3800
Towing Capacity (max) 6200 lbs.
Curb Weight (Automatic Transmission)4616 lbs.
So, does 10 pounds of Torque plus 35 horsepower = 1200 more pounds of max towing capacity??
Also, do you think a Pathfinder would be able to tow a 3200 lb. boat with a 1300 lb. double axle trailer using disc brakes fairly well, or am I pushing it? I am leaning to the Pathfinder, however, I am planning on trailering this boat alot (which is why I am getting an SUV in the first place)
Thanks
Jeff
450hp
490ft-lb
3442 curb weight
Must be able to tow 15,000
http://waw.wardsauto.com/ar/auto_wards_ten_best/index.htm
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
3.5L DOHC V-6
Engine type: 3.5L 60° DOHC V-6
Displacement (cc): 3,498
Block/head material: aluminum/aluminum
Bore × stroke: 95.5 mm × 81.4 mm
Horsepower (SAE net): 240 @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 246 lb.-ft. (334 Nm) @ 4,400 rpm
Specific output: 69 hp/L
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Application tested: Altima 3.5SE
The bad news: We have to say “so long” to Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.'s spectacular 3L “VQ” DOHC V-6, retiring from Best Engines competition after seven consecutive wins only because, (paradoxically to us,) Nissan is discontinuing in most world markets the 3L variant of the ground-breaking modular VQ engine family.
The good news: the larger 3.5L VQ we now get to replace the 3L simply is more of a good thing. Chocolate fudge smothering chocolate ice cream, if you will.
The outgoing 3L VQ checked out producing a maximum of 227 hp. The new 3.5L V-6, as tested in the 2002 Altima, makes 240 hp. In the Maxima, the engine's tuned for 260 horses, and next year we'll see it develop even more juice when it shows up for duty in the reincarnated Nissan 350Z sports coupe.
Sharp readers will know that we first tested the 3.5L VQ V-6 last year in its inaugural application, the Pathfinder SUV. To save time, we'll summate by saying that the aging Pathfinder was not the ideal showcase for the engine.
That's changed, of course, proving our assertion that a Best Engines award often comes down to an auto maker's acuteness in matching the right engine with the right vehicle (and, sometimes, the right transmission, too). In the new Altima chassis, the 3.5L VQ is downright invigorating: there's momentous thrust in every gear, right through to the redline — thanks, Nissan, for the available 5-speed manual, by the way — and this engine feels stronger that its 240-hp rating. For the new engine, though, it's at least partially explained by the healthy 246 lb.-ft. (334 Nm) that comes from the extra half-liter.
The 3.5L VQ V-6 is a rare treat: delightfully flexible, but backed up by the muscle of bona fide torque. And it's not all attributable simply to extra displacement. The 3.5L VQ V-6 offers some serious upgrades: an excellent infinitely variable valve timing system, a first to the VQ family and, Nissan's engineers claim, the world's first variable valve timing to use electromagnetic control of camshaft phasing.
Finally, we're impressed and relieved that the VQ family's competitor-crushing NVH and refinement haven't been compromised. A new “silent” camshaft chain drive and strategic block stiffening pitch in to ensure levels of refinement that continue to be the envy of engine designers worldwide. After building the world's best V-6 engine for the last seven years, Nissan engineers haven't relaxed — their new 3.5L VQ V-6 again rewrites the definition for “world-class.”
The higher rating of the Envoy vs the Pathfinder could be a combination of all these factors.
Nonetheless, the Pathfinder can 'officially' tow 5000 lbs, but be prepared for the rear end to sag somewhat under this condition, especially with a heavy tongue weight.
Thanks.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
Wet pavement is not slippery enough to prevent drivetrain binding while the transfer case is locked. 4H should only be used off pavement or in snow, and it's unlikely you'll be driving much faster than 50mph on dirt, so that's the main reason why Nissan says "50 mph" even though mechanically it will operate above that.
2WD traction in the rain is sufficient, provided you don't try to drive like a Formula1 racer.
Only full-time 4wheel drive systems (like the one on the LE model) are designed to function well in all weather and terrain conditions (except for extreme weather, like floods, hurricanes, mudslides, etc. of course).
More info can be found at http://www.4x4parts.com
....
thanks
2001 PF LE
In any case, I have done nothing to beef up the rear end, nor have I done anything to cool the tranny. The tongue weight must not be too bad, because I notice very little sag.
Braking has not been a problem since the surge brakes have worked well.
My typical tow lasts @ 2 1/2 hours, with @ 80% highway.
Good luck!
I drove my new 02 PF for about 900 feet with parking brake on a few days ago. I was in a hurry and forgot to release it. Could you let me know how much damage it may have done on the brake and other systems of my PF? I seem to feel the brake is not as sensitive as before. I am just not sure.
After driving for 700 miles, I noticed that the engine of my PF tends to make a sort of rumbling noise when accelerating. This engine sound is particularly louder when climbing hills. The engine sounds like it’s working hard when this happens. I feel the gas pedal gets tighter too when this happens. It makes the little rumbling noise when I first start driving, but after a while it gets quiet. Is it normal for a PF to do that during breaking period? Do SUVs just run like this not as sedans.
Any information and comments are greatly appreciated
You'll be fine for short trips. I'm sure your boat trailer has surge brakes (atleast I hope so). I work for a marina and have towed up to 23' boats with my 01 LE to and from different boat shows. The 3.5 6 really has decent pulling power and the transmission never seems stressed even while towing around 5,000lbs. Generally boats have low tongue weights compared to most other trailers. Usually no more than 5-8% of total weight. What really keeps the pathfinder from towing heavier weight is the relatively short wheel base. It becomes very noticable when towing loads near the tow rating. If sway becomes a problem you can always add anti-sway devices.
Good luck