Nissan Pathfinder Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    Thanks for the info. I mentioned the TSB to my service dept., but after a test drive they determined the condition was normal because it went away after warm-up which was considered OK according to the TSB. Regardless, I'm going to try and get the TSB for myself and determine what they indicate is a problem or not.
  • lbinhlbinh Member Posts: 190
    Glad I could help. I learned alot from this board myself. I corrected alot of Pathy known issues with the TSBs. I was persistent when they brushed off me off and brought in the problems to the dealer multiple times until they gave in.

    Be persistent and good luck!
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    To all of you guys complaining about transmission slipping... I don't suppose you noticed the problem when the weather was warmer?

    I believe what you are experiencing is an unlocked torque converter, which is completely normal. Basically, when the ATF is cold, the torque converter doesn't lock up between gears (especially noticeable when O/D is NOT off, and you're in top gear) until the ATF reaches operating temperature.

    Why does the TC not lock when ATF is cold? An unlocked TC heats up the fluid more quickly because it puts more shear forces and friction on the ATF. Once the ATF is hot, the TC locks up (when appropriate).

    Incidentally, during summer months (and usually when towing), an unlocked TC is a bad thing, which is one of the functions of O/D OFF. With O/D OFF, the transmission refuses to shift out of 3rd gear, and the TC remains locked at speeds over 50mph. If O/D is not off, the TC is free to lock and unlock in 4th gear (O/D) as additional torque is needed to maintain speed.

    For more on this behavior, click HERE
  • scottinkyscottinky Member Posts: 194
    this is getting to be a real pain. for some reason, my seat memory seems to "forget" every third or fourth time inserting the key. the seat will slide back when I shut the car off, but the seat does not automatically reset to the previous position upon reinsertion. any clues on thisone?
  • jayzmahaljayzmahal Member Posts: 4
    i've been told different things about the overdrive button. when the light on the dash is lighted up that means O/D is on the off position, right?? i've never had a vehicle that used O/D before, when should i and should not be on O/D...appreciate your help. thanks!
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    Symptoms are very close.

    I have the TSB and it takes you through a thorough diagnosis using a test drive. I'll try to check it out over the next few weeks to confirm.

    Thanks.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    Same issue for me on my 2001 LE. Every time the dealer has checked it...it works. Figures.

    They claim that people often bump the seat controls when entering/exiting the car. If you do, the seat memory disengages assuming a new driver is adjusting it. You then need to hit a memory position to bring it back to normal. I can't confirm that this is what is happening to me, but it seems difficult to accidentally bump the controls.
  • pkennypkenny Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 Pathfinder. When I shift from 4WD back into 2WD it doesn't seem to switch until I make a right hand turn. This seems to have started after I backed out of a snowbank in 4-Lo. Could I have damaged something? Has anyone else heard of this happening?

    Thanks,
    Patrick
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    A delay in the switchover (i.e. the lamp shutting off) from 4WD to 2WD is normal. When in 4WD on relatively "grippy" surfaces, a slight amount of driveline tension builds up. 4WD cannot fully disengage until the tension is released.

    Your right-hand turn merely released that tension.

    You have nothing to worry about.
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    Check your owner's manual for the "official" usage of overdrive.

    When the "O/D OFF" dashboard lamp is lit, OverDrive is DISABLED. Under most driving conditions, OverDrive should NOT be disabled. In other words, you will most commonly be driving with the "O/D OFF" lamp UNlit.

    Generally you should disable O/D when towing, climbing steep grades, and sometimes descending steep grades. Why? When O/D is enabled, the torque converter is allowed to slip. If the TC is allowed to slip for a long period of time (as little as 2 minutes) it may burn the ATF, which will damage the transmission. Using synthetic ATF will reduce the chances that this can happen, though.

    Disabling O/D when descending hills is a useful way to provide improved engine braking, especially if you find yourself having to use the brakes often.
  • albwillinalbwillin Member Posts: 2
    My 96 Nissan Pathfinder has a high pitched whistling sound coming from the engine. I had taken it to a Nissan dealership, but they couldn't find the source. It has a new pulley added to it and new belts. It will only whistle when it is idling, but when it press on the accelorator-the whistling stops. Any clues to end my misery?!?!

    The check engine light comes on-the only thing I could think that is causing it to reset is the knock sensor is degraded and needs to be replaced. Is there any other sensor that will make the knock sensor reset, for example, could the O2 sensor trigger this annoyance. HEEEELLLLP.
  • albwillinalbwillin Member Posts: 2
    Is there any catalogues that I can other for purchasing aftermarket parts for my 96 Pathfinder such as lift kits, brush guards, tires and bolt on performance parts?
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    Sounds like a vacuum leak or a leaking vacuum check valve. Power brakes booster line?
  • 96pathfind96pathfind Member Posts: 22
    Clutch "sticks" on my '96 and won't disengage completely, gotta crunch between gears. Believe it's a bad release bearing. I've got 96K miles on this, clutch has never been replaced. Thing is, there's no slip in the clutch itself. Before I spend $$$ to replace the entire clutch, can someone tell me if it's possible to fix this problem w/o doing a complete clutch? If so, would it make more sense to just replace the clutch now while everything's apart, to prevent future problems?
  • brisoupbrisoup Member Posts: 56
    I would say it would be a good idea to also replace the clutch.The transmission is going to have to be dropped to get to this bearing and the clutch will be accessable at this time.Since most of the cost is going to be labor related,and your Pathfinder has 96K on it,you might as well replace the clutch while the trans is dropped.
  • govsmartgovsmart Member Posts: 1
    Just got my first 4WD SUV - 2001 Pathfinder. Did not come with owners manual. How does the 4WD work?
  • nne3jxcnne3jxc Member Posts: 134
    Go back to early December in this discussion and you'll find someone else asked a similar question. I responded in message 787. hope it helps -- if you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

    Jim
  • 96pathfind96pathfind Member Posts: 22
    Took my '96 SE to a local shop for new clutch. After 3 days of them fooling around with it, I picked it up and discovered the repair was sub-par, to say the least. Tools left on the floor, interior components missing or not properly reinstalled. Worst of all, the next morning I pushed the clutch in and it stayed in. Can't engage the clutch to shift gears. Worse than before I took it in. Having lost all faith in the garage that did the work, I'm gonna take it out to the dealer and have them look at it before I decide how to handle it. Any other 5 spd owners experience problems with clutch repairs, ie is this really a particularly difficult one to do, or are these guys really this bad? Also, they managed to break a crank sensor when removing the trans, claimed it was unavoidable, wound up costing $105 to get a new one. This sound like BS or what?
  • scottinkyscottinky Member Posts: 194
    my 2003 LE is having a bad shuddering/grinding problem. noticeable all the time. Dealer checked it out and couldn't find anything, yet. They told me it is going to get worse before it gets better. I can feel it while accelerating from a stop around 2500-3000 rpms. It is readily apparent at 40mph, while cruising and braking. I can't ascertain if it is engine or transmission related. Any clues would be very helpful. Thank you.
  • barbyannbarbyann Member Posts: 1
    I owned a 2002 Pathfinder and loved it. It was reliable and comfortable. I was in an accident and the SUV was junked. I bought a 2004 SE 4WD (same as I had before) and have owned it one week. I notice that the brakes are spongy and not consistent. I at first thought they needed to be "broken in". I have 100 miles on it now and the problem persists. Of course I am taking it in for service but wonder if any other 2004's have this problem?
      Also, interesting to note is that the passengers air bag cover is not the same shade of brown as the rest of the dashboard. Of course I didn't notice this at the dealership because I was there at night every time. The vehicle had 9 miles on it at purchase. Could it have been in an accident? What is reasonable to expect in interior shading conditions? What should I expect the dealers response to be?
  • bgredbgred Member Posts: 1
    Snow storm overnight and while driving to work, my right rear wheel locked up when starting from a stop sign/light. This caused the dangerous and frustrating experience of moving down the road in a diagonal position. Once my right rear was able to get on solid road again, it released and I was on my way.

    To me, it sounds like a differential problem; but, I am a far cry from an expert and would like a more educated opinion before I head into my not-so-friendly dealer. I have a 1996 Pathfinder XE with 140,000 miles, so fully expect that replacement of a part may be needed.

    Thanks in advance for any guidance.
  • edben11edben11 Member Posts: 1
    1999 Pathfinder 2WD 177,000 miles.
    My service engine soon light came on yesterday.
    Nissan Dealer ran computer check and came up with O2 Sensor and Catalytic Converter need to be replaced. $1200-$1500 repair bill!!
    Anyone had experience with aftermarket parts(Not Nissan)for these two items? Also could bad O2 Sensor cause bad read out for the Catalytic Converter?
  • golgo31golgo31 Member Posts: 6
    someone please give me the correct info. i have a 2000 se. dealer claims exhaust manifold no good and not covered under warranty. vehicle has 46,000mi and was purchased from same dealer 2 and a half months ago w nissan security plus svc agreement. the svc agreement does not cover exhaust system but covers manifolds listed in engine portion of whats covered. do i have a case here and also does anyone know if the 5yr/60mi original warranty includes this part or any other warranty originally given to the vehicle.
  • norcalsurfrnorcalsurfr Member Posts: 14
    I have an '03 SE with the same problem, leak in the manifold (not sure if its cracked or a bad gasket) haven't brought it in yet, but would be good to know the warrenty coverage before going in. Thanks.
  • mk1228mk1228 Member Posts: 2
    I am looking at buying an 01 LE with the Navigation system. I have seen many posts here about the CD changer problems. Does anyone know if there are similar problems with units with the Navigation since it is a different head unit? Also, does anyone have any experience with the Navi? Does it work well?
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    I have an '01 PF that has a considerable puddle of water under the driver's floor mat after it rains hard or after a car wash. I can't trace the source of the leak (one would think it would be obvious, but it's not). Anyone else ever have this problem? Thanks in advance for your help.
  • viking03viking03 Member Posts: 21
    Barbyann,

    Your 2004 brakes are not an unusual phenomenon - my brakes also feel somewhat soft and inconsistent at times. Other posters here have postulated this is due to smallish brake rotors (that tend to warp due to small size) and rear drums rather than discs.

    In any event, my 2003 4x4 does stop well if not as "right now" and smoothly as other cars I've driven. I've written it off as part of driving a truck (sort of) rather than a car.
  • spiceonespiceone Member Posts: 1
    I have a '01 pathfinder:

    Like many people I have an issue with my bose CD changer. I've tried playing all types of CDs in it and it just won't read them. I get an 'ERR 1' message. I have no idea what that means. I initially thought it had to do with the cold weather and/or the humidity. So I warmed up the car making sure the AC was on to get rid of the humidity. However that didn't work. Does anyone have any idea?

    Also, on many of the FM channels, I get this really annoying static when I shouldn't. In other cars that I've been in, the reception for these channels is really good. Only when I'm in the pathfinder do I get the static. Any ideas?
  • axaflaxaraxaflaxar Member Posts: 1
    Hello all,

    I have a 96 nissan pathfinder. It has 110,000 miles.
    I just had 2 new o2 sensors put in. Also, I had the dealer do a dignostic to tell me what was wrong with the truck all around. I had all the problems repaired that they recommended.

    The engine light still comes on despite all this. Then it will go out for a couple days then stay on for another month after that. I have the gas cap on tightly. Also, I read there was a way to clean the o2 sensors myself. Can anyone offer some insight?

    Thanks
  • lbinhlbinh Member Posts: 190
    Had that "ERR2" (I think) issue on my 2001 LE. I had a previous post on that when it happened. Do a Search for it. Only thing is for the dealer to send it back to Clarion to repair Changer. Dealer replaced whole radio changer with "new" one. They said they will send back the stuck CDs but I have yet to hear from them. I hope your warranty is still good. Mine was replaced under warranty from the dealer. Ebay may have some units but very rare from what I have seen.
  • notinuse1notinuse1 Member Posts: 3
    I recently started noticing a whistling upon cold starts. As the engine warms up the whistling gradually comes and goes until it eventually sounds normal. The bumper to bumper warranty is about to expire, so should I have it checked out before then, or is this a normal thing not to worry about?

    Thanks.
  • sally1sally1 Member Posts: 1
    Recently purchased a 2002 SE with 28,000 miles on it in oct 2003. Felt like it ran a little rough so took it in and dealer said use 91 or better gas, may have some deposit build up. Okay....it is now at 33,700 and it is running very rough. Took it in again and my husband rode with the mechanic who claims pathfinders run "rough". Okay. Manual actually says may experience a little spark knock on load for better fuel efficiency. Now it's running rough more consistently and not just up hills. It actually sounds like a go cart at times. A slight rattle (not truly a rattle...sound hard to describe) especially below 50mph. Once you back of the gas a little is when it put, put, putts like a go cart then it diminishes...not just when cold, and still around after been running awhile. HELP! I want to love my car and can't seem to get there!
  • rx8riderx8ride Member Posts: 5
    I have an 01 LE with six disc CD changer and only experienced one error with my player and that was when I tried to use a CD-RW disc. I regularly play CD-Rs in though with no problem and have never had an issue with regular music CDs.
  • lbinhlbinh Member Posts: 190
    How did you solve your error? How did you remove the CD-R disc from the changer without going to dealer?

    Thanks..
  • laminatorlaminator Member Posts: 2
    Hello all--
    Just purchased an '01 Pathfinder on Saturday. My wife and I noticed during our test drive that the door ajar light was stuck on. We stopped the car and made sure all of the doors were shut, but the light would not go off.

    Stupid me didn't eveb think to test the rear wiper during the drive until after purchase.. it's not working. I have to wonder if these two problems are related, and whether it could be something as simple as a fuse.

    I'm currently slated to go back to the dealer (2 hour drive!) to have it checked out, but am hoping I can fix it myself. Does anyone have any knowledge/advice on this subject?
  • laminatorlaminator Member Posts: 2
    Found another problem with our recently-bought '01 Pathfinder LE.

    It was a warm day when we bought it.. we tested the A/C and it worked fine. Didn't notice until it got a bit colder that the heater doesn't seem to be working properly. It's got the auto temp control.. it was probably 40 degrees out and the temp was set at 75.. and there was cool air blowing from the heater vent. Tried cranking up the temp, and somewhere around 83 or 84 the air started to warm up *somewhat* (should be a blast furnace by now, but was at best sorta-warm), and the fan was on 75% blast. Wouldn't slow down at any point either.

    I'm currently assuming that I'll have to take it in and have it fixed.. but does anyone have any idea as to what the problem might be? I don't know if it's related to the temp sensor or the heater itself.
  • rx8riderx8ride Member Posts: 5
    Mine has the six disc changer in the back so when I got the error, I just pulled out the cd cartridge and slid the cd out. When I put a regular disc in, everything worked fine. Never had to visit the dealer.
  • lbinhlbinh Member Posts: 190
    Ok, glad it worked in your case but for those who have in dash 6 disc changers, the problem is not repairable unless you know how to take apart changers. Dealer has to replace whole unit. Thanks for the clarification.
  • lbinhlbinh Member Posts: 190
    Try checking all five door sensors. Take off boot and unscrew sensor and check out wiring. It also may be that your rear hatch is not aligned correctly and not closing properly thus displaying door ajar. Have dealer adjust rear hatch to close tightly. They adjust by moving the door stricker on the cargo floor.

    Wiper: check the fuse. maybe a relay that is bad. Don't think it is related to door ajar light issue.

    Heater: Pathy heaters aren't that strong. Give the engine some time to warm up. After long while still not warm enough, take to dealer. Many factors could be the cause.

    Make appointment and have dealer check all problems you have. Check and recheck everything before going in. Check out www.alldata.com for known service issues and bring it in with you.

    Pathys are relatively problem free but some occasional pop up and are usually not major. Awesom SUV all around.....Good luck
  • lbinhlbinh Member Posts: 190
    Does anyone have experience with coolant smell when you have the heater on? I am thinking it might be a leak but I do not smell coolant unless I turn on the heater. Coolant level is stable. Any suggestions or comments?

    2001 LE with 41K
    Automatic AC
  • nne3jxcnne3jxc Member Posts: 134
    I have a 2003 and it doesn't run "rough" by any definition. How is the performance? Does it seem peppy enough? It isn't a slow truck and has a pretty aggressive initial throttle tip-in. The exhaust can be a little throaty, and letting off the gas abruptly may give you a little "burble" from back pressure, but nothing significant.

    Overall though, the engine management computer will tell the whole story. If your mechanic isn't pulling the error codes from the computer, then find another mechanic. Remember, a good independant mechanic can pull the codes too, you don't just have to rely on the dealer's assessment.
  • wiseone2wiseone2 Member Posts: 15
    Has anyone else had this? Right after startup, shift vehicle into gear, and allow
    the vehicle to roll, after approx. 5-7 yards, I hear two quick knocks or pangs from the engine, only happens right after startup it is best heard without acceleration, but does occur with or without. I can repeat it
    over and over just stop shut off and repeat.
    At night I can see a very faint flicker of
    my headlights at the exact time of the knock. First noticed @ 1000 miles, now have
    16500 mi on my 02 SE. Recently drove a new
    03 LE with 200 miles on it, got the same noise. Anybody else ever notice this??
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    What you're hearing isn't knocking from the engine, it's the ABS system performing a self-diagnostic. It's normal. My 97 LE does it, my new Acura TSX does it, and so does my 93 Accord.

    The fact that your headlights dim when this happens provides further evidence, since the ABS system is electrically activated.
  • brisoupbrisoup Member Posts: 56
    Hi, I have a 2002 LE with automatic climate control.I was wondering if anyone knows how to switch the temperature reading from farinheite to celcius.I'm assuming there is a way to do this since Pathfinder's are also sold in Canada and other countries where the metric system is used.It doesn't say anything about this in the owners manual.Any info would be appreciated.
  • wiseone2wiseone2 Member Posts: 15
    Thanx for the info., dealer said noise was
    normal, but didn't explain what it was. It
    has really bothered me since I first heard
    the noise. I was somewhat distrustful of
    the dealer. I was really convinced that it
    was detonation and the headlight flicker was
    indicating a power loss. I appreciate the
    heip.
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    Brisoup, I have the factory service manual for model year '01 (I assume '02 is identical) and it appears that there is no way to change it from Farenheit to Celsius. The service manual repeatedly refers to a different model temperature control for Canadian models that is Celsius calibrated. However, I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and when you changed the outside thermometer from Farenheit to Celsius the heating/AC system would change with it. Looks like Nissans are different.
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    My '01 PF with 71K miles has a pulsating whistling noise at idle when the engine is cold. The noise goes away as the engine warms up. Sounds like the noise is coming from the area of the engine cooling fan...perhaps the water pump? Anyone have any ideas what this might be? Thanks in advance for your help.
  • brisoupbrisoup Member Posts: 56
    Shark,Thanks for the info.There really is no need to switch the display to celcius since I live in the good ole' USA. I was on a really long drive a few weeks ago and wondered if I could switch it over(I tried everything I could think of.) It just bugged me because I couldn't switch it over.Again,Thanks for the info!!!!
  • brisoupbrisoup Member Posts: 56
    Hey Shark. The whistling noise can come from a number of things.First, did you ever replace both drive belts?If you didn't, Thats the first thing I would do.Also I would check the fan clutch .You can check this by trying to spin the fan with your hand.You should have a great deal of resistance when you try to spin it.If the fan spins freely the clutch is probably shot.Usually if it is your water pump making the noise it will also be leaking and/or over heating. Hope this helps...
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