Nissan Pathfinder

meca2

marilyn12: I looked in the service manual for your problem. There are several items to check but I need more info. ie. does the set light blink when the c.c. is activated above 40 mph? (or) Turn on the c.c. and depress the brake pedal more than 5 sec if the set lamp blinks it is c.c./brake switch. There are 4 other items that could cause the light to blink. PS: Might want to post in the Problem and Solutions area or some will complain.

austin_p

I have a 2002 Pathfinder LE that just turned 2,7xx miles and the check engine light just came on. runs fine, all oil and levels have been checked fine. The common one of gascap not being on isn't it either.

Is it just an oil change reminder, if so how can I turn it off.

Any suggestions?

thanks in advance

Bryan

pitrott

Hi,
Same problem here and the problem was a bad Rear O2 Sensor.. and Their is no oil change reminder... so call the dealer!
Cheer's
Pit

jclew

meca2,

I don't know about anyone else in here, but I certainly do not complain when problems with the pathfinder are listed on the message board. I assumed that was what this was for...a place where pathfinder owners can check to see if the problems they have are maybe not so unique. And also a place where people interested in purchasing a pathfinder can see both sides of a great vehicle--the wonderful things about it as well as the problems. To me, this is not just a place to talk about chrome-tipped exhaust (right on, phil! loved your rims) or how much you paid for your decked out 2002 4x4 LE with the DVD player. So bring on your cruise control issues and your check engine lights and your 18" rims and custom bumpers...I really just love reading all this stuff, and I think it helps create a more aware public. and it keeps me from being too bored at work! who's complaining???!!!

cheers!

darthbasil

I'm looking at a 2002 SE 2WD Pathfinder. Do I have to buy the SE Popular Package and SE Sunroof Package to get leather? Seems like a waste of money, I don't wan't all the other stuff, just leather seating. Also, I know the LE's come with the fake wood trim. Do I have to get that in an SE w/ leather too? I hope not!

Thanks in advance! :-)

marilyn12

Thanks for the information. I'll try these two suggestions to see if I can reproduce the problem and also tell the service department.
Where do I find the problems and solutions section?
Thanks, Marilyn12

xplorx4

There are many other discussion forums relating specifically to Pathfinder issues.

They can be found by clicking the Nissan Pathfinder Club link at the top and bottom of the page on the "You are here:" line
or the Join other Pathfinder owners in Edmunds.com Nissan Pathfinder Owners Club!.

This particular board is just called the "Main Comment Area", so it may be more useful for folks to post questions relating more specifically to other topics than "Main Comment Area". I think that's what Meca2 was referring to. Y'all may want to change your bookmarks to reference the above link instead of this page. Just a thought....

jflash

darthbasil, I just purchased a new 2002 SE equipped just as you described. Yes, when you get the leather package you must also get the Popular Pkg. and the Sunroof Pkg. I agree that it's a crock to require you to do so. The Leather option does not, however come with all the fake wood trim. If you want the leather trim without the other two packages you might want to check into an aftermarket supplier. The dealer can have it installed for you. I have gone that route in the past and was perfectly satisfied with the results. The reason that I chose the leather option was that I wanted the front seat side airbags,so I had to bite the bullet and pay for options I didn't really want. I did give an earful to the dealer about it, and also complained on the followup survey from Nissan.
jack <><

darthbasil

Hey jflash, thanks for the info on the SE w/ leather. Sounds like I'm stuck with the extraneous options or aftermarket leather. I notice you are in Georgetown - I'm in Austin. I'd love to hear where you bought your Pathfinder. How was your experience? Can you recommend a good salesperson?

Thanks much!

jflash

Hey, darthbasil. I stopped first at Round Rock Nissan, as they were closest. They employ the deplorable (IMHO) practice of adding fabric coating and other extras that jack up the list price by over a grand. I was polite to the poor young salesman, but told him to inform his management that I would drive further to buy from a dealer that did not use this insulting practice. I bought from South Point Nissan. They are just a typical car dealer. Salesmen (I don't remember the name of mine) were polite but aggressive. They use the old "make me an offer and I'll take it to my manager" tactic. I offered $6k below list on a new SE. We settled at $4k below sticker ($1000 rebate was included in that). I didn't feel that I had as much bargaining power as I could have because they didn't have the configuration I wanted in stock and had to get one from San Antonio. The business office was typical--tried to sell me markup items such as extended warranty. Prep and delivery services were efficient. Haven't used the service department yet as I do my own routine maintenance. Hope this helps. Let me know how the purchase goes.
jack <><

jclew

I bought my Pathfinder at Maxwell Nissan off 183 near Burnet (SE, Sunroof Package, 4x4, for $29,500--before the market dropped out from under them...) Overall, they've been really good--service, etc. The guy I dealt with was Renee. He's pretty friendly and not overly aggressive. I bought a 99.5 Pathy from them and then traded for a 2001 last year. Both experiences were okay. Last I heard, you could get a 2002 LE with everything except navigation and DVD/LCD for about $31500 with 0.9% financing. The financing may not be that low now...that was about a month ago (my boss bought a QX4 and my other boss bought a SE Pathfinder--I feel like we have our own little company truck). If you have any other questions...feel free to ask!

saschah83

austin, what the check engine light probably means is that you have a failed oxygen sensor. I dont have a 2001 Pathfinder, but i do have a 1996 (the model that runs from 1996-1999). I have had the check engine light go on 3 times since i've owned the Pathfinder, which ahs been just over 1.5 years. I was told that the Pathfinder has around 6 or 8 oxygen sensors. So, i would bring it to a mechanic, and check if it could be one of the oxygen sensors.

Another item it might be is a failed ignition start, which is caused by the spark plugs no longer being as good as they used to. So, first, change the spark plugs, if that's a no fixer, then have them check the oxygen sensors.

stever

Gray Market Cars

Steve
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kzc2

Does anybody know how to rewire fog light to stay on while high-beam is turned on?

-jc

csu1

My pathy has the shimmy problem after tire rotation. I know someone had suggested that tire balance would help. Is this covered by warranty? Will dealer charge the balance fee?

Thanks

CJ

suvluv

csu1: I had the shimmy problem. My dealer rebalanced my tires under warranty. However, there is a one year x,000 mile warranty for tire balancing. After that, they charge you. I was able to keep bringing it in for rebalancing since I first brought it in under the warranty and am still having the problem. Since the rebalancing didn't solve the problem, the dealer determined my Dunlop tires were defective. They replaced all four tires under my normal warranty with Bridestones. It has been five months and I haven't had to take it back in for rebalancing. Although, I still notice a little shimmy now and again at certain speeds. It doesn't bother me enough to take it back in. Good luck!

smithmd

I can e-mail you a copy of the service bulletin pertaining to the shimmy. E-mail me at smithmdsmith@yahoo.com.

I had the shimmy on my original Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires and my slightly larger replacement Dueler A/T tires (I've got 48,000 miles on the truck). Both times it was fixed by the Hunter GSP9700 that is mentioned towards the end of the bulletin.

You can find one of these machines by clicking on a link at www.gsp9700.com

jeffirving42

My wife and I just took delivery of our (first)'02 4WD SE 5-speed. It replaces an '87 FJ60 Land Cruiser. We hope for 15 good years with the new Pathfinder as well.

We'd like to hear from this board about members' favorite goodies, smart things to do to the truck, aftermarket stuff (like the chrome exhaust tip mentioned here recently), things to watch for, things to stay away from...anyway, you get the drift.

TIA for all your help. (BTW, the info on the Hunter GPS9700 has gone into the file already).

crikey

Welcome to the Nissan Pathfinder family! We have a Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Club here in Edmunds along with a few Pathfinder-specific threads. You might want to visit them, especially the Nissan Pathfinder Club-Options & Accessories thread since you seem to be interested in those. You will find that the Pathfinder board is one of the most informative and helpful boards around. Again, welcome to the group!

pbk77

I just first wanted to say that you guys have been very helpful with my questions. And I hope someone can help me out or clarify my situation. I have a 2001 Pathfinder SE with about 18K miles. Lately when I drive it, the first time I step on the brakes, they seem to squeak. After a few minutes, the brakes seem to be normal. I went to the dealership just yesterday and they resurfaced the front rotors and lubricated the pad slides. However, the problem seems to persist today as well. Any ideas? Anyone else have this problem? Thanks for the help!

sivi1

i took my 02 le back to dealer for minor adjustments. after 5k mi i noticed small oil spot on garage floor. dealer said 1 shock was bad and would have to change both. 2k of those miles were pulling mcycle trailer, about 2500 lb. anyone else with this problem? also vehicle has been in shop 1 week waiting for shocks,seems a little long.

pitrott

Sir,
Well i to have the same problem on my 01 LE, only in the morning after the p-finder has been sitting..Now i think it has to do with the amount of moister in the air and ambient temp, witch rust's/ glazes the rotors. after the first brake pedal push (loud Squeak) the breaks work fine! Nothing to worry about!
V/r
Steve

bimmer4me

When the A/C is on I can hear a rattle/vibrating noise coming from the center air vents or it seems. It appears to have been gotten a little louder the last few months. I have a 2001 LE with 8k and use the A/C all the time...live in Palm Springs. Other than this little annoyance, this truck is superior to my previous Jeep Grand Cherokee. Has anyone else experienced these symtoms regarding this noise from the vents?

suvluv

I had a similar problem. The noise was not consistent and seemed to be coming from the center and passenger side areas. The noise was found to be located on underneath the glove box where the floor air comes from. If I reached my hand underneath the box, the fan was loose and needed to be remounted. The dealer took care of it and I haven't had a problem since.

pbk77

Thanks...makes me feel a little better that I'm not the only person with the squeaky brakes.

dailyk

Any comments on the PF's leather interior and how well it stands up to the normal wear-and-tear of dogs? It's really just their toe nails that concerns me, I'm wondering if it would scratch easily. The dogs are 50 pounds and do jump around inside the car. I've never had leather before but have found a 2001 LE that I would consider if it weren't for this issue. Should I stick with cloth?

Thanks much,
Katherine

pitrott

Katherine,
I have a 01 Le with leather and i have 2 80 lb Pitbull (Baby's) and i take them for their Daily flight in my p-finder. Now the leather up from is perferated and so far no problems.. and i have been known to put socks on them to!
Cheers
Pit

dailyk

This does make me more comfortable going with leather. Since you mentioned breeds, I wanted to tell you that my dogs are pitt-mixes, a brother & sister, and are very sweet. I also have a larger rott-mix foster dog. I'll have to remember your socks idea!

Thanks again,
Katherine

smibrad

I have a 2001 LE with 35,000. The back end sags down a couple inches from the time I bought it new. I only hauled a light trailer a couple times. And on weekends I have a bike rack that I use with my hitch. I only haul two bikes, but it looks like my PF is loaded down when I put on my bikes. The back ends sags.... I hate the appearance. Plus, if I were to put a person in the back seats, I would be afraid that it would bottom out. My girlfried also has a 2001 LE with 15,000 miles and her PF even starts sagging with just a light load I hate the way it looks when it sags. Any suggestions? Do I need a heavy duty shock in the back? I remember reading on this site once that the PF has very cushy shrings so that the ride is softer. Any suggestions that I could do to my PF without compromising the nice ride?

stever

Don't embarrass your dogs! They're called "booties" and all the mushers use them. They're easy to make tpo, and you can use pile for warmth or heavy nylon for those sharp nails. Your puppies will appreciate a matched set (just get a few extras for when they "throw" one and it gets lost).

Steve
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laddy99

Just took delivery of my new 2002 LE 4X4 yesterday. I guess I just had to say it. I've enjoyed the board and will welcome any words of wisdom.

darthbasil

I picked up a 2002 SE w/ leather over the weekend. It was a dealer demo with 5k miles from South Point Nissan in Austin, TX. Thanks to the board members who gave me advice, I love it so far!

One question, do I really have to fill this baby with premium gas!?

jflash

Hey, darthbasil--
Congrats on the new purchase. Hope you got a good deal. I bought my SE at the same dealer, but haven't used the service dept. yet. Please post any unusual experiences if you have to use them. When I picked up my SE, the dealer had it filled with regular gas, and they told me that it would run okay on 89 octane. As an ASE-certified mechanic with over 30 years of racing experience, I'm not buying it. The 3.5 engine is tuned to run best on fuel of at least 91 octane. Use a lesser grade and the knock sensors will detect spark knock and retard the timing, resulting in less efficient performance (lower horsepower AND fuel economy). 89 octane won't damage anything, but your new baby won't run as efficiently. Since we don't have 91 octane here in central Texas you might want to use 1/2 89 octane and 1/2 93 octane. Me, I just bite the bullet and run 93.

tyson1010

Your board has been very informative to me. I am seeking your help. I am currently leasing a BMW that I planned on turning in next month. However, I have the opportunity to turn it in this week, in which it will save me a good deal of money. I want to purchase a SUV. Since I didn't think I would be purchasing a vehicle this soon, I haven't been able to do as much due diligence as I would have liked to. Furthermore, we are closing on our house this week and moving, plus we are getting married next month. I barely have time to eat. So, I was hoping you guys could give me some input as to what deals you are getting out there. I know about the 3.9 financing and the 1000 cash back. Is that either or or is it both?

The other vehicle I looked at was a Highlander which I test drove yesterday. It was nice, drove like a car, however, didn't feel like an SUV, felt like a oversized Camry.

Given that the 2003 models usually come out in August/September, I imagine that they would like to move the 2002 models quickly off the lots. I am looking for a Path SE, 4x2, with only Popular package. Any ideas how much off sticker they will go? Thanks so much in advance.

couimet

I had my first look at one of these today. No LX in Canada, just EX and EX-L. The only difference is that the EX-L has leather.

Externally, plain looking vs my current 2000 PF-SE and my considerations for when my lease runs out in September - PF LE and QX-4.

Internally, plain but more practical with more cubby storage, great console due to column shifter although I prefer a console shifter. 5 cu ft more cargo space.

I don't care about 3rd row seating. Seating comfort is good. Sound system isn't great. Lots of tie downs. Under-floor storage for tonneau cover or third row head rests is better than PF/QX.

The back seat "arm rest" adds two drink holders to the two in the doors - unncessary and makes the arm rest useless as an armrest since it's unpadded, too low and really own meant as an "activity table".

Tonneau cover is extra for $315, 6-CD Changer (Trunk unit) for $800, running boards for $950, $145 for the block heater, $385 roof rack crossbars, fog lights for $665 and no mooroof. All included in the PF/QX. All Canadian $.

Better towing capacity with the PF/QX and without an extra $950 towing package.

By the time you add all this, I can get a proven QX-4 with much more design character.

And Honda want $200 for a wood grain shifter and $800 for a wood grain steering wheel. Ouch!

jflash

Dealers in my area (Austin, TX) are making deals, but no fire sales. Current incentives are 0.9%/3.9% financing OR cash back. I've seen the 4x2 SE with Popular package advertised heavily in this area. I bought one with leather about four months ago for about $4k off list. As the new model year is close, you might do better.
jack <><

mike3137

Does anyone know if it is difficult to install the Nissan VHS/DVD Entertainment System into a Pathfinder. I have a 2001 SE with the Bose stereo system. I have read that it is prewired for the entertainment system. I presume installation would entail removing the dome lamp and replacing it with the video system. I'm wondering if there are any major obstacles to the install or if it is better left to the dealer. Also, does anyone know if the DVD system is compatible with the 2001 model Pathfinders?

Thanks!

laddy99

I just bought a new pathfinder 3 days ago and got both the rebate ($1,000) AND Financing (3.9 for 5)

pathstar

My father got a new RAV4. Very nice to drive, lots of built in stuff (visor extenders etc.). Down a bit on power, though I'm sure it's adequate - PF has spoiled me. Looked at the Nissan Murano on the web site. Very nice, but:
1. It's larger than the PF (and probably heavier) even though it is smaller inside.
2. Not too sure how the CVT will stand up (love the idea of seven speeds to shift).

I'd like a RAV4 sized unit with the Pathfinder engine and at least a 6 speed transmission.
Oh well, my PF will do fine I guess for a number of years (it's a 2001 LE).

tyson1010

Thanks for your responses. I went to a nearby dealer after work yesterday. I also called some other dealers, it looks like the Pathfinders are still selling well, especially over last weekend. There were much less Paths on the lots than a week ago, so I had to be somewhat flexible with the options. I ended up getting the green SE 4x2 with Pop package and sunroof package. The MSRP was 29,087. I ended up driving out at under 25500 (tax included). And the best part about it, they took my leased BMW off my hands. I realized I would have had to pay one more month payment on the BMW, plus a $350 disposition fee, plus extra mileage, plus for any scratches they find (I had a large scrape underneath the front headlights), plus some needed maintanence that just came up a few days ago.

All in all, I feel pretty good about the deal, and most of all, I love the ride of my new vehicle. Great engine, smooth car like ride, and good handling. I think it blows away the Highlander I drove the other day. I know the knock on it was the rear seat leg room and storage; however, I think it's pretty roomy, especially for my needs.

I just wanted to thank you all, reading your posts was a quick, efficient, and very informative way for me to study up on the vehicle.

liner1

I have been towing a 2600lb boat/trailer for the last 6 months without a tranny cooler. I never use overdrive, is it OK to engage Od on flats and downhills? Is a tranny cooler really going to make a difference?

woodyr1

I tow a 1500 lb travel trailer with my 2001 Pathfinder, and have neither a transmission cooler nor electric brakes. I have considered a larger, heavier travel trailer and enquired with my service manager about a transmission cooler. He advised that I didn't need one, in fact, a few years ago, he advised that Nissan told them to remove existing installations of coolers, as the transmissions were running too cool. You may want to verify this with your dealer.

I use OD all the time, except for steep mountain passes. You can use OD provided that the terrain is relatively level and the transmission doesn't 'hunt' (up and down shift with the grade), which generates damaging heat.

smithmd

If you are going to use overdrive, not only make sure that the transmission isn't shifting up and down, but also make sure that the torque converter is locked most of the time while you are cruising.

By locked, I mean that if your truck cruises at 70 at 2600 rpms without the trailer, it should also cruise at 70 at 2600 rpms with the trailer. If you find the truck running at 3000 rpms while your cruising at 70 with the trailer, the torque converter is not locked and is generating heat. Notice, the transmission hasn't downshifted to 3rd gear, but the torque converter is still unlocked. That's kind of like slipping the clutch.

woodyr1

Hi:

I am looking for a place to mount an electric brake controller which will not deface the dash area of my 2001 Pathfinder. I am thinking that the little storage area below the stereo may be worth a try. Mine is a base model and has the small storage area, as well as a few blanks for switches. It appears to be seperate from the panel surrounding the stereo area, but has some hidden fasteners.

Any idea how to remove it?

Thanks

austin_p

I bought my 02' PF LE in canada and have been told by Nissan Canada that they consider my vehicle "Grey Market" as well. Nissan US tried this with me also when I tried to get the warranty transfered but with much agonizing and effort finally got it transferred.

My question is, how can they consider my vehicle "Grey Market" and illegal. I bought a brand new PF from a dealer in CA and doing all the necessary import docs and such. I bought it right before Nissan put a stop to it but due to some people at Nissan US dropping the ball I ended up dealing with this after the stop was put on it.

I realize I could never do this again but can someone tell me why Nissan thinks my vehicle is grey market?

tia,

Bryan

couimet

Technically, automakers have always had vehicle warranties applicable to vehicles owned by citizens of the country where the vehicle was originally sold. This is also true for cameras, electronics and probably a lot of other things.

Automakers never really enforced it until the last few years of free trade with significant numbers of individuals taking advantage of exchange rate situations. Volvo, Honda and Nissan are three automakers (maybe more) that had to take drastic measures ...

tidester

This refers to a market operating within the law but with prices significantly below list. Technically, there is no illegality and, IMO, Nissan is just trying to make it sound more serious than it is. They'd prefer you to buy here for top (US) dollar.

(One could make a case that they charge higher prices in the U.S. because their liability and litigation potential here are significantly higher.)

tidester
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ac6000cw

To remove the little cubby hole you have to take off the whole trim piece surrounding the stereo and HVAC controls. First, use a screw driver and carefully pry out the center a/c vents (the whole assembly including the clock, not the individual vents). They are held on by clips and a little prying will loosen them and allow you to remove them.

Once the vents are out of the way you will see two screws that hold on the top of the trim piece. Remove them and pull the trim piece away from the dash. There are clips holding it on lower down but these are the only two screws. The cubby hole and the rest of that panel come out with the trim piece. You will also get the cigar lighter so you will have to pull the wire off it to completely remove the trim.

There isn't much room behind the cubby hole thing. The depth of it is all the depth you will have to install your controller.

stever

I knew of a guy who had a "gray market" Mercedes back in the '80's. Turned out to have been imported from Germany to the US and everything was hunky-dory until the transmission went south. Took umpteen months to get parts. That shouldn't be much of an issue these days unless some weird model was "snuck" in over the border.

Gray market auto imports from Canada to the US shouldn't be a big deal - they would typically meet the same safety and emission requirements, unlike, say, a Kubota tractor intended for the Asian market. But you'll have warranty issues and you may not be eligible to participate in the various manufacturer's special mediation and arbitration programs. Maybe someone can invoke some NAFTA clause and lift the gray cloud.

hmmm, I wouldn't mind a nice used out-of-warranty Outback, and I'm only 14 hours from Calgary.

Steve
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smibrad

When you tow, does the backend of your PF go down a lot? I notice mine sags when I tow a light trailer (500lbs) or even my bike rack (it is hitch mounted). I would like to replace my shocks or something to get rid of the sag. Any suggestions?