Nissan Pathfinder

colinj1

Thinking of purchasing fender flares for a 2001 pathfinder XE model (Canada only) This is basically the entry level pathfinder without the flares. From what I can see so far, I will only need to drill 6 holes into the rear fender "lip" to hold the new fender flares in place. The front fenders already have the 4 holes drilled to hold the inner wheel-well plastic in place. The new mud flaps should just bolt in place of the exisiting ones. Any comments or recommendations from anyone? Thanks...

pitrott

Fellow P-finder Oweners,
I did a few tanks of gas in both Modes and i found no change in gas milage, they are both crummy... But crummy gas milage is not what we buy the P-finder for now is it? Now fellow owners my ? is ..93 oct gas a real requirement? when even Nissan only recomends it for best performance? and if it's only a recco, and you use 87 or 89 octane how could this void your warranty if it causes engine damage....
Tks
PIT

dieselone

Gas mileage wasn't really a consideration. But I like to keep track of it in my palm pilot. We had snow all of last week, and my mileage dropped down to about 13.7 in auto mode, but I was goofing around in the snow and that probably was the main factor.

woodyr1

I was considering doing the same in my XE, but was told by the dealer that the SE, which has the flares standard, has different front fenders than the XE, however the rears are the same. You may want to confirm this with your dealer, as perhaps body work will be required to make them fit.

You can buy stainless steel wheel well mouldings from many trim shops.

nwwoods

Someone once mentioned they modified the 12V outlets so they had power all the time, instead of just when the ignition is on. Could whoever did that post what change they made to accomplish this? Thanks.

speedgal

Hello all -

I've seen a lot of posts here about buying in Canada. The dealers in Ontario have told me that they are not allowed to sell to an American. Has anybody else experienced this? This didn't seem to be the case with dealers in BC...

cj724

Hello Everyone...

I just bought a Pathfinder LE 4x4 on 12/31/01. I got all options except NAV & ENT. I paid 31,400 and got 0.9% financing. This is my first SUV and 4x4 vehicle and so far I love it.

I have a question about the AWD system. How do I know for sure that I am in AWD or 4Hi. I verified that the green lights on all four wheels are indicated on the dash, but I don't really notice much difference when driving. When I switch to 4LO, I definitely notice a big difference. A while back when I tested another LE 4x4, I heard a clicking sound coming from the switch when I activated into AWD or 4HI. On my current PF I don't hear any sound. The four wheel green lights on the dash is the only indication I get. Any comments would be appreciated.

windfalls99

To cj724. Activate the AWD in slippery conditions (snowy covered parking lot) and boot it. Try it again in 2WD. I guarantee you will notice the difference!! I love my pathy.

tidester

speedgal,

The dealers in Ontario have told me that they are not allowed to sell to an American.

Wouldn't that be a violation of NAFTA?

tidester
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speedgal

Tidester,

I would think so... but taking legal action would probably cost more than the $4-6000 savings.

Acura voids the warrantee if you bring a new car into the US from Canada. Nissan doesn't... but a few of their dealers in the Toronto area told me that they would lose their franchise if they sold a car to a non-resident.

tidester

speedgal,

It sounds like it's less a NAFTA issue than a Nissan issue.

We've had several other posters who are certainly more knowledgeable on the topic of importing from Canada than I. Perhaps they will enlighten us!

tidester
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couimet

A few years ago when the Odyssey was new, supply was really tight in the US but much less so in Canada. So, many US residents were buying their Odyssey's in Canada. After months of US dealers complaining to Honda US, Honda Canada apparently told Canadian dealers that selling to non-residents could result in loosing their franchise. Is Nissan now doing the same thing?

fossfate

hi,
after researching for about a year, I finally picked up my LE 4x4 yesterday. I love it. I have a couple of questions...
how exactly do the auto headlights work? the manual does not explain very well. can I put it on auto and leave it there all the time? even when the car is off?
how do you feel about dealer extended warranty- the car is a 2001 with 28,000 miles- I plan on keeping it for 6 years so I would like to buy the warranty. just how negotiable is the price? I got a quote from a couple of internet co's but the dealer said they would be below cost if they matched the price. (I know enough not to believe everything they say!)

thanks for your input

sthndr5

Several weeks ago I bought a black 2002 Pathfinder LE - fully loaded except nav. and ent. Thanks to all of you who have posted on Edmunds.com my decision was a no brainer. The Pathfinder seems to be the only SUV around with very little problems.

Before I bought the PF, I knew gas mileage was not going to be that good, but the past few weeks I have averaged 13 mpg in 2 wd mode. Will this improve after the break in period? Have 450 miles so far. I am using 93 octain and have not gone over 60mph yet.

Other than that, the truck is great.

phil47

The switch on my 2001 LE makes a very distinct Beep when the different modes are selected. If yours doesn't then I suspect something is wrong (unless that has changed recently).

cj724

Thanks for your input. I do get that distinct beep each time I switch to another mode. So I guess its working OK. I'll have to wait for some snow so I can give the 4x4 the real test!

woodyr1

I leave the switch on the turn signal lever set to 'auto' at all times, except when I want the headlights and taillamps on for highway driving. The sensor in a round button located on the dash, passenger side, about the size of a dime and is programmed to respond to lighting conditions. When I drive into the garage, the headlights illuminate. They even work when going through tunnels, with little delay.

Works well for me!

xplorx4

If you have only 450 miles, then you've probably filled it up only twice since you bought it. The mpg will increase a little after the break-in period, plus you'll have filled it up a few more times to get a better average mpg calculation.

phil47

trust me. I've owned 5 new Nissan and Honda vehicles since 1988 (including a 99.5 PF LE), and it never fails to amaze me how the mileage on these Japanese engines improves over time. I'm fairly keen at tracking mileage, and I find that it improves dramatically up to around 5000 km (3000 miles) and continues to improve up until 20,000 km (12,000 miles) where it seems to plateau wrt both mileage and HP. Although I've only got 14,000 km on my 2001 PF LE and 18,000 km on my 2001 Odyssey EX, they're both exhibiting exactly the same improvements. Any of you veteran 2001 PF owners (and you know who you are) noticing the same thing??

stever

My Nissan Quest improved all the way to 20,000 miles before plateauing.

Steve
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usmtasm

Does anyone know where the fuse for the power outlet in the trunk of a 2001 is located? I couldn't track down a location for it in the owners manual. Thanks.

lofquist

speedgal,
You may have seen a few my posts above on this topic. I know I'm kind of a fanatic about going to Canada to buy a Pathfinder. But why not, when you can save $4000?

Nissan may be about the only manufacturer left that allows their Canadian dealers to sell to US customers, and then only on models assembled in Japan. It's not a legal issue - it's just the manufacturers don't want you going to Canada to buy so they tell the dealers not to do that or face reprisal.

Anyway, send me an email. I can give you the name of a great manager at a dealer in Toronto that over 30 of us here have bought from (same is true for Vancouver for those of you on the west coast). There are a number of dealers that just don't understand or just don't want to go through the trouble to understand.

-Jon
jonlofquist@aol.com

hbsurfer

Have a 2001 SE 2WD with 36,000 miles. Mileage over past 20,000 miles has been increasing consistently from 16.5 to 18.5 MPG.

lofquist

Even the shop manual is possibly a little off on this, so here is the info on all three power sockets:
Dash - Fed directly by fuse #13 (15A) in fuse box under the driver side of dash.
Rear seat - Fed through a relay. Relay just above and to the left of the fuse box. Relay is protected by fuse #29, and socket is fed by fuse #64 (15A) in the fuse box under the hood on the passenger side.
Rear cargo area - Fed by the same relay as the rear seat. Socket is fed by fuse #51 (15A) in the underhood fuse box.

-Jon

kzc2

I have a 99.5 LE with 48000 miles. Yesterday I drove (mostly 20/80 City/Highway except 4wd at the beach for about 1/2 hour.). I got little over 19 mpg and that is with Thule roof mounted bike and ski rack. I'm using 89 oct but sometimes I use 87 oct. During first year, I was getting about 15-17 mpg but now I'm getting 18-20 mpg. Without roof rack, I bet I will get over 20 mpg.

-jc

xplorx4

My 97 Pathfinder has two 12v outlets- one in the dashboard, and one at the back of the center console, facing the rear passenger seats.

In order to make the rear 12v outlet "always on" you must locate the blue relay marked "Power Socket 1" in the covered box on top of the front left wheel well (under the hood).

Remove the relay by pulling up on the relay while using a flathead screwdriver to depress the "locking clip" on the side of the relay facing the engine.

You can choose to buy a radio shack relay part #275-226 and modify that, or modify the Nissan relay you just pulled out. If you're careful, you won't damage the Nissan relay and it can be returned to stock condition with no evidence of modification. The Radio Shack relay only costs about 6 bucks, and the Nissan one costs around $13.

I chose to gently pop off the cover of the Nissan relay, working around the relay perimeter with two small flathead screwdrivers. Then, I wedged a small sliver of folded paper cut off the side of a business card in the relay to force it to remain closed all the time. However, any non-conductive heat-resistant material should work just as well.

This is the simplest way to make your outlets always hot. Another way is to run a fused wire directly from the battery to the power outlet itself, but this is a lot of extra work.

pogito

My '01 path has about 19K miles now. I have been changing the oil every 3000K through dealer incentive-free for two years. I skipped the 15k maintenance recommendation and had the truck an oil change only. Will this void the warranty? The cost for the 15K service is 220.00 at my dealer and at 30K service it would cost 460.00. I think this is too much money I can get these services from local shop for half of those amount. Again question is will this void the warranty if I did the 30K service at a local shop and not the dealer? The receipt that I get on the dealer for a recent oil change printed that "I decline the 15K service".

stever

The Edmunds Maintenance Guide tries to predict how much your next service will cost, and it looks like $109 is the approximate amount it comes up with for the 15,000 mile service.

Here's a link about what a manufacturer can and can't require regarding warranties (look at the "tie-in" provision and the "improper or incorrectly performed maintenance or repair voids this warranty" note). So you can get the work done anywhere, but be prepared to show the work was done right in case you have to make a warranty claim. Usual disclaimers :-)

Steve
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jacknorth2001

I'm not sure if it's just me or what but I find that occasionally, as the transmission is going through the gears, it slips a bit at about 3000 rpm before engaging into the next gear (engine revs up to 3400 without any pull). Has anyone had a similar experience?
I just recently purchased a 2001 PFI LE and am use to driving a stick so I'm not sure if this is normal or not.

xplorx4

Don't be alarmed, that behavior is normal. What you're noticing is the torque converter unlocking, a normal function of the AT going through gear changes to keep engine RPM in its power band.

dieselone

Mine will do the same thing on occasion. It usually is exaggerated when depressing the accelerator harder during the shift and catching the trans off guard.

bigchillin

I have a 2002 LE. How do I remove the tonneaux cover in the cargo area? It really restricts the cargo space available. The manual doesn't really help.

Thanks

phil47

Just pop it straight up at the connection on either side. It usually takes a good nudge from underneath.

baddestbob1

Just knock upwards on each side with the bottom of your hand and remove.
Re. previous posts; I leave auto headlights on all the time. Exception is heavy traffic in dim conditions, turn on lights so tail lights will illuminate.
Just removed crossbars on roof rack of my SE and enjoy big reduction of highway speed wind noise. Suspect that much of remaining noise is from outside mirrors. Have had 2 guys stop me in parking lots to admire my truck this week. The finish on my SE makes a Grand Cherokee, Explorer, etc. look really cheap.

nkn40

My daughter nearly total my beloved 98 PF (purchased OCT. 98) the estimate to have it repair is $9,600, the right front end is damaged. I am not sure if the truck will be the same after repair, I am thinking about getting either a 2001 leftover or 2002. A dealer told me that the best they can do is $14,000 for my repaired PF (SE, moonroof, Bose, 35K) & $29,000 for a 2001 SE. Any of you know how much is the 2001 goes for?. Please advice.

alwaysfords

With the autolamps the tailights are on whenever the headlights are on, just as if you turned the switch on.

jacknorth2001

Thanks for the response and insight xplorx4! I feel much more at ease now. (Just gotta look up what the heck a torque converter is :>)

xplorx4 Jan 14, 2002 10:06pm

baddestbob1

Sure, but there are times when auto doesn't turn on (i.e. holiday traffic) but you want front and rear lights on, then use manual control, leave on auto the rest of the time.

isguy

I have a 2002 LE. The crossbars slide with the adjustment of the twist knob. What screws? do I have to remove to actually remove the crossbars?

TIA

paisan

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Meet: Intersection of Rte 70 and 72 near Whiting, NJ
Time: 10:45-11am
Who: AWD/4wd Vehicles (no 2wd please)
What: Off-road Trail Ride through the barrens, will be fun for all, we encourage Subarus, Rav4s, CRVs, Isuzus, Highlanders, 4-runners, Santa Fe, Explorers, etc.

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lofquist

Since there was some confusion here on the board last week, I've been getting mail from people asking if it's still possible to go to Canada to get a Pathfinder. Yes, it's still no problem. I checked with some dealers to be sure. No Altima sales for now, but Pathfinders and QX4's are just fine (Maximas/I35's too).

As usual I'm happy to pass along the info on how to do it. Just write. Exchange rate is still at all time highs (a new record yesterday!). Typical is $3500 - $4000 under US dealer invoice price. Toronto and Vancouver still the best, but it can be done elsewhere too.

-Jon

pogito

When on a mountainous highway with lots of up and down with speed limit of 65, is it ok to engage the cruise control? We had experience lots of surging from our Pathy ( esp going uphill )on a Christmas trip to Ohio and back to Virginia. Wonder if it did damage to the transmission.

omega11

An ex-friend(kidding) of mine wacked my bayshore blue PF with his snowboard scraping off 2 flakes of paint from the rear hatch. Are there any recommendations out there for a inexpensive fix? ie: a brand of touch up paint to use? Does GS27 really work?

thanks!

reinva

I have a 2001 LE with slipping at 3,000 rpm and sometimes vibration. After checking on it, I found that there is a Technical Service Bulletin (NTB00084) "Customer may comment that the automatic transmission flares on the 1-2 shift when accelerating hard from a stop and then backing off on the throttle". I understand that the transmission control module needs to be replaced on Pathy's with this problem. Can anyone verify this?

pitrott

Dude,
Go to ur Nissan Dealer and order the Nissan Touch up paint, it will be the best match.
Can anyone tell me what do the different colors on the nav sys mean for roads and land?
Tks
Pit

sysadmin1

I have 35K on my 01 and have the same prob. And it seems to be getting worse. I took it in and could not suplicate the problem, thus they feel there is no problem...anyone know if the warranty goes higher than the 3/36 for the tranny? I read somewhere it is 4/50 or something, but not sure.

filod

01 LE AWD
Need help on installing chains, suggestions on what are the best availabe for the PF

Chains on the front on the rear tires? Or all 4? Thanks.

FiloD

smithmd

drivetrain warranty on Nissans is 5/60

chitturi

Has any one ever bought pathfinder with cash back+0.9%APR
financing together as an incentive/rebate?.Has Nissan ever offered them together (not one or the other)?.

stever