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Nissan Pathfinder Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    IS this a warranty covered item? Or do I have to do it myself?
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    I will find out monday about any Nissan recall or replacement issues. The sensor
    with the bracket was $38 wholesale. I broke one of the sensors when I relocated
    them to the front grill with a nylon tie. This week I will fabricate a bracket that will
    fasten both sensors to the stud to the drivers side of the pillor in front of the rad.
  • erhein2erhein2 Member Posts: 11
    I have a 2001 PF that is a little more than a month old and it suffers from the intermittent vibration between 60 and 65 mph. It's going in to the dealer on Friday for service for the vibration. Do you think I should tell them about the service bulletin and that I'm aware that this is an existing problem, or just let them do their job and see if they fix it on their own? This is a great site and thanks for any words of advice anyone can offer.
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    I'd probably let them do their thing the first time. If it doesn't fix it, I'd tell them about the service bulletin.
  • erheinerhein Member Posts: 1
    I took the PF to the dealer today and didn't mention the TSB. They did a balance and it's much better. I can still feel a very slight amount of feedback in the steering wheel at 65mph, but nothing like it was. I think I'll leave it at that for now. They gave me no problems about doing the balance.
  • leipleip Member Posts: 2
    I just bought 98 PA with 60K miles few weeks ago. The car runs great except the engine service soon light came out the other day. Any one has the same problem before or any suggestion what's wrong with the car?
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    A possible cause for the light to be on is that the gas cap may not have been tightened all the way. Before you take it to the dealer to see if it's a more serious problem, try screwing the gas cap down all the way (until it clicks at least 3 times). The light should go off within a few days.

    Alternatively, you can disconnect the battery for about 1/2 hour, then reconnect it. This resets the 'check engine' light.

    If it comes back on, then you should take it in. Did you happen to get any kind of warranty when you bought it?
  • bobinsoflabobinsofla Member Posts: 16
    I've got 12000 miles on my '01 PF and almost since day one it has had a roaring noise coming from the drivers side window. Only happens at highway speeds (>70mph). I can press my hand against the window and it will stop. Dealer is still trying to fix the problem.

    Has anyone else experienced this? Let me know

    Thanks,
    Bob in South Florida
  • djcdjc9djcdjc9 Member Posts: 3
    I recently purchased a 01 LE Pathfinder, and I am expericing the "Dreaded Shimmy". I have found some topics on this issue, but I need some assistance. Please reply if you have had this problem and had found a way to resolve it. I have only 400 miles on my Pathy and I brought it in to the Dealership to fix it. They balanced the tires and the shimmy is still there. I asked for a copy of the Nissan Service Bulletin NTB00-061 and asked them to address the issues presented in the document. I then took the service rep with me for a ride and showed him the Shimmy. I had a glass of water in the vehicle and showed the ripples of water that the shimmy caused and that you could clearly feel the Vibration, in the seat, armrest, and steering wheel, especially at speeds between 35-45 mph, but more so, at 45-55 mph. They told me that in their opinion that vehicle drives fine and there is no problem and so go away. I called Nissan's 800 number, but they did not help. I have owned a Nissan Pickup SE since 1994 and I have never
    had a Shimmy issue. I have Dunlop tires and I was wondering if I should just replace the tries with an All-Season tire such as Michelin?

    Now the story continues...

    Matt,

    Yes. I have a copy of the NTB00-061 Service Bulletin. Here's what happened.
    First, I called the salesman and told him of the vibration/shimmy. He said
    it was because I have aggressive tries and they would "wear in"...I did not
    believe this, tires only get worse when not properly balanced. I asked to
    make an appointment for a tire balancing. I brought it to Nissan to correct
    the shimmy, and they stated they were "unable to verify customer's concern".
    I told them to balance the tires anyway (again) and that I wanted a copy of
    the bulletin. Next, I asked the Service rep to go for a ride with me. He did
    verify the "slight" Shimmy, and I asked him to schedule an appointment to go
    through the 5 points on the Bulletin and/or replace my tires. When we got
    bad at the dealership, the Service Manager (different guy) "talked me out
    it"...Basically, the Service Manager said he personally test drove my
    Pathfinder and said it drives fine and that there is nothing more they can
    do. I really felt he was full of [non-permissible content removed] and giving me Slick Willy talk. This
    was on Monday. Today, Thursday, I brought my Pathfinder into an independent
    Tire shop which had the Hunter GSP 9700. They said that the tires were out
    of balance, but the vehicle did not exhibit and excessive "Radial Force
    Vibration", so they felt the Dunlop on my Pathy are fine. The problem is
    that I still have the Shimmy. I do not think it really made much of a
    difference. I can still feel it in my seat, armrest, etc. Matt, looking at
    the list on the NTB00-061, the only thing that appears to have not been
    checked yet is the "insufficient steering rack force adjustment"? What are
    your thoughts, my new friend? How did you resolve this frustrating shimmy
    issue? I feel like I should now bring it to a second Nissan Dealership and
    request they check the steering rack...
  • djcdjc9djcdjc9 Member Posts: 3
    Refer to message # 144 - Yet another vibration victim by x2guy. This sounds like the same problem my Pathy is experiencing.

    X2guy - Have you had your Vibration/Shimmy issue fixed?

    On a scale from 1 to 10 had bad would you say the Vibration is? Compared to other vehciles you have driven, how was the shimmy in comparison? As for my vehicle, the steering wheel does not shake to the visible eye. The Service Manager told me the steering wheel would be "really" shaking if there was a problem. I feel only a slight vibration in the wheel, but the seat vibrates, as well as the gas peal, armrest, etc ...which vibrate enough to numb and irritate the hell out of you. What if I changed my tires from "All-Terrain" which I think all Pathfinders come standard...perhaps get the "All-Season" Tires...More of a highway type ride, smoother possibly?
  • djcdjc9djcdjc9 Member Posts: 3
    Hey Erhein - You said your Pathfinder is still Vibrating?
  • tomshadletomshadle Member Posts: 11
    This is my first time posting to this board.
    I have a 97 Pathfinder. On a recent long trip when I reached about 70 mph on I95 the vehicle didn't vibrate, but started rocking back and forth with increasing intensity until the cruise was cancelled and I slowed a little. Then the ride returned to normal until a certain stretch of road set off the rocking again.
    I called the dealership and they think it might be the sway bar and/or bearings that are bad.
    I travel 3 hrs. to the nearest dealership tomorrow to have it checked.
    Anyone else have this problem?
    Thanks,
    Tom
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    My shimmy was really bad. The steering wheel and any hand on it would shake back and forth...sometimes more than others. I'd call it an 8. The shimmy was worse than any I'd ever experienced on any of my other vehicles. Once, when I rotated the tires, the shimmy appeared to have gone away. Instead it was actually just the problem tires being moved from the front to the back. I could slightly feel it in the seat and armrest, but it wasn't enough to numb my butt or elbow.

    Regardless of the brand of tire on your truck, you have that brand's highway tire. I'm not a Dunlop fan, so I don't really know if they have a better tire. I know that people looking for a smoother ride (in any SUV) have gone to the Bridgestone Dueler H/L. Another popular tire has been the Michelin LTX M/S. That said, I would bet money (and I'm not a bettin' man) on it NOT being your tire tread.

    Hope this helps.
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    Tom,
    e-mail me for details on how to fix your problem
    smithmdsmith@yahoo.com
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    Due to the number of requests I have received for copies of the Service bulletin related to the shimmy, I scanned the NTB00-061 into a PDF file, last night.

    E-mail me at smithmdsmith@yahoo.com if you want a copy.
  • brc1brc1 Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2000 LE and had recent problems with a small leak in the trans case. Upon replacing the case of the trans, there is now a vibration upon acceleration, changing gears, and constant after 70. Veh purchased in Dec/99. They cannot repair the problem, and as I have seen in the other messages, the service manager received the same answer from the Nissan Area Techs (Atlanta)... that there is an inherent vibration. What is interesting is that the problem was not present prior to the tranny work and they have just about exhausted all means. The manager of the dealership is willing to take the veh back and work out details for another Path LE. (Will have to closely review.) I have my letter ready to go to Nissan Corp because all the trans problems (4 repairs before replacing trans case) under the Georgia Lemon Law. There appear to be advantages/disadvantages for either route. Either way, they deduct (currently has 15K) for normal use (for lemon law or dealer). Went to the dealer today and he showed me a manufacturer's "Nissan CD - Problems" that the 97-99 Path have an inherent vibration - floorboard problem.. but not the 2000's. BTW, I also have a small shimmy in the steering wheel around 60-65. Comments and Recommendation(s)?
    Tks.. Bruce
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    Sounds like a drive-line problem. I hope they don't low-ball your PF just so they can sell you a new one. Have an independent technician check the drive-line run-out. Nissan shows .024 in max. run-out. (for the floor board vibration) for what it's worth
  • jsmithbc3jsmithbc3 Member Posts: 1
    I've got a 01' PF SE that I've had for 4 mos. and have about 15K on it. At speeds above 55 mph, I'm getting a vibration/fluttering noise out of both mirrors. My local dealer said this is normal and they've tried replacing them in other SE's with no success in eliminating the noise. Anyone else experienced this and successfully eliminated the vibration?

    Other than that irritation and the fact there is no rear window release on the dash and you can't scan radio stations from the steering wheel, it's a great SUV and I highly recommend it.
  • jecklesjeckles Member Posts: 87
    My PF had a vibration problem from day one. I figured the dealer could fix it (boy was I wrong). On a scale of 1 to 10 it was about 6.5, more irritating than damaging. After frustrating visits to two separate dealers and a call to 800-Nissan, I was left to resolve the problem on my own...

    First the tires: my PF came with Dunlop HL, so they are not "off road" or all terrain type tires. I like Dunlops, as they seem much more round than many other brands at that price range. Dealer knew right away that it was not a tire problem. I might have them balanced just on principle in case they contribute any extra vibration.

    Second Mechanical: I asked dealers to check drive line. They looked at my purchase date, just laughed and said "no new PF would have a drive line problem." They refused to check drive shaft runnout or anything else. I do not have a dial indicator, but on a hunch rotated my drive shaft 180 degrees. Reduced vibration to about 3.0 and changed the speed at which it happens.

    Conclusion: I like my PF a great deal, but bought a new one to avoid chasing gremlins like this. Warranty and service have been disappointing, so a used one with more problems would probably be less stressful for me. At least I'd save some money and know I was on my own for repairs...

    Pathforward: Continue discussing with others on this message board. I'll also check runnout, and if it is way off spec raise hell. If everything is in spec, I'll switch to synthetics and see what happens. Several mechanics have recommended synthetics for my vibration.

    We'll see what happens (sorry for the long post).
  • sorinnsorinn Member Posts: 5
    My PF SE 2001 is 11months 15,500 Km.
    I got the driver mirror vibration over 100Km/h right from the beginning. Dealer replaced it but problem still remains. It is really odd, because the right mirror is just fine. Originally I thought that
    it is the glass that flutters, but after replacing the whole mirror, I realized that the whole thing is vibrating on hyway speeds. In the meantime I have installed the bug deflector, and now the dealer blames it for the mirror fluttering. I just dropped it because it does not bother me that much, and there is no high noise associated with this.
    What is really concerns me, it's the noise of the engine that I it start to pick up lately. I am changing oil @ 4000Km. Should I go with synthetic? What brand would be recommended?

    Thanks to anyone for responding.
  • erhein2erhein2 Member Posts: 11
    I've been away for a week after having the tires on my 2001 PF SE balanced. My wife drove it in the meantime at speeds up to 80mph and I've driven it in the offending speed range of 60-65mph. There is still a slight amount of shimmy at about 62mph. I would call it more like feedback through the steering wheel, maybe 1.5 on a scale of 10. I'm 95% satisfied. For now I'm just going to leave it and make sure it doesn't get worse. I have the Bridgestone Dueler tires.
  • ballfire8888ballfire8888 Member Posts: 131
    Dealer did 1st oil change at 2000 km since it was a freebie. I just did 2nd change myself at 7000 km and switched to Mobil 1 tri-synthetic oil with Fram filter. Everything good at this time. Also have K&N air filter since 1000 km.

    My driver side mirror also vibrates at highway speed. Doesn't sound like dealers can fix this?

    You can scan radio stations with your steering wheel control. Just hold down either the up or down arrow until you hear a beep...presto, next scanned station!
  • shimdgshimdg Member Posts: 3
    I'm another who has been allowed to experience the shimmy /vibration adventure. I eliminated the shimmy with the Hunter GSP9700 balancer. I'm left with the vibration at 18-23 mph and 35-50. I'm not ready for the drive shaft rotation yet. However, I'm interested in in your comment that you might try synthetics on the advice of several mechanics. I assume you are referring to oil. Can you tell me what components (transfer case, differential,etc) are being recommended for synthetics? I'm also interested in knowing why these mechanics feel using synthetics helps reduce vibration. Any information is appreciated.
  • ubrsfubrsf Member Posts: 51
    I believe this light is the check engine light. Do any of you guys know, what it could be? I made sure the gas cap was locked tight, the light has been on for two days now, and it won't go away. Could this have anything to do with the emissions? I had major service done at 68,000 miles. I currently have 90k miles and the truck runs really nice, no noises. Any ideas? your thoughts are appreciated!
  • sonardudesonardude Member Posts: 12
    I did not have the vibration/shimmy problem until I took my 2001 PF LE on a trip to the mountains. After it hit the first big rise, it came in between 50 and 60 mph. It is now noticeable anywhere between those speeds, no matter what the terrain. Also, there is a distinctive vibration/rumble from the back end when I let off the accelerator at highway speeds. It is almost a low level grinding.

    There is around 7300 miles on my PF. This problem is definitely not tires. I purchased a 93 Jeep Gr Cherokee when it first came out and it had a vibration problem. After months of troubleshooting, they replaced the tires and said that it was fixed. It wasn't, and the steering dampener finally catastrophically failed 8 months later ( that's when they said that a tech bulletin had been issued about 4 months prior to the failure ). The reason I don't have another Jeep is because of the way Chrysler handled that problem and their reputation for poor quality. Anyway, there isn't a consumer out there who should put up with any type of drive train problem on a $30,000+ vehicle. I haven't been to the dealer yet, but I hope I'm not going to relive the Jeep.
  • jecklesjeckles Member Posts: 87
    Several mechanics have recommended trying high quality synthetics for the drivetrain of my PF. This includes both differentials, transmission, and transfer case. I am a car nut and do most of my own repairs. When I get in a jam, I often bounce ideas off of my father-in-law.

    My father-in-law is a master mechanic for GM and says the AWD systems are prone to vibration because of their complex nature. He said GM has a very low success rate with diagnosing drivetrain vibration because of the complexity...

    The heart and soul of the AWD system is the transmission and transfer case. There are lots of pumps and clutches. After checking for mechanical problems, they try changing the fluids. {they will rarely replace or tear-down fully functioning components} In extreme cases, they try using heavier fluids...

    As part of my hobby, I became a distributor for Redline and Amsoil synthetic oils to get supplies at wholesale. I plan to begin the change-over this weekend and observe the results.
  • jecklesjeckles Member Posts: 87
    I switched the vehicle over to synthetics this past weekend. This is second oil change for motor. Total Miles is 4375. Used Amsoil for everything...

    Here are my observations:

    Crankcase: Still observed metal chips & fines in the oil. No magnet in pan and I forgot to purchase one. Will install a magnetic plug nest oil change. Replaced with 5.5 Qt of 5w30 Amsoil & Amsoil Super Duty Filter

    Differentials: Front and Rear both have magnetic drain plugs. Earlier posts were correct, the plugs are very tight! Both magnets with covered with metal chip & fines. Replaced with 2Q (front) & 3Q (rear) Amsoil Series 2000 75W90 Gear Oil for LSD's

    Transfer Case: Fluid looked good. Drained completely and replaced with 3Q of Amsoil ATF.

    Auto Trans: Fluid looked good. Drained pan and replaced with 4.5 Q of Amsoil ATF. Total Trans capacity is 9Q, so I decided not to flush system. I will probably drain again at 15,000 to get another 1/2.

    All in all things went well, but several small metal flakes got embedded in my hands. "They" say an post break-in fluid change is unnecessary, now I'm not so sure... I at least recommend changing the Diffy fluids early. For normal passenger use, Amsoil 2000 is practically a lifetime fill. Plus it improves gas mileage!

    Vibrations aren't much different. Engine/drivetrain is a bit quieter. I still need to check runnout of the driveshaft...

    Regards
    je

    Transfer Case:
  • bjh512bjh512 Member Posts: 1
    My 1990 PF has developed excessive heat thru the center console. usuall after hiway travel or up hills. has AT and the 4X4 shifter gets almost to hot to touch. runs fine. checking it out underneath reveals cat converter quite hot and transmission the same. fluids all ok. 130K miles.
    anyone else have this problem? suggestions? BTW - dealer not helpful - outside temps 85-90.
    thanks,
    bert
  • rayg3rayg3 Member Posts: 7
    I have a 1999 pathy with 33000 miles on it. I bought it in June of this year. I had a Ford Sporttrac for several months but traded for the pathy. I like the nissan much better. But, I notice a clunk noise which seems to be coming from the rear when I brake. It only does it sometimes and seems to do it after I release the brake pedal after a full stop. Could it be a sticky brake caliper not releasing the rear brake shoe quick enough? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
  • sonardudesonardude Member Posts: 12
    My wife took the Pathfinder in for service and had them check out the vibration. They balanced one tire, which didn't do anything.

    This vibration should be classified as more of a shudder. It happens at low speeds (< 60mph, but mainly between 50 & 60) and is most pronounced when barely accelerating or when completely letting up on the accelerator. If I am just maintaining speed, I don't have the shudder. It only occurs when I change the torque on the drive train. It is definitely not tires.

    Would someone explain drive-line run-out and how it could affect this problem? Thanks.
  • pathfinder14pathfinder14 Member Posts: 12
    Hi, I'm new top this forum. I got a 2001 pathy awd le. The thing vibrates alot when driving on highway speeds. It also vibrates alot accelerating. I brung the truck in for service but they said nothing was wrong. All pathfinders are rough riding. I said to the service mananger do you need to balance the tires he said no. I told him if the problem persist I will insist that they do it. I have the bridgestone duelers h/t. This really sucks.
  • windfalls99windfalls99 Member Posts: 20
    The vibration and shimmy problems have been well covered in this forum and if you read all the past comments you will have a better insight as to the probable cause. Obviously, the the more knowledgeable you are, the better you can deal with the service manager about rectifying the problem. Good luck.
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    Excellent choice!! I did the same at about 1600 miles. Except using Valvoline in the engine.Did you change to the foam air filter. Most are using K&N but there has been some dust collecting on the throttle valve. Where are the mettle chips from the diffs? There will always be some from the differential gears. Nissan trans will rarely if ever have any chips. Getting about 19.7 to 21.3 mpg on the highway.
  • jecklesjeckles Member Posts: 87
    Hi Meca2!

    I chose the Amsoil fluids because they have such a good (& complete) product line. Plus it's easy to become a dealer and then buy the products at wholesale.

    The metal chips were mostly in the diffs, on the magnetic plug. {A magnet is attached to the inside of the diff drain plug} I also observed some chips in the oil pan too, but forgot to buy a magnetic plug (mangetic plugs are non stangard on crankcase)

    I'm going to try the foam filter very soon. I have not had good luck with K&N and will avoid them for cars where longevity is desired.
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    There are drain plugs with magnets in them. Or drill and install a round magnet in the drain plug. Use a little adhesive,the magnet should stick to the plug anyway. The trans has one stuck to the pan inside. Several people have mentioned about dust collecting on the throttle valve using a K&N filter. They only filter out the boulders.
  • shimdgshimdg Member Posts: 3
    With all of our complaints concerning vibrations, shudders, and shimmies I looked at the posts for the structural and mechanical twin of the PF ..... the "Infiniti QX4." The predominant theme in those posts is whether the PF or Q is the better deal! No comments about problems. If they are similiar, if not identical...... how can this be?

    Either Q owners are; a) ashamed to post problems; b) physically insensitive; or c) have no problems. Well, I don't think they are ashamed nor physically insensitive. So, that would leave no problems (at least not significant ones like vibrations). How can that be if these are so-called "twins" ?

    Is it possible that Nissan is; a) somehow testing and "selecting" closer tolerance driveshafts, differential gearing, u-joints, transfer case units, and transmissions and targeting these close tolerance components for the "Q" while the PF's get parts with greater tolerances which would make vibration problems more common in PF's; or, b) has Nissan identified the source and is spending the additional money in the Q's and not in the PF's to fix it. Just a thought ...... but those are the thoughts that surface when the only answer you get from the dealer is " our master technician drove it and could find nothing wrong" or "that's how they are".
  • brc1brc1 Member Posts: 4
    Just thought I'd let the community know that Nissan Corp acknowledged my problem with a vibration (eng/trans area). The new problem (loud vibration noise when accelerating/shifting gears or at about 2500-3000 rpm.. can feel it in the floor board) started after they removed the trans to repair a leak. Besides, there is still a small leak still present in the back of the trans area (after 4 repairs of the leaky trans). I sent a letter (in accordance with the Georgia Lemon Law) to the Corp for their final repair attempt. This does not include the steering wheel slight vibration; although I asked them to repair that as well... along with a new noise in the A/C unit. Will keep you all posted on what happens when I turn it in to the dealer in mid-Aug. They have 14 days to resolve it; otherwise I can ask for a refund or replacement veh. But, this still means I deduct normal mileage for the 16k miles already on it. I would really like for them to just repair the vehicle!
    - - -
    Also, the article (no. 188) regarding comparison of the PF to the Infiniti Qx4 was quite interesting, because I thought of the same types of issues.
  • nismofreaknismofreak Member Posts: 120
    I am curious about your A/C noise. I used my A/C this past weekend and boy it was noise as hell!

    I also have a creaking noise in the dash. It is coming from the driver's side vent for the windshield. The "grate" is snapped in but there is some play so it just giggles when the truck is moving down the road.

    -nismo
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    Did we purchase a pile of junk?? What's with Nissan?
  • brc1brc1 Member Posts: 4
    The A/C noise in my 2000 LE PF makes a low-pitch ticking noise and sometimes it makes a whining sound (like a belt is tightened too much, but it is not the belt tension). Dealer says the PF's have a normal 'splashing' noise... but I know the A/C noises in my veh were not present when purchased.
  • danogdanog Member Posts: 318
    I had these sounds with our '01 LE. The dealer changed the compressor with a new one and problem solved. It is not normal, don't let them tell you otherwise. Hell, it should be replaced just to satisfy customers!

    Meca2, catch me up, pile of junk??

    Dano
  • shus226shus226 Member Posts: 9
    I was ready to purchase PF after reading Edmunds'
    comparison test, but then, I found out about the vibration problem. Is it that bad? Now, I am undecided whether to purchase it or not. People that have the vibration problem, please let me know if you are satisfied with your PF. Thanks
  • donszjdonszj Member Posts: 3
    I own a 2001 LE. I would like to rewire the rear cigarette lighter power plug so that power is always on regardless of whether the key is in the ignition. Has anyone else done this? Any ideas on the easiest way to accomplish this?

    Thanks! donszj@yahoo.com
  • jdhinerjdhiner Member Posts: 1
    Just got home with my new SE, opened up the owners manual and found notations about the purchase in 2/2/01, same vin. Also lots of highlighting in the manual. Any suggestions on how to find out if this is a new or used car. I'm in the Seattle area. Odometer says 1700, but I'm not sure of anything now.
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    Rick,
    I have had my 01 PF LE since april 2000. I do have the shimmy. It is a very minor nusiance. When a car is this well built there are very few other things complain about. We tend to blow small things out of proportion. I now have 16k miles on my PF and can tell you it is by far the best built and pleasurable vehicle I have owned. I have owned approx. 14 cars in the last 8 years and none of them have been as enjoyable as the PF. You won't get the "bang for the buck" factor with most other similar cars. It has nearly all the bells and whistles for thousands less. By comparison a friend just dropped 38k on a new Tahoe LT. The PF has more small things such as both passenger and driver auto up/down windows, auto open/close sunroof (he didn't even get a sunroof at this price), heated seats, electronic climate control.
    My shimmy has been worse at times. It seems that tire rebalance improves my problem, but it only stays gone for short intervals. Drive several at variable speeds on the freeway, mine is most noticeable at 70-75 mph and is smooth as silk from 80-90mph. In all despite the "shimmy" I still luv this truck.
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    I got my shimmy fixed using the Service Bulletin that I mentioned above. That's really been my only complaint. I love this truck.
  • nx64000nx64000 Member Posts: 1
    I notice on my 2001 PF LE that the transmission flares under moderate to hard acceleration in extreme cases it must knock a second off the 0 to 60 time my wife's 97 voyager has a crisper shift

    Of course the dealer denies there is a problem "our tech drove it and it works as designed" I notice there is a TSB out for shifts between 1st and second but the dealer claims that it doesn't apply

    Any one else have similar experience
  • loboyloboy Member Posts: 75
    jdhiner,
    check with DOL and see if the vehicle has been TITLED. If is has, it is considered USED; otherwise, it is still NEW. If you want, you can check when your PF was manufactured. Look for a shiny sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
  • gkatz1gkatz1 Member Posts: 296
    I have owned my 01 Pathfinder for one year. Over the winter I noticed my transmission began to slip on upshifts when it was cold. I took it to the dealer and they told me it was a little low on fluid. I had checked the fluid before and thought it was fine. They also stated that they noticed no leaks. How low could it have been? Needless to say it has only slipped twice since then (it's also warmer outside). I have also noticed a tendency for the tranny to jump or have trouble finding a gear after backing out of the throttle during hard acceleration. Sound familiar to anyone?
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    Have you ever changed the fluid? I change it at 1600 miles and notice smoother
    shifts. Used valvoline dura-blend and some have used 100% synthetic. The service
    manual indicates several items to check with Nissans Consult II. Do you know a dealer
    that will connect the vehicle to the machine and check the trans? Good luck. I hope
    this is an isolated problem I got rid of my Explorer because of tranny problems that
    Ford could not fix.
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