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Nissan Pathfinder Club-FAQ

pathstarpathstar Member Posts: 201
edited August 2014 in Nissan
I may get sued, but in my opinion it appears to be caused by the infamous Bridgestone/Firestone tires. I haven't heard anyone with Dunlop Grandtreks complain.

The temp. sensor is in front of the radiator (along with the compass sensor) right under the hood latch. Radiant heat from the rad. will warm it up if you are not moving. If this bothers you a simple fix is to put an aluminum "shield" around it (tube with top and bottom open - use a soda can for example). Do not use a steel shield, as it will mess up the compass.
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Comments

  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    pathstar: There is two sensors on the pillar infront of the radiator. One is for the ambient air,is used by the auto temp control for the heating/cooling. The other is used for the outside temp unit. THE OUTSIDE TEMP DOES NOT REGISTER UNTIL THE CAR TRAVELS OVER 15MPH FOR 100 SEC.!!!!!!!! This is so the heat from the radiator does not affect the senser. You CANNOT just turn the key on and expect the temp to be correct it does not work that way!! The compass direction electronics is built into the unit itself and does need to be calibrated due to magnetic deviation depending what part of the country you live in.
    Steve
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    I understand Meca's point, but the simple truth is my temp gauge is approximately 10 degress F high in the summer months. Does fine in the winter months after a short drive. I think it is not a good location for the sensor. Where does Ford place theirs? My Fords have always hit the Temp correctly, unfortunately ford doesn't do much else well.
  • plwilliamsplwilliams Member Posts: 96
    I have to echo sanandton's post. That is exactly what I'm seeing. I also had a Ford whose outside temp was right on the mark, as well as a Mazda. My mother's M Benz is also very accurate. If some folks aren't having this problem maybe it's a defective sensor. However if you bring it up to the service people all you get in response is that they "all seem to be that way"!!
  • plwilliamsplwilliams Member Posts: 96
    I'm sure that your answer to the outside temp gauge question is one possible answer. But, I think that there is more to it. Where I live and drive I don't have to sit in traffic on the 405 freeway (or traffic on any freeway ;-)). If I'm traveling up Interstate 15 at 75 mph for long extended periods it still reads WAY high. I once read someone's hypothesis that, due to the location of the sensor, it may be more accurately reading the road temperature. This MAY explain why it's way to high in hot weather and closer to the actual temp in cool or cold weather.
    I guess my point is: you've probably given a pretty good explaination as to how it works, but we still don't have an answer (and maybe there isn't a single answer) as to why so many of us feel that it is inaccurate.
    BTW, thanks for your efforts on putting an FAQ together. To bad you can't get a little more cooperation from Edmunds.
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    I have seen some complaints of the shimmy with the Dunlops and the Toyos as well as the Bridgestones. I had the Bridgestones. I've asked various tire people that I have a good report with and they have all said the same thing: 16" light truck tires are difficult to balance well. I had my Pathfinder for about 15,000 miles before I had the shimmy problem. The Firestone place couldn't fix it. The Nissan dealer tried to balance the tires 4 times to no avail. The Nissan dealer finally sent it to another place that has a Hunter 9700 tires/wheel balancer and they were able to get rid of the shimmy in 1 try. I went back to the Firestone place about 8,000 miles later (still without the shimmy) and told them to do a rotation and oil change. They did a balance and rotation and oil change. The shimmy was back (I wasn't ever charged for the new "balance" job.). My point is that the bigger tires are harder to balance and the shimmy requires nothing more than a shop with one of the Hunter 9700 balance machines to fix. Look on this website to find a dealer with one of these machines:

    http://www.gsp9700.com/

    By the way, I have nothing to do with the Hunter company or Bridgestone...I'm just a fan of their products because they've worked well for me.
  • gdicefresho1gdicefresho1 Member Posts: 2
    OK, Here we go Pathy owners. I love my truck. But the shimmy is unbearable. It's been a problem for more than 2 years. ( I have a 99.5) Anyway, I have had the Hunter thing done twice, had alignments, two tire changes (Toyo and Bridgestone)and even had the whole steering rack replaced!! The rotors have been checked and everything. Well, I have reached the end of what I will allow the co. to do and you should,too. I won't make any suggestions in this public forum, but you know what I mean. There is no answer. There are a lot of people getting the runaround here and it's unfair. The mechanics have no answers. I've been in two different stated with several mechanics and they can't find a solution. The hunter thing remedies the problem for a few weeks only. I can't stand behind this product as I once did. Not only have they stalled for more than two years, the problem is worse than ever. It takes away from the value of the truck and all of the other positive things the Pathy has to offer.
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    How many other people have had the shimmy, found a place that properly used the Hunter 9700 machine, and have had the shimmy return in less than a month?

    Please don't take this the wrong way, gdicefresho1. I just want to hear if other people have had the same experience. You're the first person I've heard from that the Hunter machine didn't fix the problem.
  • kzc2kzc2 Member Posts: 14
    I have also 1999.5 Pathy LE and HAD dreaded shimmy. After changing tires to Pirelli Scorpion and balanced with hunter 9700 machine, it is in good shape. I had it for about a year now (20,000 miles) and never had another balance done, just only tire rotation.

    -jc
  • gdicefresho1gdicefresho1 Member Posts: 2
    No, no Smithmd that's fine.I understand....But all I can say is that there are a lot of people like myself that are in this chatroom and others where the problem isn't fixed! It's the most annoying thing and additionally it's a potential safety hazard. But again I say, twice to the Hunter machine and two tire changes, several alignments...enough is enough. I just feel bad saying that because OVERALL Nissan is a great company with some great cars....apparently I just didnt get one of them. :(
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    I'm really sorry to hear that your shimmy hasn't been fixed. I agree that it is VERY annoying. At the time that I was dealing with the shimmy, I was driving 100 miles a day on the highway.

    If you still want to try, I heard early on in this shimmy business some other things to try:
    1) replace the front bearings
    2) disconnect the drive shaft and rotate it 180 degrees (if the vibration stops or lessens, you've found your culprit...if it gets worse, that ain't it) Of course, if your shimmy is completely in the steering wheel, then this isn't it.
  • yordanyordan Member Posts: 4
    Do someone knows if its possible to addapt an AUTO DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR. I found severals websites that sells the item. But im not sure, maybe someone like me wonder why Nissan Corp. never thought of this. ANY SUGGESTIONS..
    THANKS
  • juanjosejuanjose Member Posts: 1
    I am looking to purchase a mid-size SUV and seriously considering the Pathfinder. I want an SUV that drives smoothly, like a car, but can also trailer a 21.5 boat (2,100lbs, plus engine 300-500lbs and tandem trailer ?lbs) Can the pathfinder handle this? I live in Miami where, as you all know, there are no hills. Everything is flat!!! Please assist
    juanjose
  • lancearmstronglancearmstrong Member Posts: 38
    The automatic transmission Pathfinder is rated to tow 5000 lbs; manual trans is rated at only 3500 lbs.. Supposedly, anything over 1000 lbs requires trailer brakes.

    With 265 ft-lbs of torque (automatic trans), the Pathfinder should pull your boat quite well. You'll need a Class III towing receiver. Check out http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/mf_3_86.html for a nice towing setup which, for receiver, ball mount, and wiring, will cost you about half of what Nissan wants for their towing receiver.
  • smithmdsmithmd Member Posts: 167
    I have a '99.5 with the older 3.3L motor. I trailer a 21 foot ski boat that weighs around 4500 pounds (trailer, boat, motor, gear, and stuff).

    If my 3.3 can handle it pretty well, I'm sure the new motor can handle it just fine.
  • ziggypupziggypup Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know how to program a replacement remote control. I have one, but need to program another. Please email me at ziggypup@aol.com
    Thanks in advance
  • j3lemonsj3lemons Member Posts: 2
    I am looking at a 1994 LE 4WD Wagon Pathfinder with 104K in reasonable condition, have owned Nissan before last one an 89 Maxima went over 200K before we put it down. Not sure about Pathfinders any thoughts??? Seller asking $5K

    thanks.

    JL
  • dml29eddml29ed Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a 2001 LE with all the bells and whistles. What kind of gas mileage should I anticipate? I love this truck.
  • lbinhlbinh Member Posts: 190
    I have the same. Look for around 15-18 city and 18-20 highway with Factory tires/wheels.
  • konekone Member Posts: 19
    Does anyone know if, or how I can tell if, a 97 Pathfinder SE has an in-cabin air filter?

     

    thanks.
  • brickyfwbrickyfw Member Posts: 10
    1. Get in your Pathfinder

    2. Lock all the doors with the switch on the driver's door.

    3. Insert the key into the ignition and pull it out six times within ten seconds. This must be done steadily at a rate of one insertion/removal per second. Don't rush it. The emergency flashers will blink if you did it right.

    4. On the 7th insertion, turn the key to the ACC position.

    5. Press any button on the remote. The emergency flashers will blink again to indicate that it worked.

     

    Your remote should be programmed now.
  • brickyfwbrickyfw Member Posts: 10
    I think they added those in the 1999.5 model.
  • daddycdaddyc Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1995 SE pathfinder with a 110000 miles on it, I started hearing a clicking noise on the drivers side. When I shut the engine off it clicks slower like a timer, if somebody could tell me what this is I'd really appreciate it.
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    I would suspect the fuel tank venting system. Check the valves in the system, one is probably worn out. This can also cause a "buzzing" noise when you shut off the engine.
  • mook1mook1 Member Posts: 1
    Well... not completely dead.. it will go down, but not up!

    I've had the door panel off but frankly can't figure how to remove the motor, (I'd be happy with being able to push the window up, but it won't budge.

    Anyone done this before? any hints/tips?

    thanks!
  • toad517toad517 Member Posts: 2
    I'm looking to get a 2002 SE, and was wondering how the truck rides while towing about 2700lbs.. A guy I know said that it can be a bit sluggish, but I wanted to see what the general thought out there was. Also, with towing that kind of weight, does the SE need a tranny coolant system?

    I appreciate any help!
  • lbinhlbinh Member Posts: 190
    2001 LE towed the largest Uhaul trailer, 6'X12' 3300 lbs, with reslative ease. Car has plenty of power to handle that load. Vehicle tow rated at 5000lbs. It is recommended to have the AT aux cooler if you tow frequently. Only issue is the tongue weight sagging of rear end. Pathies have soft rear springs so there will be some sag with any added tongue and cargo weight. I recommend air lift spring helpers to level the load in the rear during towing. Look for the Outback Special Air Lift kit for Pathies.
  • kristikremekristikreme Member Posts: 1
    :cry: I have a 2001 Pathfinder. The spare tire is under the rear of the SUV. I had a flat this morning and was able to remove the tire, but can't figure out how to remove the spare tire to put it on. The owners manual doesn't explain how to get it off. Help! I would greatly appreciate any help you are able to give. I can't call the dealership since it's Sunday evening and my baby is sitting in the driveway on a jack and my trash truck comes early tomorrow a.m.

    Thank you so much!
    kristi
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    Take the long rod with the bar through the end. Open the hatch, and in the bottom centre you will see a hole (a tube actually). Insert the rod in the hole, bared end first. You will find a handle in the vehicle as well (I think it's under the rear seat with the rod). Slip the handle on the end of the rod and turn - as I recall counterclockwise will lower the spare.
  • mnjonymnjony Member Posts: 1
    I have a '95 four door and I'm about to destroy the interior panels in order to get the front doors open again. They are stuck shut. Does anyone have a picture showing the guts of the door so I know what to avoid when drilling/cutting?
  • ironbuttironbutt Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I've become an instant daddy and need to add shoulder belts to my 88 Nissan Path SE to support child seats.

    I can buy aftermarket devices, but how and where should i mount them?

    Thaks.
  • martinez3martinez3 Member Posts: 1
    I have been trying to get a sport suspension for muy path koni or bilstein type, but haven't been able to find it, anyone has tryed some shocks to better handling and stability?
  • marcus36marcus36 Member Posts: 2
    I am considering buying a travel trailer with an unloaded weight of 4625lbs, to pull with my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE. If I'm reading the specs corrctly, I should be OK, with about 1375lbs available for cargo weight. I have the Nissan-mounted tow package which is rated at 6000lbs. I'm a little concerned, however, that the 4.0V6 engine and automatic transmission might not handle the mountains in Arizona or other parts of the west. Any thoughts? Marcus36
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    Just switch off OD on the uphill parts and you'll be fine. If you leave OD on you can heat up the transmission and engine. Your tow weight is not very big. If you're going to be towing on really hot Arizona days, you might want to consider adding an extra transmission cooler. It's easy to do and will extend the life of the transmission and lessen the chance of heating up the engine too much as well.
  • marcus36marcus36 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the helpful advice, especially on the extra transmission cooler. I installed one on a 67 Buick LaSabre to pull a 18' TT up the Alaska Hiway (when it was still dirt!) and back and never had a problem. The Nissan has plenty of pep, but pulling 6Klbs could be a challenge. Again, thanks.
  • dennismndennismn Member Posts: 4
    I have a 26' Jay Feather which weighs 4800# the way I tow. I am very intrigued by the Pathfinder, and would like anyone else who tows to chime in with advice.

    I currently use a 97 F-150, but it has 120K miles on it and I need to go from three vehicles to two. I don't want to have to buy another big pickup. The only real alternative to a Pathfinder is an Explorer, and the quality is poor.

    Thanks, Dennis
  • sardissardis Member Posts: 1
    Just wondering how the towing went. I'm in a similar situation deciding between two TT's, one weighing 4250 & other 4520. Towing with a 2005 Pathfinder Le and not sure if the 4520 would be too much, wondering how your experience went.
  • c4lc4l Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    I am trying to locate a company that provides driver/passenger side chrome mirrors for a 05 Pathfinder. The Nissan dealer states that its only available on the Armada, Titan, and Frontier.

    I have seen pictures online of the chrome mirrors on a 05 Pathfinder, but they dont have information on where they were purchased. Any suggestions?

    Thanks,
    C4L
  • bubbiecarsbubbiecars Member Posts: 2
    Don't waste your time looking, they don't make them. However, you can order chrome mirror covers like I did. They come with 3M tape, which I didn't trust, so I used car emblem adhesive and they look great!! I also ordered chrome door handles and they worked well too.
  • bubbiecarsbubbiecars Member Posts: 2
    No problem. I have a 2005 Pathfinder and it pulls it with ease.
This discussion has been closed.

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