Nissan Pathfinder

sanandton · April 2001

It seems you were hit with the same "err 2" message that I and others have seen. I hope you meant that they told you a new CD player was needed not a stereo. I had mine (CD player) replaced after about 6 months of ownership. Oh, and the old unit had to be mailed back to clarion in order for my cds to be removed and mailed back.
My unit was playing on shuffle when this happened to me. Was your Cd player on shuffle by chance?
So far I think this is the only thing in the PF that doesn't live up to the superb quality that Nissan has built in on just about every thing else.

nismofreak · April 2001

In your picture of the intake tube, the right "box" is for the resonance. That is the box that keeps the intake quite (acts like a pulsation dampener). I like the fact that Nissan is guarding against hydrolock with give any water ample opportunity to drain in any of those four tubes.

Have you notice any performance gain with the homemade cold air intake?

Also, was it easy to wire the foggies to turn on without the headlights coming on? I know it is pure "rice" but I am curious. ;-)

johnskev · April 2001

highup: truck looks great. i know a couple other people have asked, but here's the questions again-

can we get details on the grill guard you built?

can we get the steps to have the foglights come on with out the headlights?

what's all the "dc09499" or whatever that number is?

thanks a lot.

-johnskev

highup · April 2001

I added a few more pictures and updated some captions to answer a few questions. I will update the grille guard buildup over the weekend. The dc09499 is the jpg file number. I uploaded a few pics last night but too tired to caption them. Thanks for the interest.

truck

herkyhawki2 · April 2001

My local dealers seem to know nothing about 3.9% for 60 months just the 5.9% for 60. Does anyone know if this is only for certain regions or a web site I could refer the dealer to besides this message board. I would appreciate any help.

tofunrice · April 2001

actually... i was informed that the line in the middle of the winshield is the antenna for the homelink tranmitter system??? dunno who's right/wrong? oh well! take care guys.

phil47 · April 2001

I believe the manual does discuss the 2 antennae as being for improving radio reception. If they've also tied the Homelink system into one of them to improve range (good idea), I don't remember that being mentioned in the manual (which doesn't mean it isn't true).

ballfire8888 · April 2001

I know you swear by MEGUIARS but have you heard of LIQUID GLASS and is it any good?

wcroland · April 2001

JMTREETOP,

I swear by Meguiars too, however I use Gold Glass line, one line down from the Professional series. I have heard Liquid Glass been talked about before but where do you buy it and is there a website to look at it? I would like to try it because of the numerous raves. I have only had my Pathfinder for about 6 weeks, love it and this board has helped out a lot.

jmtreetop · April 2001

I have used Liquid Glass as well as some others. I find that all of them leave a great shine (wet look) but they dont seem to last as long as Meguires. I probably shouldnt care since I wax my car so often but getting through the long winter months when I cant wash or wax my car seems best with Meguires.

eagle30 · April 2001

A sales person from a Nissan Dealership call me last night and told me that the 3.9% is back on again. So to (herkyhawki2) the financing is good in Denver. What part of the world are you living in? Maybe this will help answer your question, concerning the 3.9% financing. Good luck.

herkyhawki2 · April 2001

Thanks for the response. I am in the Midwest and can easily reach dealers in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Has anyone seen the rates advertised? If so where. Thanks again for the input.

jmtreetop · April 2001

Here is a link...

http://www.liquidglass.com

You can purchase it online or at stores such as NAPA. It is a little pricier than Meguiars but its nice. It does tend to streak a little more on dark colors which I found is avoided with Meguiars, but overall, a good product.

brentm1 · April 2001

jmtreetop - Great info on what you use to keep that showroom shine. Do you just use good old fashioned elbow grease or do you use a orbital polisher?

I'm trying to decide if it is worth it to pick up an orbital polisher. I have waxed other cars I have owned by hand but never one as big as the PF and never with as many coats as what Meguires says you should use.

Any opinions or recommendations?

jmtreetop · April 2001

I do everything by hand. I do own an orbital polisher but find it doesn't do the quality job that i can do by hand. You kinda have to be careful with orbitals to not press too hard on the paint or "orbit" in one spot too long. In addition, you can't get around all the curves and crevices like you can by hand. Just my opinion. I also like doing it by hand better because i can find imperfections easier such as dents, scratches, and rock chips. The pathfinder is big and you really don't notice until you start to wax it. I find it relaxing to work on my car and rewarding so i dont mind the time. Arms do get a little sore though but i guess that's not a bad thing either...free work out.

wcroland · April 2001

Brentm1 & jmtreetop

Brent I use the DA Polisher from Meguiars (PorterCable) makes it. I use to do everything by hand, but this goes much quicker and it's not orbital so you can't mess up the finish. However like jmtreetop says, some things you still need to do by hand better like some corners. So I still do a little by hand, just put liquid wax on an applicator.

Jmtreetop, thanx for the liquid glass info, especially the streak info, my Patfhfinder is Black, so not sure if I should go with it or not. I am very happy with the Meguiars line, but might try liquid glass because so many of you have been using it. What do you use for leather and vinyl?

brnhstr2 · April 2001

Any news on the PAthfinder moving upscale and larger frame? MAybe a V8 for 2002? Does anyone know? They should be coming out in the fall and I can't wait to compare it with the 2002 4Runner coming out with the VTT engine. ANy news anyone?

Thanks

jmtreetop · April 2001

I feel for ya...I used to have a black truck and I struggled too keep it streak, scratch, and dirt free...lots of work. Anyways, I havent had to do anything to my leather yet just because it is still only a few months old but will soon and will probably use Zaino or Lexol. Heard they are both good.

wanton679696 · April 2001

#2356 of 2370 3.9% 60 Month Financing by herkyhawki2

HerkyHawki2,

We live in Pittsburgh PA. Bought our PF LE
with 3.9% on the 17th of April at Bowser Nissan

Al

menswear · April 2001

2 questions:

1) Does the shift-on-fly 4wd system have to be put in REVERSE when you are going from 4wd to 2wd? In the Xterra, I believe you have to put the car in Reverse for a few feet to unlock it. Is this the same 4wd system in the Pathfinder?

2) Does the XE come with a roof rack?

meca2 · April 2001

The 2003 PF will be slightly larger and the rumor is it might have a
third seat. As for a V8 I hope not this thing uses enough gas as it is!! More leg room for the guests in the rear seat. Steve

skips2 · April 2001

Scott,

Congratulations on your purchase of the Bronzed Gray PF with Charcoal leather interior. Thanks for the references for salesmen.

li_sailor · April 2001

No - to shift from 4Hi to 2WD or back, you just shift..you don't even have to stop. To shift into or out of 4Lo (to 4Hi or 2WD) you have to stop and shift to neutral. You don't have to use reverse in any case (I don't think you have to in the Xterra, either).

No - the XE does not come with a roof rack...or fender flares. I'm amazed at how these 2 things affect how the PF looks...like it's naked or something!

I notice from your Edmunds travels that you seem to be looking at the Trooper and Escape/Tribute as well as the Nissan SUVs. If you don't mind, since I looked at these same vehicles (I test drove all but the Trooper), I'll mention that the Trooper and Escape/tribute have numerous problems and the reliability is low. The Escape/Tribute, while an excellent handling mini-SUV (better than the PF), is small, can't tow/haul much and is made by Ford (mostly). As far as the Nissans...I think that if you want a reliable, solid SUV with very few bells and whistles, so-so power and so-so handling at a good price, the Xterra is good. If you want a top-notch SUV in the mid-size range with all the bells and whistles (or as many as you want), the PF is the one. JMHO, but I say it as a very happy PF owner.

Tom

BTW - do you sell clothes or are you commenting on Men's swearing habits? :-)

li_sailor · April 2001

Went to HD this am (for other reasons) and saw that they had stuff called metal lath for about $4 a sheet...was that what you used for the grill guard?

llttf · April 2001

I just recently purchased my new 2001 Pathfinder LE with leather seats and am thoroughly enjoying the vehicle! After my recent purchasing experience, I wanted to take a quick minute to throw out my two cents to anyone in DFW looking to purchase a Nissan soon.

I purchased my Pathfinder from North Texas Nissan in Denton, TX. We were able to *quickly* agree on a price significantly below invoice and a competitive appraisal on my trade-in. The dealership is not as big as some of the other area dealerships, but they made the purchasing experience pleasant (honestly!) and offered the best price and customer service!! Christy Moyers was my sales associate.

Most of the area dealerships were willing to negotiate close to a reasonable price on the Pathfinder, but none of them were able to beat North Texas Nissan. And, in my opinion based on my recent experience, I would suggest you not waste your shopping time at Bankston Nissan. The prices and service were awful! They offered the highest price well above invoice and were unwilling to budge on the price. The Sales Manager even mocked me for shopping prices around. Very poor service and very noncompetitive!

For the most part, I just wanted to brag about North TX Nissan, and to say I was able to find some helpful information from this board in the past. Hoping I can do the same for new potential owners...

wcroland · April 2001

I have heard great things about them. I live in Fort Worth, Bankston and Grubbs are both bad, they are too big of dealerships. I purchased mine from West Loop (Fort Worth) with the VPP program (the way to go if you have access to it) an my pathfinder actually came from North Texas Nissan. Grubbs wanted to charge me an extra $500 to find my car, of course I walked out.

pondfull5 · April 2001

Hi Sanandton,
My cd player was playing in a normal mode. Actually it was on #1 slot when it stop playing. Then the error 2 came on.
I specifically told the service rep. as per the above. He came back to me within half an hour later to inform me that the radio needs to be replaced. Since they are the expect I hope, I took his word for it. Just like you, Sanandton, I found that strange that the Radio is the cause of the CD problem. Only time will tell.
full5.

mikej11 · April 2001

In its wisdom, Nissan put the A/C Condenser right behind the front grillwork and bumper. Unfortunately, there are big holes in the grillwork and front bumper and a highway rock came through the opening and punctured my condenser. No A/C! I just had to spend $660 to replace the condenser on a 2001 LE with only 12,000 miles. Does anyone make some screening that can go behind the grill & bumper that will stop a rock but let enough air through to prevent overheating. I can improvise with some screening purchased at Home Depot but thought someone may have found a better solution.

highup · April 2001

For those that asked...click the album viewer and full size window.

grille...The making of

danog · April 2001

Well, took the Pathy to Talladega and made it without a scratch!
It had different feeling without Dale! Just not the same.
WOW, did I ever mention how great the rear air deflector is? With all the smoke, dust and crap from the race I didn't have to wash it. Ok enough already.
Wished a race series would startup for SUVs cause this one is strong!

Dano

meca2 · April 2001

highup made a very nice screen for small birds,boulders,ect. NAPA makes a condenser screen slightly larger than window screen that will keep the small sharp stones that will poke a small hole in the aluminum condenser or rad. Steve

lspangler · April 2001

THis weekend I removed the step rails from my '01 SE. Man what a difference, the truck looks "cleaner", and it is so much easier to get into and out of. An added benefit is that it is easier to wash although the tires can throw more crap onto the body now. REmoving the step rails also gives the appearance of the PF being much higher off the ground. Only 6 bolts per side.

ballfire8888 · April 2001

HELPPPPPPP !!!

1/ Owner's manual states the washer on drain plug must be replaced after an oil change? Is this really necessary? If so, are these washers any different than those one can pick up real cheap at Home Depot?

2/ Does doing your own oil changes void Nissan's warranty? I thought I read somewhere you must have paid invoices confirming periodic oil changes?

3/ Can you do the oil change without putting the PF on ramps? Is there enough clearance? (I have a 36" waist...LOL)

4/ My new 01 PF SE has approx 1,00 miles now ... many posters here say switching to synthetics should wait until 12,000 miles. Why?

5/ I am contemplating putting in a K&N air filter. Any experiences, good or bad?

Thanks to everyone for a great informative and enjoyable board!

pathstar · April 2001

I went to Canadian Tire and bought evestrough screen (heavy black painted expanded metal screening approx. 6" X 48" with 5 pieces in the package - openings in the mesh about 1/4"). I mounted them vertially - installed a narrow trough across the bottom just below the top of the bumper as far forward as possible, and installed SS screws in the top rail and fasten with wingnuts so I can remove and clean them. I put two on each side of center, and cut shorter pieces for the center and mounted them with existing threaded holes on the centre support.

Best news of all, they work! Just found a big dent in one of them (pushed it out with fingers). Must have stopped a big rock. They also "break up" larger insects which then do not plug the rad. See, they have "give" which absorbs the energy of impact of rad. destroying items.

pathstar · April 2001

1. I'd buy a washer "just in case", and leave the old one there until it breaks when you remove the plug (it should never happen - my previous 4X4 - Toyota 4Runner had a fibre washer that lasted the 11 years I had the vehicle).
2. I'm told by the dealer, just keep the receipts for the oil and filters etc. and there should be no problem.
3. I recommend driving the front wheels onto some sort of ramp - say 4 to 8" height. It's tight under there - just lay on the ground and look under for the "kidney pan" oil pan. If you want to also grease the drive shaft and rotate the tires (as per every second change) jackstands would be a good idea. Good news is they have wonderful "oil channels" built into the front parts for the spilled oil to run out on. Bad news is the 14 bolts you have to remove to get the undertray off (sigh).
4. Synthetic oil use is a matter of much "discussion". I use Penzoil 10W30 dino. juice.
5. I installed the K&N last November. So far, so good. Will let the list know if I find any problems, but I -think- the vehicle has more power. Is that a problem? ;-)

ballfire8888 · April 2001

1/ How did you secure the upper and lower tracks? Did you have to drill into your PF? Will my local Crappy Tire also have these tracks or U-channels?

2/ Do you use a oil filter wrench or one of those filter caps which you drive a socket wrench with?

3/ Do you re-install the tray with 14 bolts each time you change your oil?

4/ My dealer included the 1st oil change free of charge but suggested this be done at 1,500 km? Is he being premature, anal, all of the above or have other ulterior motives?

Thanks in advance!

lspangler · April 2001

I bought my PF new in December, I changed the oil at 1,000 miles and switched to Mobil 1, I am not planning to change the oil again until 10,000 miles. I am currently at 5,800 miles and I have added 2 1/2 quarts of oil since the last oil change. Has anybody else noticed any oil consumption when the engine was new or should I be discussing this with the dealer?

ballfire8888 · April 2001

I have had to toss in a quart of engine oil and I only have 1,000 miles on my odometer!

Other posters here seem to have noted a similar situation. I intend to ask my dealer about this the next time I am in...not only do you have to pay at the gas pumps but also topping up engine oil!

P.S. >>> When you guys wax your fine PFinder trucks, do you also wax the plastic-covered bumpers with the same Meguairs or treat them differently???

nismofreak · April 2001

I have had to add .5 quarts to my engine between 3K oil changes when it was less than 6K miles old. With just over 12K miles, I had just over 6K miles on the oil and it was .5 quarts low before I changed it.

For me, my oil consumption is lessening. I use Pennzoil 5W-30 dino. Haven't gone synth yet.

YMMV

pathstar · April 2001

1. The upper end of the mesh is secured on the existing brace (right in front of the rad). It's a "U" channel, with a large cable inside. Just pull the cable out, drill a hole in an appropriate location, install a 10-32 stainless screw with lock washer and nut - I used a 1" long screw. Then you can use a 10-32 wingnut on the extra length of the screw. The leftmost mesh (facing the front of the vehicle) uses an existing piece (just find a nut to fit on the existing bolt). The lower channel is a siding "finisher" or "starter". I made aluminum brackets that fit over existing bolts on the body beside the radiator (you'll need metric nuts to go on them).
2. Oil filter - yeah, you may need a wrench to get the factory-installed one off. After that I just use my hands. Filters should be turned on 2/3 of a turn after the seal touches its' mating surface (always oil the seal before installing). If you do that, they will never leak and you can remove by hand. I think Canadian Tire has a wrench that fits the filter (buy a filter and take it there to check fit - I always use factory Japanese filters - better quality).
3. Yes, so far I have put back every bolt (needed due to the fibre-glass tray weakness). I'm planning to replace the tray and the tubular belt protector (you'll see it when you remove the tray - I had to remove it to get the factory installed filter off) with an Aluminum skid plate held on with the four bolts that hold the belt protector. Yes, there is no after-market or Nissan skid plate available yet - I plan on making my own out of 1/8" aluminum plate.
4. The dealer is being "traditional". Usually new engines have the oil changed after the first 1000 mi (1600 km) so the "machining debris" (or a least most of it), is removed from circulation. New engines machine themselves to good fit. I guess these days the factory machining is accurate enough that there isn't much engine self-machining going on (my oil was pretty much free of the "metal flake" I've seen in previous vehicles, even after 6000 km). The manual says change after 6000 km, even on the first change. Just watch the level, mine needed a litre after 3000 km. That factory 5W30 went through it like water (summer highway driving). I put in 10W30 and that stabilized it - and I use 10W30 exclusively summer and winter, with no problems. I was loosing oil pressure at idle with the 5W30.

wcroland · April 2001

Yes still use the same Meguiars, no problems at all.

wanton679696 · April 2001

We just took delivery on a new '01 PF LE. The owners manual states to use 91 oct. or higher, but our dealer told us the PF runs just fine on 87. Any comment from the group on what they have been using?

Thanks,

A

jmtreetop · April 2001

I think I trust the manual more than my dealer, I think I'll stick with 91.

pathy57 · April 2001

Why would you not want to change the oil for 10,000 miles. Isnt that risky? Oil is cheap compared to replacing engine or major repairs. I can't imagine changing oil 10 times in 100,000 miles. Not wanting to start fight but just asking. I go by the old saying, pay me now or pay me later.

My 01 LE used 1/2 quart first 3,000 and after that none between the 3000 mile intervals. I love this engine and oil is cheap for me compared to smoking down the road or burning it up.

Just my own opinion.

jeckles · April 2001

Just wanted to say hello to the group. I bought my first Nissan PF a few weeks ago and have been slowly outfitting it to my requirements...

OCTANE
I got similar crap from my dealer that "87 was okay unless it pings." Don't believe it! Use the best gas you can afford and you won't be sorry. It only makes a few dollars a year difference.

FUEL ECONOMY
I'm pleased with my gas mileage so far. Much better than my Explorer around town (~16.5 mpg). I'm optimistic that it will do better on the highway too.

OIL CHANGES
I'll do my first oil change early. Then the rest at recommended intervals. I'll probably switch to synthetic at either 3750 or 7500. Has anyone else noticed that dry capacity is ~8qt and oil change capacity is ~5.5? I thought the oil pan looked pretty weird... All the more reason to switch to synthetics!

jeckles · April 2001

If you just switched to Mobile 1, you may experience unusuall oil consumption. I completely stopped using Mobil 1 because of this problem, only to find out that it is considered normal in many situations, especially when our PF still have 2 or 3 qt or regular oil in the sump.

I won't argue with your 10,000 mile oil change, because good oils should go much longer than that (your only a few miles above the standard 7500 mile oil change). Mobile 1 is a pretty decent oil, so you should be fine. Keep in mind that Mobile 1 does not stand behind this "extended" interval (unlike Redline or Amsoil).

If you continue to have consumption issues, you may want to try some Amsoil. It is the least volatile (evaporates less) oil that I know of on the market. Another issue to consider is the break-in, but I think that is a long shot... modern engines hardly rely on break-in these days.

I'm not an oil expert, but I love to talk about cars, oils, and anything that improves performance. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions...

meca2 · April 2001

Ispangler: I started using Valvoline synthetic 5w/30 at about 1500mi and had no consumption at all. Did your engine use any oil the first 1000 mi? Looking at Edmonds syn oil group most people seem to be very pleased with Valvoline syn. Some are having various problems with Mobil 1 even sludge after several thousands miles. Steve

kbehnke · April 2001

My dealer also told me that 87 octane was fine. I wasn't comfortable listening to a salesperson on this issue, so I went back and talked to a mechanic. He gave me the technical answer as to why you can use 87 octane. Of course I didn't understand most of it, but the bottom line is the engine can run on it just fine. He did recommend using premium gas for performance though (e.g. towing, hauling heavy loads, 'using all 240 hp'). I've got 2000 miles on my SE using the 87 octane and haven't noticed any difference. I'm averaging just over 17 mpg with city/hwy driving.

I guess it all comes down to who you want to listen to. If you have any doubts, go with the premium.

lspangler · April 2001

I don't think I checked the oil in the first 1,000 miles, I just drained it and replaced it. My fiance's VW is also using oil and it has 9,000 miles on it, though hers is slowing down considerably. When the manual states 7,500 for normal driving, that takes into effect a certain dummy factor I guess. They have to figure not everybody will change thier oil at "exactly" 7,500 miles and certain people actually buy that oil for $.79 a quart that they sell in the drug stores. If I'm using a premium oil and not driving very hard, that 7,500 miles is a very conservative figure, if I use Synthetic, it becomes even more conservative. You have to remember that those manuals are written to cover a certain safety factor.

My next change will probably be to Amsoil at 10,000 miles and then I will probably change the filter at 20k and the oil again at 30k. Then I'll turn it back into the dealer. I would do this if I owned the vehicles also but 3 oil changes over the course of three years sure beats 15 changes every 3,000 miles.

I've started using Zaino on my black PF and I have to say that it does shine nicely but the best part is how easy it is to use. I can put a coat on the whole truck in 10 minutes after washing it. Let it dry while I vaccum and clean windows and then it wipes right off, no rubbing no residue, no powder.

lspangler · April 2001

I have been using a combination of 87, 89, or premium with no ill effect. The engine has a knock sensor to retard the timing, the engine just makes less power on lower octane. You have to use at least 91 octane for the engine to meet the published specifications.

Nissan Pathfinder

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