Nissan Pathfinder

rcsutton · July 2001

I ordered my "air springs" from Summit Racing best prices and free shipping at the time. Their # is 1-800-230-3030. Give yourself about 1/2 day to install.
Bob
S. Fl

marks1970 · July 2001

Has anyone purchased the recently (earlier this year) redesigned bug deflector for the 1999.5 - 2001 Pathfinder yet? I bought one, and I ended up returning it because it didn't cover the entire front of the car - it wasn't wide enough. It stopped short of covering the front of the fenders, leaving them exposed to rocks. Every other bug deflector out there either wraps around or covers the front of the fenders.

I'm wondering if I somehow maybe got the wrong one. Did anyone else have experience with the bug deflector yet?

liebesi · July 2001

I bought my '01 LE last night after haggling with 3 dealers during the week. It has everything but the Limited Slip axle and Nav or Entertainment package. MSRP was $34,724. Paid $31,186 + $79 Doc fee, it was $800 under invoice which included the $500 Marketing Fee which they would not take off, I tried. Sierra Beige with Tan leather, looks great! Any advice from owners?? Dealer recommended only Reg. unleaded gas and breakin slowly until 500 miles, it only had 3 miles on it when delievered. I traded in a '00 Maxima GLE which was gorgeous and we loved but needed the 4wd SUV and also got the 3.9% financing.

omega11 · July 2001

In tha past few post there has been mention of a product called Zaino. I've taken a look at their site and would like to know which of their products are recommened?

Can the product be purchased from a store ie: Canadian Tire?

stever · July 2001

Check out Zaino Car Polishes/Products--Your Experiences (Part 2)

Steve
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mbunting · July 2001

Congrats on your new PF purchase! You got a pretty fair/good deal, but one thing.... Nissan recommends Premium Fuel for the PF. If you feel comfortable using Reg Unleaded, by all means do it, I just wanted to let you know what is really recommended from Nissan.

Enjoy your new Pathy!

meca2 · July 2001

mbunting: just got back from San Juan Islands not to far from where your going. Went scuba diving,just found out the 4 tanks and equipment in the back just about bottoms this thing out. I need to install the air springs but Summit Racing is sold out for now. Would like to check the P/N AIR-60783 from anyone. Thanks..Steve( this P/N is for '87-'95)
Got alittle over 20 mph with reg gas.

drew_ · July 2001

No, AFAIK, Zaino only sells their products directly. It's definitely not available at Canadian Tire.

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

stockstiming · July 2001

Thanks for the info. I checked their online catalog and couldn't find a complete kit listed so I went to the Air Lift site and found a part number (65742). Through more research I found a shop here in So. Cal. that would sell me the kit for $220 and install it for ???

I tried to make telephone contact with Summit Racing but always got a busy signal. I'll keep trying them to get a price comparison.

xplorx4 · July 2001

You should be able to get the 'outback special' for much cheaper than $220. And if you are marginally good with tools and own a floor jack, you should be able to install the kit yourself. Otherwise, installation will cost 2-3 times more than the airlift kit itself, and you will be forced to accept whatever installation methods will be used by the installers.

Here's more info about the installation on my 97 Pathfinder:

Airlift Air Spring Installation on 97 Pathfinder

FYI- the basic kit (without the compressor) is easier to install than the compressor/gauge. The hardest part about installing the compressor, gauge, etc. is finding a location to put everything.

I do not recommend placing the compressor on the exterior (underneath) the vehicle, because it is not well-sealed and would be subject to exposure to water, dirt, mud, etc. causing early failure.

meca2 · July 2001

Air Lift 1000 P/N 65742 for '96 -'01 PF from Air Lift w/o the compressor is $97 at least that is what was on the web sight. Said it took about an hour to install? If anyone is interested: Nissan updated the out side air temp sensor. The new sensor is mounted on a bracket that mounts to the 6mm which is about 8 inches toward the drivers side and at the top of the rad. This position seems
to work very well. I installed one new sensor and by using a nylon tie-wrap fastened the other to it. Me

pathstar · July 2001

Check out "http://www.car-fanatic.com/". Zaino US will not ship to Canada. I order mine from the above site (fax in the order form using credit card for payment - order usually arrives in a week). Prices are reasonable.

kmrq · July 2001

Since no one made clear corners for 2000-2001 PF. I've decided to do it myself. So I got a heating gun and silicon sealer. And after spending one hour, I've gotten myself a clear corners for my 2000 PF. (also added hyper white bulbs instead of amber lights). Now my pathfinder looks very clean. Except I have lil cracks on my corners from not being careful when taking them apart. So I thought to myself why not get another set of corner lights from dealership and retry it. So I called the dealership and ask for the price. $50 for each corner lights. I said that's crazy. So I just kept my clear lights and it looked very good from far and 2ft away, but when you get up close you'll notices lil crack on the left corner lights. Then yesterday I found a clear corner for 2000-2001 PF for $39.99 per set. So I ordered one and should get them in next week. Just like to share my thoughts. By the way, with a clear corners your Pathy will look very tite..

mtt999 · July 2001

Where did you find the clear corner lenses for 01 PF? Do they look any different from the factory corner lenses during the daylight? I believe some of us like to know. Thanks in advance!

yride · July 2001

Arrived San Diego last night with my '01 SE purchased in Vancouver. Great drive back. The purchase and the trip went very well, Custom House Seattle delivered the check, Richmond Nissan had the SUV prepped, full of gas and ready to go. US Customs at Port Angeles was very easy to deal with. Got the $400 exemption and no duty on GST. That paid for the ferry rides to see Victoria.

The only problem came with the speedo swap. Made arrangements two weeks in advance for Tacoma Speedometer to do the job on July 3rd. Confirmed this with them on the 2nd. Turns out they started their holiday early Tuesday afternoon and left me stranded 1300 miles from home. They felt bad about screwing me over, but they weren't willing to do anything about it. This unprofessional conduct unacceptable. I advise trying other shops - perhaps Kilometers to Miles in Kent.

Rest of the coastal drive home was great. I love my Pathfinder.

lrichards · July 2001

Hi,
I have a 2001 Pathfinder SE that I absolutely love! I need some advice about hitches. I do not have a boat or trailer to tow, I just want to be able to put a hitch mounted bike carrier on back. My Nissan dealer suggested that if that is all I want to do, then I should get a hitch from UHaul. Has anyone done this, or does anyone have advice on hitch alternatives? How much should it cost for the hitch and installation? Any thoughts on bike carriers? Thanks for any advice.

lspangler · July 2001

I just bought a hitch from a U-haul rental. It's a class III hidden hitch. It's tubular steel and looks nice. I was a little disappointed by the number of gouges in the paint on the hitch. It was $150 for the hitch and a wiring harness uninstalled. The hitch itself looks to be easy to install, just 4 bolts per side. I'm planning on doing it tonight so we'll see how hard it is.

smithmd · July 2001

I have a Drawtite hitch and have been happy with it. I'm sure that Hidden Hitch is good as well. I know there are other brands available that would work as well. I would stick with name brand (I've seen the finish on off-brand hitches turn to rust in under a year).

While there might be a class I or II available for the Pathfinder that would be cheaper, I would recommend spending the extra 20 or 30 bucks for the class III. All you want now is a bike rack, but you never know when you might need to tow a U-haul. Also, from what I found a year or so ago in shopping for hitch-mounted bike racks, most (if not all) of the racks that would carry more than 2 bikes required a class III hitch (2-inch receiver).

I have a Yakima hitch-mount bike rack and have been very happy with it (as happy as you can be with a bike rack, anyway). I don't really know anything about any of the others available.

pfwun · July 2001

My PF LE came with it when purchased so I don't know much about the install. It definitely reduces the wind and noise levels. I would even go as far as complaining that there's not enough wind for me but then again I have nothing to compare to since I never had a s/r nor a wind deflector before in any of my prev cars.

The noise level is good - no need to crank the stereo, nor shout in conversation.

Hand washing the PF - gets a lil tedious when trying to reach under the deflector. Dirt tends to build up in there.

my 2 cents

nismofreak · July 2001

in your message you said "4 bolts per side". I know for the Nissan Class III hitch, it used all six holes per side. Was that U-haul hitch a class III? And I agree with smithmd, just get a class III. You won't be limited to what you can haul.

Cheers!

smithmd · July 2001

I've read somewhere before that the Nissan Class III has 6 bolts while the other Class III hitches only use 4.

loach · July 2001

I have a little over 2k miles on my new '01 PF SE 4wd and have had no problems with it, except that the latch and buckle for the rear center seat belt appear to be switched with the buckles for the left and right rear seatbelts. In other words, the center connections are outside of the side connections, resulting in the belts criss-crossing when all of them are in use. At first I thought that maybe they were just twisted underneath the seat cushions, but flipping up the cushions I see they are bolted in that order. The center buckle is imprinted with the word "center" in the plastic housing and doesn't accept the side seatbelt. I'll address this with my dealer, but wanted to check with other Pathy owners in case they give me the "it's supposed to be that way" answer. Is there some reason why it might supposed to be that way? Thanks,

Loach

poswald · July 2001

loach: About a year ago when I first got my 01 LE I noticed this also. I assumed it was wrong since I could not think of a plausible reason as to why it was so and immediately switched it. I later talked to the dealer about this and they told me it is suppose to be that way. I also sent a letter to Nisan and asked why this was the desired config? I still have not received a response. I have since switched back to the original configuration of having the belts bolted straight on instead of crossed. It just seems more natural and easier for rear seat passengers to buckle up. Plus, I figured if I got in an accident or something I would be better situated if I had them per the manufacturers design. Very odd nonetheless.

nwwoods · July 2001

I bought a DrawTite for my '01 SE from Hitches To Go. Bolted right up, wiring harness snapped right in. I have yet to see a better price.

96-01 tubular class III hitch #75077 $99.95

96-01 wiring harness #18361 $29.65

UPS $35.00 (to Seattle)

http://www.hitchestogo.com

The web site is clunky, but they shipped and answered support questions (where is the hardware - taped in the drawbar - duh) very quickly.

rcsutton · July 2001

$220 is too much. If I'm not mistaken I believe I paid about $150.00 with no shipping costs. If you can install them yourself, your well ahead of the curve. My compressor is underneath just in front of the spare. Seems to be OK for now.
Bob S.
S. Fl

xplorx4 · July 2001

The center seat belt is crossed on my 97 PF also. You'll find this is common on most (I dare not say 'all') cars with 3 seat belts in the rear. I would theorize that the reason is that if there are only 2 people in the back, then the seat belts are properly positioned for the them (i.e. they wouldn't be sitting on the belt buckle). With 3 people (probably a less common occurence) there is some overlap, but usually the overlap is easily compensated for by the outboard passengers' ..... um.... 'curves'.

Just my opinion... The rear seat belts spend most of the time under the seats anyways, until I happen to carry passengers...

the_gladiator · July 2001

Yride or Jon,

I went through Blaine WA.

Do I have any recourse to reclaim the exemption that I did not receive, or the duty paid on gst?

If so, how much trouble would it be?

Wish I knew about Port Angeles before. Other West Coasters, take note!

hattrick16 · July 2001

I was not given the exemption either. I contacted the head of field operations at US Customs and he e-mailed me back the next day. You should find out the Port Directors name and address from Blaine and write a letter of protest. In the letter include as much info as you can about your situation. Mr. Siedel, Head of Field Operations said that in your letter you should say you "would like to protest the failure to allow exemptions". At Fort Erie they also valued the truck including all taxes. This is wrong. In this case I was told to put in my letter, "I would like to challenge the valuation of the vehicle because of the inclusion of foreign taxes in the duty we paid." Include a copy of your bill of sale, informal entry paper, and any other info that would help your case. Be sure to reference your VIN and the Customs Document numbers in the letter. You only have 90 days from the date of entry to file a protest. I got my PF SE on 6/30/01 and I just sent mine on Monday. I sent it registered and certified mail just to be sure it gets there.
Hope this helps

hattrick16 · July 2001

I've been researching Zaino and I think I am going to try it out. I've had my PF for 1 1/2 weeks and each time I've washed it it rains! It's killing me! Black sure is a tough color to keep clean. Still love it though!

Anyway I just wanted to know which Zaino products I should be using on my Black '01 PF SE.

Does the PF have a clear coat on it?
Has anyone tried Zaino leather cleaning/conditioning products?

Any help is greatfully appreciated.

joef4570 · July 2001

Your black SE is definitely clear coated. Did you go to http://zainobros.com? They have a ton of tips & info on their site and if I recall correctly, there is specific mention of black finishes.

I can relate to your comments about keeping a black vehicle clean cause I had a black Blazer before my PF.

The color was the hardest decision for me. To me, a black SE is the coolest looking SUV on the road but after my Blazer I just couldn't do it to myself again. Especially here in the northeast were we get the salt spray in the winter. I ended up with a Bronzed Gray LE & I'm very happy with that color because it hides the dirt somewhat. Good luck with you new SE!

lofquist · July 2001

While I am far from being an expert on the subject, I do travel abroad enough to know some details on exemptions. You only get the $400 exemption if you are out of the US for more than 48 consecutive hours. If have other members of your family with you, you can add the exemptions together ($800 for husband/wife for example). The exemption is subtracted from the price of the goods, not the duty. So for a 2.5% duty on a Pathfinder you will save a big $10 (0.025 * $400).

If you are out of the country less than 48 hours you get only a $200 exemption. But if bring back more than $200 worth of goods, then you get nothing. See http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/know.htm which is a really nice travel booklet Customs puts out.

No matter what, you will pay 10% duty on the first $1000, and then 2.5% on the balance of the Pathfinder cost. They will waive the 10% rate if you can show you have paid a duty within the last 30 days at a border (not likely for most people, and saves you only another $75).

I was told by various Customs officials that the duty is to be charged only on the vehicle cost, not including tax. But as we've seen, this is not universally done at the border (especially in the Pacific NW).

I know this may sound messy, but at least we know the rules. To save $4000+ when getting your Pathfinder in Canada I think it's still a great tradeoff.

-Jon

pathstar · July 2001

I've got the Zaino leather cleaner and conditioner. The cleaner is great. The conditioner smells great (how it works will not be known for years, though, as its' failure will only show up after time passes). I presume it works fine. Hidefood by Connely is probably the best, though (find it at Jag. etc. dealers parts dept.).

As for clearcoat, the local Nissan dealer (Ericsson Nissan) tell me all are clearcoated, some with tinted clearcoat (pearlescent or other name), some with clear clearcoat, some with both (2 and 3 stage paint). If your vehicle has no swirl marks at all (check very carefully with a lamp at a low angle (close to paint) you can start with Z2. That's what I used. On my 93 RX-7 I started with Z5 (for paint with swirl marks - it fills the swirls), then proceeded to Z2.

From the Zaino site (refer to them for detailed instructions):
1. Wash car with "Dawn" dish detergent (only this once).
2. Apply Z1 "preconditioner".
3. Apply Z2 or Z5 right over the Z1. Use only a very light coat. Allow to haze dry. Remove with pure cotton bath towel.
4. Use Z6 "gloss enhancer" as per instructions -"do not allow to dry on car".
5. Apply additional coats of Z2 as desired with Z6 applications between each. Shine gets deeper with each additional coat.

In my opinion, the paint is "scratched" any time you touch it. Therefore, I only use fore and aft motions on horizontal surfaces. I'm told vertical motions are best on vertical surfaces. This will cause any scratches (swirl marks etc.) to only be visable at one angle. If you use circular motions they will be visable at any angle (hence the term "swirl marks").

Once Zaino'd, I wash the vehicle with water only. I dry with either the pure cotton bath towel, or the California duster drying towels (also known as "water sprite" from GM parts). The latter two are smaller and therefore it's easier to wring water out of them. The California duster is good for just talking dust off without wasting water.

Now you know my "secrets", for what they're worth.

lspangler · July 2001

I apologize, I said 4 bolts before I actually had installed the hitch. Now that it is in, I can say 6 bolts, 3 per side. The toughest part was getting the hitch into position so that I could start the screws. I ended up using the floor jack to help me.

goblue96 · July 2001

I found this odd as well. My easy fix was to twist the buckles around each other under the seat. This puts them on the correct side, and also makes it so the buckle is on top.

smibrad · July 2001

I can't believe it happened, my 01 PF got hit in my driveway and sustained $3300 in damage. A 17 year old kid in a Jeep Wrangler went on a rampage through my neighborhood. He hit 3 houses and 6 cars. Unfortunately, my house and car were included. The damage to my house was minimal..... only some aluminum siding was damaged. But he hit the front passenger side of my PF. The front fender and bumper got smashed. It made me sick when I saw it. I hope they keep the kid locked up in jail!!

filod · July 2001

Smibrad,
It really gives me a bad day when I see my car with a scratch or dent. I will feel the same (sick) if that happens to me!

Recently, I saw a dimple on the passenger door of my PF (only 4 months old) and made me upset and even up to now every time I think about it. Is there anyone who knows a fix on small dents other than bringing it to the shops?

Anyway, I hope your insurance will act quickly so you don't see that damage everyday. If done well, it will look as good as when it was new!

div2 · July 2001

Too bad you didn't have a Doberman and or a 9mm. You can always claim self defense. We can only hope that the sub-human slime ends up "dating" several burly unwashed gents while he's in the joint.

bgritz · July 2001

With 28.5 k on our '01 SE, all 4 OEM tires (Bridgestones) are showing signs of wear. I plan on running them through the summer and replacing them in the late fall before the snow flies.

My question is: has anyone gone to a larger sized tire like a 265/70/16 and does it rub? I'm looking at Discount Tire's Pathfinder Sport SUV series. The BFG TA's are a bit pricy at $177/tire

thanks in advance
Brian

smithmd · July 2001

Brian,

I went to a 255/70R16. They only rub occaisionally at full lock...it seems to happen when climbing something with the truck at an angle...but it isn't bad at all.

I have the Bridgestone Dueler A/T in the 255/70R16. I've talked with someone who had the A/T 255/70R16, but returned them for the Dueler H/L 255/70R16. He found that there is no rubbing with the H/L in that size.

The BFG A/T's are wider than the Bridgestone A/T's in any given size. For example, the max size that would work with the BFG's might be 245/70R16 while the Bridgestones will work in the 255/70R16 size.

I think that you'd be hard-pressed to find any A/T tire in the 265/70R16 size that will fit on the '01 Pathy.

bimmer4me · July 2001

I wouldn't want to piss you off...9mm sounds extreme to me...we have enough violence in this world as it is! I'm sure you we're just joking...I hope anyway. Scary to think people really get ticked off now days over a car i.e., road rage is one example...

Regarding PF damage, that's unfortunate...happened to my PF 2 months new in a parking lot, hit & run! Things could have been worse as in a little kid getting run over and killed by this run-away Jeep.

div2 · July 2001

Just joking; haven't even fired my P85 in over a year(FWIW, I qualified on the FBI's law enforcement training course). I agree with you in that it's unwise to use a firearm in a vehicle altercation- unless you or your family is facing injury or death. That said, let me find someone in my home without permission(especially after dark) and all bets are off...

lponz7 · July 2001

Filod,

Within two weeks of getting my new PF someone put two small dents in the passenger side door--needless to say it's all I saw when I looked at the truck. With some trepidation, I went to Mr. Xident. 20 minutes and $85 bucks later they were gone. I believe this is a chain so you might want to see if you have one in your area. Good luck.

LP

spfotey · July 2001

is nissan going to update the pathfinder for 2002 with a new model?? does anyone know??

ced1 · July 2001

My '01 Pathfinder has already been to:

http://dentwizard.com/

They are great! No paint, no fuss, no muss.

filod · July 2001

Iponz7 and Ced1

Thank you for the lead...

FiloD

pathy57 · July 2001

Just turned over 21,000 miles, purchased last September 1st, in case you can't tell I like to drive my Pathfinder. I still love this vehicle, for those considering a Pathy, go for it. This has been the best vehicle I have owned. Only minor complaint is that I just can't get 20 MPG.

Great towing vehicle, pulled boat 2200 miles round trip in May and just finished another solo trip for 2200 miles. Drives great, performes great. Thought some of you newcomers might be interested, keep em polished!!!!

meca2 · July 2001

It is very unfortianate there are people like you that have hate and discontent against fellow humans. Maybe you should spend some time with a good therapist. Steve

captainron · July 2001

Hi all...

I've just finished a LOT of digging on tires, tire sizes, clearance issues, etc... On my forth trip out on the rocky trails with the 2001 LE Pathfinder, I slashed open a tire with a sharp rock on the trail....Crawled around in the dirt for about 15 minutes and the spare was in place and I was on my way. In the process, I found out how terribly thin side-walled the stock Toyo tires are. I figured I'd jump up to something a bit more aggressive and maybe a tad bigger.

I had it all narrowed down to either the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO's or the Pirelli Scorpion A/T. The Pirelli won out, but just barely (I prefer the look) and both are embraced by the off-roading community as great tires. Now the stock Toyo tires are P255/65R16. That gives you 10" wide and 29.1" tall. The Pirelli's in the 255/70R16 size are 10.2" wide and 30.1" tall. That's pretty much the same size as smithmd is using in a Bridgestone A/T with "slight" rubbing in extreme situations. I just ordered the tires today...should be at my local Discount Tire Center early next week. I'll let you know how it all comes out.

Captain Ron. . .

div2 · July 2001

I have the Scorpion A/Ts on my 1993 PF SE work beater. Good handling, decent off road ability, fairly quiet, and durable; it looks like they will easily go 45,000 miles or more. I bought mine at Tire Rack and I've been very pleased with them.

millhouser1 · July 2001

I too would like to get rid of a couple of dents in my PF. Shouldn't be too pricey...I also just found two parallel scuffs on the right rear of my bumber about 2 inches long and 1/4" wide...right down to the black...has anyone had any experience with getting something like that fixed? Thanks in advance

Nissan Pathfinder

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