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Nissan Pathfinder

1959698100101158

Comments

  • zengetsuzengetsu Member Posts: 3
    I am average height, but when seated normally in a Pathfinder, the rear view mirror is right in my line of sight. I cannot see to the front right without ducking down to look under the mirror. Does anyone know of a replacement mirror that could be mounted an inch or so higher than the factory one. I can't slouch low enough to be helpful.
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    Anyone know if it's OK to mix synthetic trans fluid (such as Mobil 1) with the Dexron III? I'm about to change my trans fluid, and I assume a synthetic fluid would be good because of all the towing I do. But when you drain the trans using the drain plug(versus a complete re-build) there are still several quarts of fluid left in the trans, particularly in the torque converter. So if you re-fill with synthetic you are mixing two different products. Is that a problem? Thanks in advance for your help.
  • smokey75smokey75 Member Posts: 434
    Hey SHARK715... I asked Mobil1 the same exact question & was told that Dexron III & Mobil 1 are completely compatible. E-mail me if you want me to forward you a copy of their reply (NHeitz@InsightBB.com)...
  • pathstarpathstar Member Posts: 201
    I don't have personal experience, but others have had problems with the 6 disc changer and certain CDs. I'm told if you put a label on it then it will be thicker than a standard CD (which have the label painted on). Just leave the stick-on labels for the single CD players, and use a pen to write directly on the CD and you should have no problems.
  • drdiggerdrdigger Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone here know who manufactures the stock DVD player that comes as an option on the LE?
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    Yes, its CE (China Electronics). I have it installed on my QX4. Do you have a question about it?
  • gpsnavgpsnav Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone else experience the rattling noise in the back of their 01' PF when going over bumps (even small ones)? This minor design flaw can only be heard if and only if you have PF equipped with straight tailpipe and factory installed tow-hitch. It came to my attention to inspect my PF SE's rear-end after hearing the irritating sound when I go over bumps. After spending so much time searching for the noise inside the cargo compartment, I finally realized that it's the muffler or tailpipe (for the lack of accurate term) rattling against the tow-hitch (Nissan design center is located in a beautiful county of San Diego and i guess they spend more time on the beach than in their work area,hehehe). To satisfy my curiosity, i have also spent quite some time checking out other PF's rear-ends,heheh, and found the same problem. As the result of this, i decided to pay a visit to a local dealership in san diego, Ca and to talk to the service folks. They responded by telling me not to worry, it's normal. Very disappointed there! So i walked out to their PF lot to check out the 02' model. Guess what? Nissan's engineers found out the design flaw and fixed it by creating more space between tow-hitch and the muffler or tailpipe. So i showed this to the salesmen and asked them what i should do. They responded "The dealership is not responsible for problem such as that and the owner need to fix it on his/her own!". This was from the biggest Nissan certified dealership in san diego,ca. Even more disappointed now! Does anyone have any tips/hints and/or solution to this design flaw? Final note from a product development engineer, this problem should have been caught during the driving test performed at the factory before releasing a $30K product. this is from a semi-happy owner of a PF just for its outstanding performance so far!
  • bgritzbgritz Member Posts: 139
    GPSNAV,
    factory hitch or aftermkt?
    I have a solution that has worked GREAT for my aftermkt hitch the past two years.

    1)-Slice lengthwise an six to eight inch section of 1" in diam. automobile water hose (black kind with nylon fibers embedded in it).
    2)-Apply a liberal amount of silicone adhesive to the inside of the hose.
    3) slide hose over/onto right hitch hanger (where contact in occurring) and let set.

    It has worked flawlessly for two years, let me know if you want pics, I could have them posted after lunch.

    good luck
    Gritz
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    Hey gpsnav, for whatever it's worth, I have an '01 PF with a Nissan dealer installed hitch and there is about an inch of clearance. Have never noticed them hitting each other, and there's no marks on either piece indicating that they have touched. I live in New Jersey, and in my area the Nissan hitch bars are dealer installed, not factory installed.
  • drdiggerdrdigger Member Posts: 3
    thanks for the info. do you also know the model number? i wanted to do more research on its mp3 playing capabilities..
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    Here is the model # of that China Electronics DVD Player in my QX4:

    ZV-5100N-A

    I hope that helps.
  • lspangler1lspangler1 Member Posts: 68
    If I remember correctly, the hitch noise occurs when you put a hitch for a pre-2001 pf on a 2001 or newer. Even though the mounting points are the same, the exhaust routing is different for the 3.5 engine. More than likely your PF has the wrong hitch on it.
  • beaulierbeaulier Member Posts: 9
    I will be bringing in my '01 PF LE (auto) to my friendly neighborhood Nissan dealership and have noticed a couple of issues that I would like to have addressed (if possible).

    One is the issue of the automatic transmission shifting to a lower gear unneccessarily as if it is on a hair trigger. This happens at highway speeds when the grade changes ever so slightly. Kind of strange with if a vehicle with so much power and torque.

    The other item is that of an occasional "pop" heard under the hood upon a cold start. Nothing that annoying, just hope it is nothing that could become serious once warranty expires...

    Any tips on what to what to tell the dealer or know TSB's I should reference???

    Thank you.
  • poswaldposwald Member Posts: 38
    I think what you may be referring to is the 1-2 shift flare. Usually evident when you run 1st gear up to 3000 to 3500 rpm then release the throttle slightly the transmission flares into 2nd gear. Although this is usually not at highway speeds it may be the same problem. It calls for a replacement of the transmission control module part# 31036-4W001. It is NTB00-084 Oct 16, 2000 and is for cars built before April 20, 2000. Hope this helps.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    maybe you're feeling the torque converter lock up and unlock. That certainly occurs on a "hair trigger" and does happen at highway speeds (it's normal). If it's just a couple hundred rpms difference, that's what it is. If it's more significant, than it is dropping a gear.
  • pathstarpathstar Member Posts: 201
    That is a backfire. If you read your owners manual, Nissan warns not to replace the airfilter with a non-Nissan one, as the others may burn -when- the engine backfires. Mine does it too. My K&N hasn't caught fire yet ;-). The trick is to make sure you crank until it starts (sucking the backfire into the engine). Doesn't seem to do it when hot.
  • 96vtec96vtec Member Posts: 1
    This is our first child and I have little experience with child seats. I have 2001 PF with leather. I am looking at the Graco Snugride. This model has a base which stays in the car so the seat can be used as a carrier. I've heard this base may make the seat less safe. Has anyone has had good or bad experiences with this or other seats? Can you put the seat to the left/right as well as the center? How tough is it to install and remove? Anything I need to be aware of? Is the seat going to harm the leather upholstery? Has anyone used the tether points behind the rear seat? Did you need additional hardware to do so? Any advice would be appreciated.
  • wildcorgiswildcorgis Member Posts: 84
    My boy is almost 5 and I've endured way too many purchases and installation of car seats.
    I'll give you the benefits of some of my experiences.
    I did have an infant seat with the base. I too was told it was less safe. The reason: look what is holding the baby carrier to the base. It's just a band of plastic. It did not bother me though.
    On my PF I first put the seat in the middle and used the tether strap that came with the car seat and it worked very well. Then my boy wanted to be on the side. But you have to use a buckle (keeper) to keep the seat belt cinched. Either way make the seat belt barely reach the buckle and stick your knee in the baby seat and use your weight to make the seat belt parts connect.
    I had a friend who used a sheep skin to protect the leather in her Lexus. I have heard somewhere that placing towels underneath seats can be hazardous if they're able slip out and dislodge the car seat.
    Also for peace of mind. Find a mirror that attaches to your back seat and reflects your baby's face into your rear view mirror.

    Happy Pathfinding!!!!

    Steve
  • dverespeydverespey Member Posts: 56
    Lot of good questions. I have a 2000 PF with leather. I'll try to get in what I've learned. I found the car seat issue to be more stressful than the birth personally.(Guess we have to make up for missing labor)
    First thing, call your local police department I live in the SF Area and all the local PD's have a car seat specialist. Each department sponsors car seat clinics around the area where you can take your vehicle and they will install, and or check the installation of your seat for you. I've been to two. One at car dealership, the other a local parking lot. If there isn't one of these scheduled soon enough you can make an appointment and go to the PD station and they'll do it there for you.

    Now for your questions:

    1)I've heard this base may make the seat less safe. Has anyone has had good or bad experiences with this or other seats?

    We used a Graco model as well. I forget which one now. We have a Snugride at the ready for when we get started on #2. Never had a problem. although as the kid gets bigger it's a load to lift in and across to the middle. I've heard nothing about this being unsafe, and no one had anything to say at the car seat clinics.

    2)Can you put the seat to the left/right as well as the center? How tough is it to install and remove? Anything I need to be aware of?

    The first time I tried to install the seat, it was impossible. Too much stress, confusion, and reading the instructions that had statements about possible injury or death. Add in a wife at month 8 or 9 and, well I'm sure you understand. Trust me, call about the car seat clinic.

    Now after I've done it a few times. It's a snap, the seats can fit in any position, although the center is the safest for just one. We just moved our seat to the side as my son is 2.5 and is a big kid.

    3)Is the seat going to harm the leather
    upholstery?

    Not in my case. Now food, spit up, crayons are another story. Remember scotch guard and a good leather protectant are your friend. So far so good on our seats. I think in the long run leather will hold up better than cloth.

    4)Has anyone used the tether points behind the rear seat? Did you need additional hardware to do so?

    Yup, they work great. We had to buy the anchors, not sure if they came with your year vehicle. If not, they are 10 dollars and install in a minute or two. We have a Britax forward facing seat and when the tether is attached it's like the seat is bolted to the car.

    Good luck, and congratulations!
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    I, too, used a child seat with a base (Century Avanta SE). I have twins, so one of my kids was in the middle and the other one was behind the driver (Mommy stays with them in the back). For me, those seats were a blessing simply because I can take out the seats without disturbing the sleeping babies. Although you can probably unbuckle the seats to achieve the same thing, it was more convenient and time-saving to just remove/attach the car seat from the base.

    The child seats came with a seat belt clip to prevent the belt from slacking. It worked well. The seats did not have any tethers so I was not able to use those. Steve's advise to make the seat belt barely reach the buckle and stick your knee in the baby seat and use your weight to make the seat belt parts connect is right on the money as this was the same thing I did.

    I, too, have leather upholstery and what I did was to wrap a piece of cardboard (Huggies Box) with a towel and placed it underneath the car seats. It's not the prettiest and probably not the safest like Steve pointed out. I'll look into the sheepskin very soon.

    Currently, I use two Britax Roundabouts for my Twins. These seats do not have a base and also have tethers. I only started to use these as they seem to be cushioned better than the Avanta's. We've started to go on lengthy drives with the Twins and these seats seem more comfortable for them to use. I use the tethers on these seats BUT I do not attach them to the rear. Instead, the child seats come with a tether strap, each of which were wrapped around the base of the driver's seat and anchored the seats there. The child seats do not move at all.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    One of the weaknesses of the PF is the tight rear passenger space. With two Britax Roundabout child seats in the back, it almost intrudes into the front space. Also, the cargo space is not really plentiful. Sure, it is capable of 85 cubic ft. but this would require the rear passenger seats to be folded down. But once those passenger seats are up (to actually carry passengers), the cargo space is very limited. Just throw in a stroller and some other baby stuff and there is almost no space left. Finally, the rear passengers really need their own air vents -- it gets hot back there.

    I've actually started to browse other SUVs for the Pathfinder replacement. I think the Murano would have been a good alternative BUT it only seats 5 and has less cargo space than the PF. Although the Murano presents such niceties like CVT and VDC, Nissan might have made an error on making it a 5-seater when hot sellers like the Acura MDX present the flexibility of 7-seating or additional cargo space.

    But, I am very pleased with PF ownership since it has been bulletproof and for what I paid for it, it's a terrific value. And driving it always puts a grin on my face with that silky-smooth engine. I would not part with it IF it had more room. But then again, I haven't replaced it yet.
  • shark715shark715 Member Posts: 382
    I've had the exact same experience as Pathstar, and it sounds like a backfire to me, too. And I agree with Pathstar's solution...crank it until the engine has started. Only seems to happen when the engine is cold on mine, too.
  • drbigzdrbigz Member Posts: 21
    Where can I get a good deal on a rear wind deflector? I got a good deal on the weathertech bug deflector for only $45. Also, I wanted to know if there is a spoiler or shaded cover in the back like there is on the BMW X5. That thing would be pretty helpful in keeping the back of my Pathy much cleaner (prevent rain and dirt) than it is right now.
  • bulgokeebulgokee Member Posts: 36
    I just purchased a 2002 LE Pathy (traded in my 99.5 LE lease) and WOW, the 3.5L engine is smooth.

    Now, what;s up with the brakes. Compared with my 99.5, I must use an extraordinary amount of pressure on the brakes. Is this normal? I remember reading a while back "bleeding the brakes" would solve this? What does this mean, and which post # was it?

    Other comments: Have they softened the suspension for 2002? It rides much softer than my 99.5 and I'm afraid it won't be able to take the abuse.
  • drmpdrmp Member Posts: 187
    Your PF may have been in the car wash recently. I experienced high pedal force needed to stop after a car wash. The brakes may have been wetted with those washing liquids. It will take awhile before you'll have normal pedal force again.
  • meca2meca2 Member Posts: 284
    What??? The brakes are still garbage!! The brakes have to be "burned-in" as the service manual calls for. I have found the brake must be blead several times.(4-5) Also the rear brakes must be adjusted (4-5 times)so the pedal doesn't go to the floor. To "burn-in" the brake the service manual said apply the brakes firmly from a high rate of speed to a stop about ten times but don't over heat the brakes. The brakes on my PF started working better after about 10k miles. Good luck!
  • dielectric7bbdielectric7bb Member Posts: 324
    'To "burn-in" the brake the service manual said apply the brakes firmly from a high rate of speed to a stop about ten times but don't over heat the brakes.'

    My bicycle brakes required the same thing. I was told I could bake the pads in an oven to get the same results, but I ended up doing a 3000 foot downhill section in about 15 minutes (it seemed like two minutes tough). I could never completley burn them in properly with 'high speed' stops, and had to resort to the long drag method.
  • billmelater2billmelater2 Member Posts: 8
    Hi Everyone,

    I am looking to buy a new car to replace my 2001 BMW 330ci, which was stolen about two weeks ago. Two weeks after I bought the BMW I feel in love with the Land Rover Discovery SE Series II. Now that I have a second chance I have been researching it and found it to be in the same price class as the Pathfinder. Has anyone considered the Disco and the Pathfinder while shopping? What are your thoughts of the Land Rovers now that they just finished 5 years with BMW and now are a Ford family product?

    Please advise.
  • dlundgrendlundgren Member Posts: 17
    Good morning, campers

    I got my SE last week, second Pathfinder in our household; we have a 2001 LE that convinced me to get this thing after owning Hondas forever. My daughter's boyfriend bought a 2002 Xterra the same day I got this, so I think it's safe to say we're pretty well Nissaned up at this point.

    Haven't noticed the brake problem on this one or on our LE over the past year. In fact, that LE has been the best all around vehicle I've ever dealt with, which is why this new blue baby is parked outside. I'm looking forward to participating in this list!

    Dave
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    With two Pathy's in the house, you'll be especially "well-qualified" to participate too. Welcome!

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Anyone know how much weight I can put on the roof? I'm planning a long drive this summer and will attach a cargo carrier on the roof rack to accommodate 18 cu. ft. of space. I just don't know how much weight I can out up there. I looked in the manual but did not find any info. If someone else sees something on the manual, or any documentation, I would appreciate it.
  • bgritzbgritz Member Posts: 139
    crikey:
    We have a Yakima and I've had a little over 200 lbs. on it w/o any problems. I don't think I'd feel comfortable with more than that (maybe 250?). It probably has more to do with the crossbars vs. the rails as both the Yak and factory bars attach to this.

    good luck
    Gritz
  • woodyr1woodyr1 Member Posts: 142
    The Canadian models appear to have a plastic rack, with the weight capability indicated on the rack. I removed mine, and bought Locking Railriders for the roof rails, and install my Yakima system, which is said to be good for at least 165 lbs. I remove the rack when not in use, and get the benefit of no wind noise.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    It says the new pathfinder requires premium fuel. How "required" is it? Almost every car I've owned said premium fuel but worked fine, albeit less powerfully, on regular fuel.
  • podracer999podracer999 Member Posts: 8
    Hi Folks -

    I remember a while back, there was a discussion about a shield that needed to be removed to get at the oil filter.

    I haven't crawled around under the PF (much), so I'm wondering if this shield is the one that's at the front (can be seen from the front, starting at about under the front bumper and is at an angle), or if there's another one.

    Mine only has the one in the front. The PF looks sort of exposed on the bottom, so I'm wondering if I'm missing another shield or not.
    Just curious. Thanks!
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    Any thoughts (positive or negative) on these 2 dealerships:

    Nissan of Fife

    Bill Korum's Puyallup Nissan

    Any others I should consider?

    I have just over 22k on my PF now... and my last major service (besides oil changes) was around 13k...anything in particular I should have check out at 22k? My owners manual was lost/stolen during our move from MS to WA this past October...so I'm trying to find out service info via the net.

    How often have you all had your brake pads replaced/checked? This is my main concern and why I wanted/needed dealership recommendations mainly...something just don't feel as "smoothe" as it used to on my PF.

    Thanks in advance...
  • bgritzbgritz Member Posts: 139
    Fuel:
    On our '01 SE 5spd., reg. or mid grade fuel actually costs a few dimes more/fill because of reduced milage.

    Skid plate:
    Yup that's the one. It's pretty flimsy. Since the folks @ Grease Monkey (the only time they were allowed to change the oil) failed to put in all of the bolts, ours is now held on by five, but is very solid only with those five. It also make it quicker/easier for me to pull off when changing the oil @ home.

    There is a transfer case skid plate I'm thinking about getting for around $20 bucks online. I'll post the URL if when I find it again.
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    gritz- Here's the link to photos of the transfer case skid plate. It only works for Pathfinder models that have the shift-on-the-fly transfer case lever. Does not fit 'auto-mode' 4x4 models. You can buy it online at NissanAutoParts.com.

    image

    As for the front 'skid plate' it's really a splash guard, since it's only made of some kind of plastic/carbon-fiber composite. You must remove this guard to access the oil filter.

    Over time, my splash guard got so trashed I just removed it and left it off. Eventually, I'd like to make a steel or aluminum skid plate that mimics the design of the splash guard.
  • bimmer4mebimmer4me Member Posts: 266
    "RECOMMENDS" premium fuel.
  • bminnbminn Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 1998 Pathfinder, and it has been
    suggested to me I add a transmission cooler
    for towing. I have a 2000lb boat/trailer.

    I'd appreciate any advise from Pathfinder owners
    as to if this is necessary or would be beneficial
    for extending the longevity of this vehicle's transmission.
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    Yes, get one. If you're towing your boat regularly (I must assume mostly during the warmer summer months) then you should get one. Be sure to turn O/D OFF when towing. It will keep the torque converter locked and generate less heat at highway speeds.
    My 97 came with one, so I can't offer any recommendations re: aftermarket solutions, but they generally aren't difficult to install.
    While you're at it, you should do a transmission fluid drain/refill. Chances are that the previous owner might not have had this done.
  • rcpathfinderrcpathfinder Member Posts: 3
    My wife recently had a "minor accident" and smashed the driver's side tail lamp of our 2002 Pathfinder SE. Does anyone know of a reputable online dealer of replacement parts?
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    I have never owned a 4x4 before but bought a QX4 in January. Is it normal, when in 4x4 Hi mode, that you put it in park and the vehicle adjusts and nudges forward just a touch and then even a 2nd time after a couple of minutes. When turning the key off in that mode, I even get what I would classify as a small jerk or lunge forward. I have just thought this must be normal for a 4x4. Does anybody experience the same thing? If so, can you explain exactly what is happening? Is it normal? Does it hurt anything?


    rcpathfinder: I found this online


    http://www.nissanparts.cc/

  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    I read the pathfinder requires premium fuel. Can you still run it on regular unleaded and what's the effect? Will you harm anything?
    16 mpg is bad enough but 16 mpg of premium is rough.
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    There've been lots of previous posts on this subject. Most everyone with the auto-mode 4x4 transfer case has experienced the same phenomena as you. The consensus seems to have been that it's the t-case's viscous clutches uncoupling (a normal function, apparently), which can cause the vehicle to "lurch" forward, much in the same way that you might feel the drivetrain change from "N" to "D" when the engine is at high idle.

    I'm sure others can post their experiences or link back to the previous discussions on this subject.
  • stuartboniastuartbonia Member Posts: 56
    The salesman told me he runs his using the mid grade with no ill effects. Of course he gets to trade his in every few months and it is sold as a demo.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    Mine seems to really dislike regular. I've only used it a few times and have always noticed some pinging. It's really bad while towing. I just run premium all of the time so I don't have to worry about it.
  • podracer999podracer999 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks bgritz and xplorx4. Although I still think the bottom side of the PF seems quite exposed, at least I feel better knowing I'm not missing a part.

    Thanks!
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