Nissan Pathfinder

nne3jxc · November 2003

If you go back a couple of pages you'll find several messages regarding replacement tires.
I put Yokohama Geolandar AT Plus IIs on my 2003 and really like them. Others have mentioned a different model of the Geolandar as well as the Michelin LTX.
The problem with replacing the Duelers is that there isn't a big selection of tires in the OEM size -- you have to move to a more standard size in order to have a better selection of tires.

Jim

jfbclu · November 2003

I replaced the two belts a couple of days ago on my 2001 PF SE and now when I start the engine it makes a loud squealing sound when it first starts up. I am guessing that one or both of the belts needs to be tightened but have also heard somewhere you can cause damage if they are too tight. Any suggestions?

xplorx4 · November 2003

Hey all, just got a 2003 PF SE and I'm loving it! (my first Nissan vehicle) 2 questions, however: Do all PF's have a LSD differential, or is this an option that I missed getting?
Second, my owner's manual lists 2 different engines, but I thought all PF's came with the same 3.5 DOHC V6. Do you know what the differences are?
Thanks in advance!!

Congrats on your purchase! I'm not sure if all '03 PF's came with the LSD, but it's easy to tell if you've got it: the rear differential shoul have an orange "Use LSD oil only" sticker on it.

Also, not all PF's come with the VQ35 engine. The 3.5L engine was added only in North American Pathfinders. The rest of the world still gets the VG33E.

woodyr1 · November 2003

Here in Canada, if you order the 03 Pathfinder with the automatic transmission package, it comes with traction control and other traction enchancements (VDC). Not sure how it is in the USA.

lbinh · November 2003

jiamin,

without a sound meter it is very arbitrary. I used my conversation voice during highway speeds as a rough gauge. I know, it is not very accurate but the conversation was easier (very slight, it may be psychological as you stated) to listen to after the install. It is relatively small/incomplete test install.

I would hesistate to tell you that it would make a further difference if what you already installed did not make a difference. Wind noise is still bad on windy days. Can't do anything more to help that. I am going to install new Dueler A/T Revos tires tomorrow. I think that would make the single largest impact in noise reduction.

We will see. I will post my review after some holiday travel this week.

I was thinking about the Yoko Geolander H/T-S GO51, Goodyear Forteras HL, Michelin Cross Terrain, and the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos. For the price, treadwear, wet traction, looks, and most improtant to me, road noise/comfort, the Revos can't be beat according to the numerous tirerack reviews. I have used their reviews on another passenger tire purchase and wasn't dissappointed at all.

jiamin · November 2003

Thanks Ibinh for the reply. Yes other than replacing with a low noise tire, I think it needs a fundermental re-design if Lexus-quiet is the goal.

BTW I couldn't fine Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos at tirerack.com. I put in 02 QX4 and it poped up with the same OEM tire I think. When it comes to a new tire, low noise/comfort is also my first consideration.

jiamin · November 2003

is not available with 17" from tirerack.com. Wish my wheels are 16" so the size of itself will let tire have more rubber and less noise.

lbinh · November 2003

Sorry to hear that Jiamin.

I am assuming your '02 QX4 has more sound insulation because it is a luxury brand. If you do mostly on road driving then that might not be the tire for you. I read they make a whirling wind noise from 5-50 MPH. Silent >50MPH. It is because of the aggressive tread design (All Terrain tires). Looks great though even though no 17" size for yours.

Alternative for you could be the Goodyear Fortera HL or the Yoko Geolander H/T-s GO51. Both are rated as low noise highway SUV tires.

Since it is my fiance's car I have racked my brains over this decision and think I will go with the Luxury Highway Goodyears. Poor treadwear ratings (compared to others in category) from tirerack though. Might be taking advantage of 60K treadwear warranty. Will sacrifice treadlife for less noise. Will install today.

Dueler A/T Revos are a better tire in the wet/dry but too many reviews about noisy tread(humming wind noise) at low speed. Best all terrain tire out there. Not for our highway traveling though.

Hope Nissan addresses wind noise problem in current Pathies for the next generation model.

Jack44 · November 2003

My 2001 QX4 came with Michelin LTX M/S tires...245/65-17's...Gone 35,000 and they still are good...Seem to ride well with not to much road noise...

lbinh · November 2003

After painstaking review of consumer comments on tirerack, I concluded that the Revos would produce more noise than I want in a all highway setup. I gave the Goodyear Forteras HL a try today and they are much quieter than OEM Dueler HT's. Holiday roadtrip will produce more comments later.

Got the 255/70/16, $587.60 Discount Tire with $50 mail in rebate. Raised the car up noticebly, ~1 inch at least. Fills the wheel wells out nicely. Aggressive sidewalls are nice. The Yoko Geolanders H/T-s were my close second choice.

Sorry to hear that QX4 and Pathy 17"s wheels are limited in tire selection.

I heard Brown Bread deadener was the best value insulation out there. Heard it can reduce interior noise by 7-8 Decibels with full install. It is also cheaper.

I hope they fundamentally incorporate more insulation on their $30K vehicles next time. Wind tunnel testing wouldn't hurt either. : P

lbinh · November 2003

Try this. I know I am experiencing what he/she has solutions for. It definitely answers some of my lingering Pathy questions...Great DIY instructions and ideas.

http://members.cox.net/mainpages/index.htm

norcalsurfr · November 2003

I just put a set of Bridgestone Revo's 255/70/16 on an 03 SE, they fit great without any rubbing and look great on. The ride quality and handling is good once the tire breaks in (about 300 miles the tread squirm goes away and side walls become a little more forgiving), the road noise is slightly louder than the stock Toyo's but pretty damn good for an A/T tire.

Watch out for decreased breaking ability with a larger diameter tire (1 inch change in dia between 65's and 70's makes a big difference). Also gas mileage has dropped by close to 2 mpg and acceleration and throttle response has been compromised a bit.

Overall a great tire for anyone who will be driving in all weather and terrain conditions.
Best tire I've ever put in the mud, I had the rear tires buried just below the hubs and pulled out without using 4wd.

If I had to do it all over again, I would probably go with the Yokohama Geo's (appropriately sized of course). I hope this helps.

drbigz · November 2003

Cold air intake and a regular intake? I want to get an intake kit for my 2001 LE but I don't know which one is right and how much it'll cost. I am looking to add more power to the truck. Is it an easy install? Which one would you recommend? I want it to be as quiet as possible.

xplorx4 · November 2003

The most basic aftermarket intake upgrade is to simply replace the paper filter with a high-flow filter such as a K&N. For more performance gains, you can install any of the systems below, both of which replace a portion of the stock intake system.

1) Open-air cone intake, mounted inside the engine compartment. Click here for an example pic. This type of intake allows a higher volume of air to flow, but because it's mounted in the engine compartment, it draws warm air instead of cool air.

2) Cold air intakes (CAI) are usually a type of cone filter with a modified intake tube. The filter is typically mounted outside the engine compartment in a protected area, such as behind the bumper or inside the fender. The advantage of a CAI is that it draws cooler air into the engine. Cool air is more dense (i.e. more oxygen molecules per volume) than warm air, so you get more power. The disadvantage of a CAI is that it is often more vulnerable to water ingestion (a very bad thing for an engine!), especially during off-road use.

K&N makes a variation of this type of intake (I'm not sure if they have a 3.5L V6 Pathfinder application), but they call it a FIPK (Fuel Injection Performance Kit). It's basically a cone filter mounted inside the engine compartment, but it is mounted in a protective box that insulates it from engine heat.

path63 · November 2003

I am in the market for new tires on my 2001 Pathfinder LE. My originals are Dunlop Grandtrek with 40000. I'm not satisfied with the ride and wear. I am looking to get either the Toyo Open Country AT @120.00 a tire or the Goodyear Fortera HL edition @ 135.00. These prices include all except tax. I live in the New York area so will need a tire with good traction. Can anyone comment on either tire? Greatly appreciated.

smithmedtronic · November 2003

I've got 85K on my P'finder and just put on my third set of tires...Michelin LTX's. Prior to these, I had the Toyo Open Country A/T (got 50K miles from them) They were definitely a decent tire i.e wear/mileage/traction. OEM tires were the Dunlop Grandtrek (terrible!)and were replaced at 33K. Summary....Toyo's much better than Dunlops, Michelins better yet!!! Michelin's are noticably quieter and better riding. I paid about $100/ for the Toyo's and about $110/ for the Michelins from TireRack. A $50 rebate brought the final w/shipping to around $400.

Key point...rotate often!! I do every oil change (5K) Good Luck!

drbigz · November 2003

Thanks for that explanation. I would have made another mistake had I not posted a question and got your answer. I'm not much of a handy man especially when it comes to cars. On the nissanx forum, someone mentioned a franken intake and I wanted to get your opinion on it. It's here
http://www.frankencar.com/products/pathfndr/intake/index.htm
Here's some pictures that someone has of it installed:
http://www.eden.rutgers.edu/~hamilton/intake.htm

Tell me what you think. Thanks in advance.

pathalogical · November 2003

Has anyone had to use the hooks, with a tow strap ? The owners manual says only the front right is a tow hook, the other three are "tie down only", for vehicle transport.

Also, I don't have the factory fog lights installed, with all the Pathys out there, has any manufacturer caught on to this, if you take out the fog light and the piece of plastic next to it, you can fit in one heck of light, multi-function too.......now that would be a cool look !!!

shark715 · November 2003

I finally had time to replace the Mobil 1 gear oil in my rear differential with the Red Line product that already has the friction modifier mixed in (see my post #7101), and my LSD is working correctly again! So it appears what Mobil told me is correct. Even though their product is labeled as being LSD compatable (I had the Mobil 1 product installed in my truck for several thousand miles, and it appears not to have damaged the LSD unit), if you want your LSD unit to continue to work, a friction modifier additive is required.

xplorx4 · November 2003

The intake looks pretty good, and I'm sure it will increase your engine's performance, but if you're not comfortable working on cars, I'd advise against adding this mod.

Here's the reason: a performance tuning shop will probably need to install it for you. Most standard auto repair shops and the dealer won't even touch aftermarket mods. Expect to pay a couple hundred dollars for labor. If you have any engine problems later, you'll need to understand whether the addition of the intake is the cause or not. A dealer or other shop could potentially point the finger at the intake mod, and because you don't know what was involved with its installation, you wouldn't know any better. (You may even have to go back to the performance tuning shop for any future repairs.)

Also, the K&N filter requires periodic maintenance (cleaning and re-oiling). This means you have to remove the filter from the vehicle and reinstall it after washing it. If you don't wash it and re-oil it properly, you risk ingesting higher levels of dirt into the engine.

Basically, if you want to add this mod, you'll either have to become more of a "handy man" when it comes to your truck or have a deep pocketbook to pay a specialist to work on your truck.

drbigz · November 2003

My uncle is a certified mechanic and my brother is pretty handy with cars as well. I'm sure one of them can help me put this on. I just wanted to know what you think of that intake. Sounds like you think it's a good upgrade. Thanks for your blessing. If there's another intake system that you would recommend, please let me know.

Also, approximately how much does a FIPK (Fuel Injection Performance Kit cost?

eagle63 · November 2003

Thanks for the tips earlier on finding out if I have a limited-slip diff. I checked the pumpkin on my rig, but didn't see anything about "..use LSD oil only..." I also did some searching on LSD's for 2003 Pathfinders and found this:

http://www.epinions.com/content_97635307140

According to this guy, LSD isn't even available in the '03 models. Does that sound right to you?

pathstar1 · November 2003

Go to the Nissan site. LSD is standard on the SE in Canada. The LE has traction control instead. Also check your owners manual. If it says anything about LSD friction modifier, LSD was in at least some models. My 2001 LE has it, but I haven't seen the tag on the diff. It's in the owners manual.

Jack44 · November 2003

Problem with Frankencar intake is that it's sitting open in engine bay sucking hot air...You will need to enclose it ...You could probably make a box around it with Reflectix...You have to just allow cold air into the box...

I've just a K&N filter...Don't have to clean for they say 50,000 miles...

shark715 · November 2003

I have an '01 LE, and the LSD was an factory installed option for the '01 model year on both SE's and LE's. If I recall correctly, the list price of the option was about $250. There's an orange sticker on my rear diff that says "use LSD oil only". I don't know about '03's, but I looked at the Nissan website for '04's in the U.S. It does appear that a limited slip differential is no longer on the option list. So long as the traction control that is offered is the type that can apply the brakes to one individual wheel based a sensed loss of traction, I beleive that it is an effective replacement for a limited slip differential. However, if it's the more primitive type of traction control that merely reduces the engine throttle when it senses excessive wheelspin, all it can do is prevent the excessive wheelspin, but it won't prevent you from getting stuck in the snow or mud any more than you could yourself by judicious use of the throttle. Anyone know if I'm correct on this?

xplorx4 · December 2003

Jack44- I realize that the intake is a warm air intake. However, the increase in volume will improve horsepower despite the lack of thermal shielding. I used to have a K&N replacement filter, but I later replaced it with an open-air cone filter, and the increase in power was "seat of my pants" noticeable, whereas the K&N replacement was negligible. Obviously for the best performance the intake opening (in this case the open air filter element itself) should be installed where it will draw the coolest air possible (such as behind the bumper or inside the fender). Shielding the intake from heated engine air will help, if you cannot move the intake outside the engine bay.

Re: LSD
I'm not sure about that site you linked to, but another way to tell if you have the LSD is to put the truck in NEUTRAL GEAR on a level surface with the engine off, block the front wheels, jack one rear tire off the ground and release the parking brake. If you cannot rotate the tire with your hands, then you have the LSD. Alternatively, raise both rear tires and spin one tire by hand. If the other tire spins the same direction you have LSD. If it spins the opposite direction, you have an open diff.

luganrn · December 2003

While driving down the road, my radio turns itself off for no apparent reason, and the CD player begins whining like it wants to eject, but there is no CD in it. I keep turning it back on and sometimes it is ok, and sometimes it does it repeatedly. The problem is, I hear the CD whining noise even after I shut off the engine! It did a similar thing last year, and my battery wound up dying (related?). After several new batteries, found I needed a new alternator. Then all was ok until just a few weeks ago when this radio thing started up again. Also, often I notice in the morning when I start my car, all my radio presets and clock have been zeroed. So is this an alternator or radio/CD problem? Is it sapping energy from my electrical system? Or is my electrical system the cause????

pathstar1 · December 2003

The test method described by xplorx4 works fine with all but torsen LSDs. Torsen LSDs appear to be not there with this test (other wheel rotates opposite direction). The only sure fire way I've found short of disassembly is to wait for a nice cold day, and in a parking lot, put one rear wheel on a frozen puddle or ice patch with the other on pavement with the vehicle in 2WD. Step on the gas. If you just sit there and spin on the ice, you don't have an LSD. If you skid the tire on pavement, you probably do. Be aware that this test will cause the vehicle to skew somewhat so be ready to control it.

xplorx4 · December 2003

Thanks for that insight, pathstar. What you said makes sense. A torsen diff uses gears instead of friction plates to bias torque towards the wheel with traction. I suppose a higher threshold of torque (i.e. more than you can create by hand) must be reached for the torsen to work properly.

Fortunately (or unfortunately!

) the Pathfinder doesn't use a torsen unit.

lbinh · December 2003

If you are like me...Road/tire noise is the most important factor. Comfort, Treadwear, price, traction, warranty, and appearence come after that. I installed the Fortera HLs (120 a tire plus $50 main in rebate) and drove 700 miles (wet and dry) last week. No sign of wear at all. It was 50 percent smoother and about 70 percent quieter than the old OEM Dueler HTs. All the noise left in my pathy is wind noise. Definitely gave me a luxury ride. Girlfriend noticed the difference in driving comfort. Time will tell on treadwear but the handling, traction, ride, and queitness are awesome.

Yoko Geolander H/T-s GO51 were a close second(less expensive, 98/tire, 500 UTQC). If you need offroad traction than Dueler A/T Revos (120/tire, 500 UTQC) are the best.

The Foteras have a higher UTQC rating, 540 vs. 440 on the LTXs. Forteras look much better due to the aggresive sidewalls.

eagle63 · December 2003

thanks for the replies guys. I'm pretty certain my Pathy does not have LSD, and I'm becoming convinced that LSD is not even an option for 2003's, which is too bad. I've checked Nissan's website and they don't list it as an option at all.

xplorx4 · December 2003

You may be able to add the LSD to your truck for just a few hundred dollars. 4x4parts.com carries the Pathfinder LSD for $400. A qualified shop (not a dealer) should be able to install it for around $200-$300, but get quotes.

woodyr1 · December 2003

Some models of the 2003 Pathfinders come with the tire pressure monitoring system. I understand that sensors are located in the wheel valve stems that transmit to the computer. I suspect that if the tire pressure drops below a certain value, notification of some sort would occur.

Has anyone noticed any problems with this system?

Thanks

jiamin · December 2003

Not sure if Toyota Sienna has the same Tire pressure monitoring system, therefore possibly it does not apply to Pathfinders.

One time I drove a friens's Sienna to airport to pick him up. After only drove a few minutes the warning light came on. Stopped at a gas station and found no air equipment. Started car and went on to another station, and found the warning light was off. So I took no notice of it and drove all the way, the light never came on again. Later my friend said it's kind of useless. Maybe the system is just too sensetive...

sivi1 · December 2003

i don't understand your message. my 02 le has a full size spare?

luganrn · December 2003

ok I see this is an elete group that ignores new members.....I need help and there is no group moderator.....is there no one that has any knowledge on this subject???

pcrowles · December 2003

Sorry LuganRN...I think the problem is that there aren't many on this board with Pathfinders that are 8 years old...wish I could help.

tidester · December 2003

You might browse through the messages in Nissan Pathfinder Owners: Problems & Solutions and ask your question there.

tidester, host

xplorx4 · December 2003

i don't understand your message.

Which message?

my 02 le has a full size spare?

Yes, it does.

scottinky · December 2003

are the cruise and radio buttons supposed to light up on
the 2003 LE? they do in my 95 explorer, but I am not sure if they do or not in the path. can someone clarify this for me please. Thanks!

jiamin · December 2003

I don't think Nissan/Infiniti have made any steering wheel buttons illuminated, no matter what cars. I'd also like them illuminated.

shark715 · December 2003

The buttons on my '01 PF are not lit, but the buttons on my wife's Explorer are. It's a nice feature. I also had a Taurus that had a steering wheel that appeared to be identical to the one in the Explorer, but on the Taurus the buttons did not light.

jiamin · December 2003

Switches for the rear window on my 02 QX4 are not lit, which is cheap to me. Don't think it'll reduce manufacturing cost a lot. Nissan/Infiniti could share the same parts from say Maxima's rear window switches...

I can tell whether the switch has light in it or not. Look at the switch closely and if the symbol is solid white, there is no light in it; if it's translucent then the inside light will come out through the symbol when it's turned on.

Somewhere I read discussion about the steering wheel control illumination. Some said it'll distract driver other said it'll not. I can use them by touching, no problem. However I'd still want them illuminated for a bit more convenience.

viking03 · December 2003

I have a 2003 4WD SE Pathfinder with about 1800 miles on it. For the past 300 miles the steering wheel has developed a very persistent rattle from the top of the enclosure around the airbag. Also, the separate piece of plastic over the steering column as it goes into the dash rattles somewhat; not as loud or persistent. The rattling occurs on every bump and only completely disappears on the smoothest roads.

I don't know if I'm being ultra-senstive to rattles, or if it is unusual for there to be a rattle like this in such a low - mileage vehicle that has only been driven on-road. I would expect noises like this in a 80,00 mi vehicle but in such a new vehicle it makes the entire structure feel cheap.

Other than this annoyance I love this vehicle. Anybody else out there have a similar problem? What are my chances of getting a dealer to at least attempt to fix this thing? It seems like a little adhesive to affix the superior aspect of the steering wheel cowling to the structure underneath would do the trick, but I hate to mess around with this myself if I don't have to.

Can anyone lend some advice?

pathalogical · December 2003

Viking03,

Are you talking about the part of the steering wheel that you beep the horn with when you push down with your thumb ? If so, my 2003 PF also "jiggles" a bit, but I actually have to move it with my thumb and first finger and I think this is normal, it doesn't make noise with daily driving. Try going to your dealer and compare with showroom model.

smokey75 · December 2003

Hey, I have a 2001 PF with 45,000 miles & I've never had any rattles inside. Of course, the steering wheel is different on the 2001 so that might not apply. But regardless, your warranty covers adjustments (including rattles) up to 12,000 miles.

kl532 · December 2003

What is the specification of the 2005 Pathfinder and when is it going to be launched and how is it going to look like.

Regards

John

rctennis3811 · December 2003

go to infinitinews.com and click on NAIAS 2004 on the right. The third and last picture is of the 05 Pathfinder

sivi1 · December 2003

in post 7108 you mentioned limping home with small spare?

xplorx4 · December 2003

That response was in reference to using the factory-provided full-size spare tire with larger-than-stock replacement tires.

For example, if one's Pathfinder came with 255/65R16 tires (including the spare) and one gets new replacement tires of a larger size (eg. 265/70R16) without replacing the spare tire as well, there will be a diameter mismatch between the running tires and the spare tire. This mismatch could adversely affect the 4WD system.

If tire diameter mismatch is unavoidable (eg. because one didn't up-size the spare tire), it's best to place the odd-sized tire on a front wheel and use the truck in 2WD mode only (while on pavement) to prevent undue wear and tear on the LSD and/or the 4WD system.

Nissan Pathfinder

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