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Nissan Pathfinder Maintenance and Repair

2763 messages,  Last post on Mar 31, 2013 at 11:07 AM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Pathfinder, SUV

Messages Page 173 of 277

#1720 of 2763 4WD Shifting problem by montym

Oct 11, 2005 (2:38 pm)

I have a 1995 Pathfinder XE with 4WD and Automatic trans. that I love except for 1 problem. To shift from 2H to 4H is no problem - however to shift from 4H back into 2H I have to stop, shift into reverse, and gently push on the 4WD shifter while backing up about 3-6 feet and it clicks in. My question is "Is this Normal?" I have never owned a Nissan before- I don't know. If it is,fine. If it is not, does anybody have any idea of what is wrong and what it would take to fix.
Thank You

#1721 of 2763 Re: 4WD Shifting problem [montym] by pathstar1

Oct 11, 2005 (3:25 pm)

Replying to: montym (Oct 11, 2005 2:38 pm)
It's normal. You don't actually have to shift into reverse to release it, but it is the easiest way.
 
Because the transfer case locks the front and rear axles together you can and usually do get "binding". Think of the two drive shafts - front and rear. The front wheels go further around a corner than the rear (when moving forward), so the difference is made up by "skidding" the tires, but there is torque built up before they skid. When you shift into reverse you are releasing that torque (and if you go too far you will build up torque in the other direction). That torque binds the gears and prevents the transfer case from shifting. You can also release it by driving forward and turning right and then left (one of the turns will release the torque allowing the transfer case to shift).
 
Something to know if there is no way to back up.
 
All 4WD vehicles that don't have a centre diff. or some other slip limiting device (such as a viscous coupling) do this. Those that put in a centre diff. have to use one with "limited slip" if they want to approach the capabilites of the locked systems such as we have. For example, the Toyota 4Runner uses a Torsen centre diff.

#1722 of 2763 Re: fuel injector problem [pathstar1] by tiggerr_37

Oct 11, 2005 (7:17 pm)

Replying to: pathstar1 (Oct 11, 2005 7:31 am)
I went to the nissan dealership today paid 100 dollers for them to tell me the injectors were stuck open the in jectors are not stuck open what a waist...
 Went home got your message tried it out. (good idea by the way). the light worked on the first cylinder dim and pulsated nothing on the other 2, where is the ECU the guy tried to tell me but you seem to know more then he did any other suggestions but be greatly appreciated....

#1723 of 2763 Re: 4WD Shifting problem [montym] by tiggerr_37

Oct 11, 2005 (7:25 pm)

Replying to: montym (Oct 11, 2005 2:38 pm)
I have a 1997 nissan pathfinder this is normal on most 4 wheel vehicles because your tying to wheels together steerable wheels and non steerable wheels...
  when your turn your wheels in four wheel low range it puts the gears in a bind and to release that you need to back up so that it puts slack in the gears so they will come out ....

#1724 of 2763 Re: fuel injector problem [tiggerr_37] by xplorx4

Oct 12, 2005 (8:53 am)

Replying to: tiggerr_37 (Oct 11, 2005 7:17 pm)
I forgot what year your Pathy is... On mine (a 97) the ECM is located under the dashboard above the steering column. If you would like detailed info about the engine control module from the Nissan factory service manual, shoot me an e-mail: dean at xplorx4.com

#1725 of 2763 Dreaded "Service Engine Soon" light by pathstar1

Oct 12, 2005 (9:44 am)

came on three weeks ago while returning from the coast. Came on 5 min. down the highway from filling up with gas. I drove the 300 km home ignoring it. Checked the fuel cap when I got home, it was tight. Week later filled up with gas (same brand, different station - I use the 10% ethanol premium fuel and have had very good luck with it). Last night I drove to the airport (30 km down the highway). When I started the vehicle at the airport the SES light stayed off! Woopee! I guess it was a bad tank of fuel.
 
This is just nuts. We had a code reader but couldn't find it when the light was on. Working on finding it or getting another one for -when- not if, the light comes on again. It may not tell me the truth, but I just have to know what the ECU thinks is the problem. One possible solution is replacing the light with a resistor, because a false reading is worse than no reading at all!
 
As far as the ECU location on earlier models (mine is a 2001), xplorx4 is your best bet. I have the service manual for the 2001.

#1726 of 2763 Re: service engine soon light [smokey75] by amboytex

Oct 13, 2005 (7:59 pm)

Replying to: smokey75 (Nov 23, 2004 11:00 pm)
I have a '94 Pathy XE 4WD & I took care of the engine by keeping up with the required maintenance,e.g. full sunthetic oil, timing belts etc. My truck runs well and gets 16+ mpg combined (city/freeway) but I can't figure why during fall (I live in San Diego, Calif.) my AT & brake lights on the instrument panel light up at first start in the morning and stays lit until the engine is reved up and warmed up? I bought a connector spray cleaner and will clean every connectors I have inside the engine and the ignition switch this weekend. Can anyone narrow down the source of my instrument light problem? Thanks in advance.

#1727 of 2763 2002 Pathfinder - Water on driver's side floor by helpplease111

Oct 14, 2005 (6:03 pm)

After a heavy rain storm I found a puddle on the driver's side floor (car was parked during rain). I assume that some sort of drain is clogged that is causing water to get into my Pathfinder. Does anyone know where such a drain could be so I could unclog it? Thanks

#1728 of 2763 Re: service engine soon light [amboytex] by xplorx4

Oct 14, 2005 (7:17 pm)

Replying to: amboytex (Oct 13, 2005 7:59 pm)
Your alternator is likely failing. I'm not sure why Nissan configured the AT and brake lights to glow when the alternator fails, but I do know that when the fan belt (which also drives the alternator) breaks, the AT Temp, Brake, and Batt lights all glow. And then the vehicle quickly overheats.
 
Since the alternator is driven by the fan belt, the alternator output can be monitored to detect whether the alternator is turning. Now, if the alternator is failing then the output is probably enough to make the vehicle think the fan belt is broken.
 
My guess as to why the AT temp and Batt lights glow is that if the fan belt breaks, most drivers probably won't be astute enough to notice that the temperature gauge is hot before it's too late. However, most people usually will immediately pay attention to the instrument panel if it lights up suddenly.
 
In your case, I'm not sure why the Batt light isn't also glowing, but I would have your alternator tested nonetheless. Most auto parts stores like Kragen or Autozone will test the alternator for you for free (removed from vehicle, of course).

#1729 of 2763 Heated Seats? by maxpower!

Oct 17, 2005 (8:18 pm)

I got a '91 Pathfinder SE recently. In the fuse-box I found a fuse marked "Seat Heat." Does this vehicle have heated seats? If so, how do I control them?
 
Thanks.

Messages Page 173 of 277

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