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Nissan Pathfinder Maintenance and Repair

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

You are in the Nissan Pathfinder Forum.

What is this discussion about? Nissan Pathfinder, SUV

Messages Page 191 of 277

#1897 of 2763 Rear end grinding, clunking noise... PLEASE HELP! by 1stnissanpathf

Feb 25, 2006 (10:16 am)

I've recently purchased a 1995 Nissan Pathfinder, XE V6, 4x4, when I first accelerate it will make a "clunking" noise only from take-off or slow acceleration around curves (under 10 mph)and in reverse. It almost sounds like the brakes are hanging up. Wondering if rear-axle may be locking in 4-wheel. i do not no if there are problems with the rear hubs on this also checked rear upper and lower sway arms and stablizer bars, all of which seem to be hooked up. Please help.
 
Also looks like oil at one time, may have been over-filled on axle. What is the proper level?

#1898 of 2763 Service Engine Soon light keeps coming on... by annoyedman

Feb 26, 2006 (3:29 pm)

I have a 2002 Pathfinder SE 4x4. In mid December, 2005, my Service Engine Soon light came on. The only accompanying sympton was a decrease in my fuel economy. They told me it was an O2 sensor and that it was not covered by my warranty They also told me at the time that it could just be a loose gas cap. However, I'm a bit anal about making sure that the gas cap is on tightly, and I always turn it until I hear 3 clicks whenever I'm putting the cap back on after refueling. In any case, I had them fix the sensor for about $280.
 
On 1/21/06, the light came back on, and I took it back to the dealer. They said that a "rear O2 sensor" needed to be replaced, and that I should also replace the fuel filter and clean the throttle body. Upon further examination, they also replaced the "variable timing solenoids". At the same time, I had them do the 30,000 mile service. Total cost was $572, of which $160 was for cleaning the throttle body and injectors, $348 was for the 30k mile service, $64 for replacing the fuel filter; and the variable timeing solenoids were covered by warranty.
 
Today, 2/26/06, the darn light came on again, and because it's a Sunday, I can't even do anything about it until tomorrow. So I have no idea what the cause might be.
 
Has anybody else out there had a persistent problem with the Service Engine Soon light coming on one a month?
 
Also, if you have had such a problem, has the dealer cooperated with you in making it right? I've spent a little over $500 in December and January trying to track this down, and who knows how much it is going to cost me this time? By the way, the dealer is Performance Nissan in Duarte, California. One of the reasons I bought a Nissan is that I had heard good things about their reliability. I'm beginning to have second thoughts.

#1899 of 2763 Thanks by texas_sam_08

Feb 26, 2006 (3:30 pm)

Thanks for the replies, I'll be sure not to waste my money.

#1900 of 2763 Re: Service Engine Soon light keeps coming on... [annoyedman] by jstonerock2

Feb 26, 2006 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: annoyedman (Feb 26, 2006 3:29 pm)
My service engine soon light also comes on.... and goes out and comes on again....
It is totally at random but does seem to happen after I have gotten gas and have not tightened my gas cap to the 200th click. The manual says that it is caused by the gas cap not being tightened properly ( or being bad) and that after about 21 starts the light should go out. It always goes out. I haven't taken it to the dealer because I have read various messages about them not being able to fix the problem and that it returns. So I live with it.

#1901 of 2763 Re: Service Engine Soon light keeps coming on... [annoyedman] by pathstar1

Feb 27, 2006 (8:17 am)

Replying to: annoyedman (Feb 26, 2006 3:29 pm)
The Nissan Pathfinder computer is set a little too sensitive. Ask the dealer about performing the TSB that reduces that sensitivity. You are probably going to have to pay for that service (should be around $50). A bad tank of fuel can trigger the light.
 
There are four O2 sensors, one on each side before the cat. and one on each side after the cat. If one of the sensors failed and you only replaced it, there is a good liklyhood that others are in a similar state of wear by now, and will trigger the light soon. O2 sensors don't last forever. Yes, they are expensive.
 
There are also two cam timing sensors, one on each side of the engine, that are known to wear and cause the light to come on. You can see them on the front of the heads (black plastic devices bolted to the front of the head on each side).
 
If you read back in this forum you will find lots of posts on both. I don't think it's fair to say the vehicle is "unreliable" just because parts wear and need to be replaced from time to time. It's a complex machine that will need service.

#1902 of 2763 VIBRATION by roy_destroyer

Feb 27, 2006 (3:37 pm)

I have a 2000 Pathfinder 4wd. There is a steady vibration that exists while driving. I have replaced the tires and the U-joints. The vibration changed a bit after doing the U-joints. The guy who is working on it is thinking the rear drive shaft. He said that the vibration cut down alot when he took the front drive shaft out and drove it. Any one else have a similar issue?

#1903 of 2763 pathfinder speedo inop by jnewland3

Feb 27, 2006 (5:35 pm)

any ideas on a nissan pathfinder that the speedo does not work faults read speed sensor circuit changed sensor and checked wiring from trans to firewall ok could it be computor or speedo head

#1904 of 2763 Re: Donate 95 PF or sell for parts, what should I do? [elbian] by multiwrench

Feb 27, 2006 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: elbian (Nov 08, 2005 10:52 am)
To Elbian. I need the SW Pennsylvania shop name. I assume near Pittsburgh, but wherever is ok. 93 PF needs experienced shop to do the same to pass inspection. Reinforcement in the frame arch over the rear axle is my guess. Thanks in advance.

#1905 of 2763 Re: engine hesitates [smokey75] by kris2

Feb 28, 2006 (11:16 am)

Replying to: smokey75 (Feb 20, 2006 1:45 pm)
Thanks smokey75 much appreciated. I have scheduled an appointment for service and I will show it to them. I have 67K miles on it but I have an extended warranty till 95k miles and I am hoping it will be covered in that.

#1906 of 2763 1996 Pathfinder sudden sway motion by teamster

Mar 05, 2006 (10:16 am)

Had front shocks replaced by independant mechanic (non-factory). In order to install shocks, they disconnected the sensors (located underneath front seat) that controls the comfort ride, and sport ride. Noticed immediately the ride was off... I was told no... no... every thing is fine. The ride was never the same.
As time went on, a jerking sway (right to left, and left to right) became alarming noticeable. Scary, especially driving on the highway, and is happening more often.
 
I was told, by an other mechanic, that by disconnecting those sensors a roll over could occur. A Major safety problem.
 
Also, told that the shocks for the 1996 Pathfinder was the only year these particular parts were used.
 
Anyone out there have this problem? Please help!!!

Messages Page 191 of 277

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