2001 Nissan Pathfinder SE from North America - Comments

I have a 2001 Infinti QX4 and love my car. I have the same slow window problem as everyone else with a Pathfinder, but for the past 2 years the check engine light was on and everything was working perfectly, so I left it alone. Last month I went in for a slightly overdue oil change at EZ Lube (Jiffy Lube equivalent) and the dude reset the light for me and told me that it was the OBD Code P1140. Later on that night the car started acting weird, all of a sudden at a stop light the rpms would drop and just start bouncing around, sometimes it would even shut off at a stop.

I took it back into ez lube, knowing that it wasn't anything that they could fix and told them the problem. They just changed the oil to a different weight and said that's all they could do. Anyway, so I bought the sensor from the dealer that was triggering the error code and had it replace. It turned the light off, but I still had the very rough idle.

I know that this could be caused by a bad Mass Airflow sensor, but I don't have any power loss so when I took it back into the shop the mechanic cleaned the engine idle control valve and reinstalled it. Then it was fine at first, but came back quickly and triggered the check engine light again. This time the code is P0172 which is Saturation in Bank 1. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE HECK IT COULD BE, ANY SUGGESTIONS?

CD-Changer and Service Engine Soon Light Issues.

I bought a brand new pathfinder LE in 2001. I loved it till it ran out of warranty; 6-CD changer went (ERR 2) in 2003 and the dealer changed it, but never returned my CDs. I must admit most of the Cds were copies so I did not fuss too much about it. I also read the manual and it said that if you do not use original Cds, there is a possibility of improper operation. The new CD-Changer went (ERR 2) early part of last year and the dealer told me that since it is out of warranty, it is going to be $500 or more. This time I was using all originals. I still have not replaced the CD-Changer because I listen to tapes and the radio (not worth paying $500 plus).

I have seen comments about folks doing it themselves to replace the changer. How tricky/difficult is it.

Coming to SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT. I have done 83,400 miles so far and always had it serviced regularly. Even the dealership admitted that I have maintained the car very well. Nevertheless,this is the third time for the service engine soon light to come on. It was on when I took the car for service and the dealer told me it is going to be expensive so I said, letit be. I had the car serviced 6 months ago and the performance is fine. I took it for smog check yesterday and it passed all emission test, but the garage failed the test because of the light. I do not want to take it to the dealer because they are going to charge me an arm and a leg. Anyone know how to get it fixed cheaply because I have to renew my registration next month.

Thank You in advance.

I have a 2001 Pathfinder with the same problems as most people here. I just went to a Nissan dealership to see why my check engine light came on and they told me it was due to the ignition coils. They said to replace all 6. I did not have the $900.00 they said this would cost so I brought it to another mechanic. He said he could replace the one the was faulty, but could not find the specific one. Does anyone know how to find the one that is bad? I have also had problems with my blower being stuck on the most powerful setting even when I switch the levels. Does anyone else have this problem and is there an easy fix? The dealership told me almost $300.00.

I had the same problem with "check engine" light. The first time was due to a CO2 sensor, cheap to fix. The 2nd time occurred during a long trip, it went away by itself. So the 3rd time, I ignored it. It's gone in a week! Just keep drive to see what happens...

Wow, every one of these problems has occured with my 2001 Pathfinder as well. Mine now has 124,000 miles and I drove it for 3 years down the autobahn in Germany at 85-90 mph with the Service Engine Light on. Recently when I returned to the states the light started FLASHING, and that's when I knew I had to take it in for service. It's the CO2 and the #1 spark plug.

I agree that Auto Zone is great -- they gave me all the same codes listed in the other entries above and told me about changing only the first spark plug. Incidentally, my CD changer checked out on me about 2 years ago, too!

The Problem with the six CD Changer Player in the winter is condensation on the CD itself.. If you take out a CD you will notice the condensation immediately. One needs to be patient and let the Vehicle warm up completly. I live in Central Maine where it can get to 20 below at night in the winter.

My 2002 LE Pathfinder has the window problem. Just today, it won't roll up. I can push the button, but can only hear a click, not a motor sound. I am sure it's the motor. but I can't figure out how to get the door panel off to check the window motor. any suggestions? BTW: the CD player skips...

I also have a 2003 pathfinder, SE, so far everything works fine. Just paid it off last month, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

My 2001 Pathfinder had the same window problem, but only on the driver's side. It was incredibly slow in the winter, but just fine in the summer. I endured for a couple of winters, thinking I would have to spend major money for a new window regulator. Last Xmas, I left it at the dealership while on vacation and had it checked out. Turns out the tracks were dirty and I didn't need a new window regulator after all. All they did was clean the tracks and the window works just fine!

My current problem is the shift lever button. Frequently, the button will not depress and I can't take the car out of park. I keep trying, wiggling it, and eventually, it depresses. The dealership is about 40 minutes away from where I work, and I'm in my busy season, so I'm hoping that it won't get any worse in the next couple of months until I have the time to take it in. Has anyone else had this problem? Was it expensive to repair? Am I okay in waiting a couple more months to fix it? It's been going on for about two months already.

My experiences are consistent with those others have shared. Slow window in cold weather, a SES light that is perpetually on and the CD player dilemma.

The last comment I read relates to the gear shift locking up. You don't have a transmission problem. There's a switch on the steering column that can be replaced (parts and labor) for about $250. Worth doing.

After replacing all O2 sensors and all plugs, I'm prepared to drop one last chunk of change into this vehicle before I sell it - new ignition coils. Any advice from anyone on how to do this inexpensively... where to buy the coils specifically?

While I respect the loyalty of Nissan fans, I'll be going back to Toyota moving forward - reliable, few "bugs" and superior service.

I have a 2001 Pathfinder SE with all the above mentioned problems. I just spent $350.00 for a coil pack and spark plug replacement 2 weeks ago and guess what...it's doing the same thing, skipping and flashing check engine light again!

I went to Auto Zone today and priced the coils at $93.00 each. WTF??

I can't afford to keep taking this thing to a mechanic every time a coil needs to be replaced. Does anyone know how to do this and can they share it with the rest of us, please?

Thanks in advance... Broke in Connecticut.

Well isn't it wonderful how many of us have the same problems. (1) Coils going bad (with 54K miles on mine), (2) Windows that won't raise and lower efficiently and a (3) CD player that should have been replaced by NISSAN with a reliable substitute (I had it rebuilt once, my dime, then when if failed again I quit using it). I really like my Pathfinder. It is a shame Nissan has not come forward and tried to help their customers. Check this out. Some manufacturers are giving $750 loyalty cash to repeat buyers. That $750 would more than pay for the coils, windows and CD players we all have had problems with. Loyalty to a manufacturer is based on past performance in my opinion. I wonder if Nissan has loyalty cash???

Anyway, my solutions were:

1. I use the trouble code scanner I bought at Autozone and it gives me a code 1320 and then code 304 (secondary code or pd). 304 is for the #4 cylinder (Haynes repair manual). So, that is the coil I changed. Coils are easy to change. Just remove all the other engine components preventing access. Don't forget to change the spark plug too. Looks tough to do, but isn't.

2. As for the windows, spray some silicone lubricant into the window races. It improves the operation of the windows a great deal.

3. Chuck the CD player and install one of the replacements available at Cruchfield or your local auto radio store. Or, install the available MP3 adapter wiring and use a portable MP3 Player.

Good luck to you all.

The 2001 Pathfinder is a great SUV; I just got one a month ago. The check engine light came on when I was driving on the highway, but I didn't take it to the dealer. Instead, I took it a local shop to find out the reason; it was the cruise control sensor. It only cost me $40 for the check-up, and now the light is turned off. Now I have no other problems with the SUV, and (I hope) none in future after reading all the other comments.

Nithi

Toronto Canada.

I've got an '01 Pathfinder SE. Got it used with 25k on the clock. Now sitting at 83k. I've got the slow windows (most noticable in the cold weather) - I've got the 6-disc, knock on wood, not one problem (yet). I've got the check engine light, comes and goes for no apparent reason. Also, someone mentioned that they couldn't get the car in to gear... most likely related to a jacked up, brake/park lock-out solenoid (Had the same problem on mine, dealer wanted $200 to fix) - I found there is a manual override. so I took the console apart and made the manual override permenant. I suppose I should be looking at/in to the coil and O2 sensor (s) - I think O2 most likely, as the light comes and goes... thoughts on that anyone?

Hey Ya'll! Seems like all the same story, 2001 nissan pathfinder SE.

1) SE light on 2) slow power windows 3) 6-disc bose cd changer that doesn't.

Now, The SE light, I've got to get around to checking.

I work for a Chevrolet dealership (both my cars are foreign) and have access to mechanics, one of which deals just with imports. I'm working on finding out how to get this diagnosed and fixed without breaking the bank. I'll keep ya'll posted. I can get out of them the "how to" stuff that most mechanics won't share.

The slow windows, it does happen mostly in the cold (I used to live in western Maine) but now I find it happens here to in South East Louisiana. I recommend lubricating the window tracks. This seems to help with a slow raise and will also help keep that window motor/regulator from burning out prematurely. (a much more costly fix)

The cd changer has nothing to do with humidity or moisture in it, they (all makes and models)all need to have a chance to dry out in humid conditions. I think most of us are having completely non-operational issues with the disc changer.

My solution for this is going to be an aftermarket replacement thru crutchfield.com, a JVC KW-XC410 AM/FM/CD/MP3/Cassette. The DIN size will fit the stock radio opening. (approx $259.) I'm not sure if my steering wheel controls will be usable, but at this point I'm willing to sacrifice. I'm willing to purchase what I have to to get this to operate properly. (I'm not plugging crutchfield, but it does make it simple for the do-it-yourselfer, they provide most everything you need). I'll keep ya'll posted on this fix.

Now, someone asked where to find reasonable parts, I use this website to get a general idea of pricing, I have not ordered from them so I do not know what to expect as far as service goes... www.innerauto.com you can comparison shop at the least.

more to come once I get this thing fixed...

01 Pathfinder with many of the problems listed and more. O2 sensors changed. MAF sensor changed. Now a p1320 code. Random misfire... changed all the plugs and still have the problem. Seafoamed the vacuum line and still can't pinpoint the coil that's bad. I hate to spend $90 + for each coil, but at least I will not be paying a mechanic an extra $400 to do what most people can do with a $20 Haynes manual at their side. I love this SUV, but I can't afford the headaches. Oh yes the windows are slow too. If I bought this car new I would be writing letters to nissan.