1996 Nissan Pickup XE from North America - Comments

New clutch at 90,000.

"Check Engine" light goes on every now and again- I just ignore it.

Some O2 sensor went bad at 90,000- was replaced under warranty.

New brake pads at 50k or so.

I've owned 3 Nissan Pickups since 87- they are all total road warriors. Total of about 350,000 in hardbodies and I might have spent 2000 in repairs and maitenence in the last 13 years- that's pretty darned good. I'd say the bench seat is kind of weak- but I'm 6'3 299 lbs and it's one of the more comfortable cars I've driven- so I'll give it a break. I reckon with that much abuse (i.e. be bouncing in the seat for 6 years) it's prolly to be expected. Great Trucks all around. The models with 8 plugs (2 per cyl) are a little more expensive to tune up- and I prefer the engine with the fuel injection body under the round (instead of square) air filters.

I just wanted to comment on the "check engine" light review. That is so true :) All you have to do is tighten your gas tank lid and it will go away! I noticed it kept coming up after I bought it. I got worried and called the dealer I bought it from. His advise worked! He said air passing through the tank will cause it to turn on. I will admit my truck rides a little rough in the morning, but it was a great purchase! Being female and driving a stick I needed a dependable car that I was going to be safe in. I have never had to repair it in anyway and I bought it used! It has never given me any trouble. Even when I buy a new car, I will never get rid of my old truck!

Comment on the O2 sensor: I just bought a 1997 XE and drove it from MS to VA (960 Miles). Ten miles from my house, the 'service engine soon' light came on. Bank 1 sensor 2, which is the rear O2 sensor. I was not pleased with the gas mileage on the trip back (20MPG), but after replacing the O2 sensor, I'm at 25mpg+! Good driving little truck.

I have a '96 Nissan that was purchased new by my brother-in-law. In the five years that I have owned it, the engine light has come on ~10 times. One of those times there actually was something wrong. The rest of them were a waste of time and money. I LOVE my truck, but am tired of this issue. I've tried the "gas cap" trick without success. Does anyone else have any advice? I hate to ignore it just in case it is something.

Everything about the 96 Nissan Pickup is great, except the check engine lamp constantly burning. The O2 sensor on the ERG valve gets clogged with carbon easily. A Q-tip however, can do the trick. Just don't use a solvent or carb cleaner to remove the build up. It can backwash the junk into the line, and then you have a little more of a problem to deal with.

Otherwise, an awesome work truck!

I just bought a 96 Nissan regular cab pickup in early April '03. I bought it for 3950 bucks, and it had absolutely no rust or anything like that on it. I really am happy with it, but I have had the 'check engine' light on twice now within 3 months. The guy at my garage said that the intake air temp sensor was gone (the wires connecting it were rotten). That replaced, it was fine for 3 weeks then it came back on. I get 19 mpg combined city/highway driving, so who knows, maybe this should be higher. I stoped in on the mechanic today, he mentioned that I should bring it back by for another diagnostic. Maybe I will, maybe not, it still rides the same. The truck is awesome overall, with 123k miles on it.

In November, 1996, I purchased a brand new 1996 Nissan 4X4 Regular Cab XE pick-up truck (assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee). My story is the same as the rest... the service engine light staying on and the diminished gas mileage. Other than these minor problems, it has been a true workhorse. My truck still runs great and looks great. With hind sight being 20/20, if I had the chance to go back and do it all over again, knowing what I know now, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. I proudly tip my hat to Nissan on this one.

I bought a 96 Nissan with 02 Sensor and air temp Sensor needed to be replaced after diagnostic testing. I checked recalls and found air temp sensor would be replaced along with other parts in the kit, I believe is #8159. Please check with your Nissan Dealer to check on recalls or call the Nissan Corporation.

I was looking at buying a 1996 Nissan XE and ran a Carfax report - they said that there was a recall on the emissions system - (I called 1-800-647-7266) and that Nissan would repair it for free. I told the young lady that I was going to buy the pickup from about this and she is going to take it in today. Will follow up. She has had the "Check Engine" light issue. For what it's worth - Nissan told me that the recall was sent to the original owner in 1998 - and that the recall might not apply to all 1996 Xe's - but was keyed to VIN #'s - so write yours down before you call.

I checked this sight before bringing my 1995 4x4 to the dealer for the check engine light. low and behold... the wires coming from the firewall to the plug, the yellow wire looked like it was attached correctly, but when I gave a very small tug to the wire, it came out and looked like it had been that way for some time. went to a local salvage yard and found MANY trucks had the same problem. found a good used one, wired it into the harness and my favorite word I learned in church..."BINGO"...problem solved.

Keith sturgeon

ft.worth Texas.

I now own a 1996 nissan pickup with 276000 miles on it I am going to put a water pump on today. I have also replaced two distributor caps. not bad.

I had a 1986 nissan pickup before and had 318000 miles on it when I traded it in on the 96 it had the original distributor cap and no water pump.

John petrie conroe texas.

I have a friend that is moving to Las Vegas and is going to sell me his 96 Xe Truck. At 129000 miles and in good shape for 2000. He mentioned that it would need a new Timing chain. What are some symptoms of needing a new timing chain?

I've been driving a 1985 B2000 Mazda--only 183K-- for a number of years and I have a chance at a 1995 Nissian XE ext Cab. The truck has been in the garage all the time, only has 8901 miles on it. Of course decent shape and with a topper five speed with no crusie control. Do you have any idea what I should offer? I want to give the person a decent and fair price, but I realize since it's been in the garage most all the time and not used we could be dealing with other issues.

I own my 96 xe since 1998 it has 177k I've replaced the clutch twice, alternator.everything full synthetic oils, and not a leak in site. The chk engine light I found a little hose under the egr valve melted, nevr turned on since.

I own a 96' Nissan Pickup XE with 260,000 plus miles. I'm guessing on the mileage because the odometer stopped at 210,000 2 years ago (May 23 07 today). This truck is absolutely incredible. Now it's not very powerful and I wouldn't want to haul stuff for a living with it, but it is the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. My father bought me this truck for college, 99', and to be honest I used to "dog it". Driving 100mph on occasion, power braking, pretending I'm in the Indy 500. I was a dumb college kid that gave my truck hell and it has not failed me since. Now I'm a bit kinder to this little truck and she is kind to me. I do however face that same "check engine light" problem like everyone else on here. I just ignore it, probably not the best thing to do, but I haven't broke down since the first time it came on 8 years ago. I think I've changed a starter, alternator, spark plugs and wire and air filter since I got it. I would put this truck up against any truck of its time as far as reliability goes.