The Nissan Path

Can we please compile a list of the common defects, issues, repairs for 2005+ Pathfinders? I'm mostly interested in the issues that can affect all (or at least 80%) of North American PFs. I'm aware of the following:
1. Fuel Sending Unit (inaccurate gas gauge). Fix: replace it.
2. Coolant leaking into the transmission fluid. Fix: bypass the radiator.
3. Timing chain tensioners wearing out (Google search "NTB09-128"). Fix: new secondary timing chain and tensioners.

Please reply with additional issues and a BRIEF explanation of the fix or Google keyword search.

Thanks,
--David

Try this:

http://www.thenissanpath.com/viewtopic.php?t=2305

4. IPDM/ECM Relay (will cause engine to shut off or not start) Fix: replace with new ECM relay

POS Catalytic converters going out at 120k mi. and when one goes the other is sure to follow soon afterwards.

Cracked exhaust manifolds, specifically in the V8 version (08+). I'm not certain if they've corrected it for newer models but this is VERY common in the Titan/Armada/QX56 world.

Mine currently has this issue, not sure which side, or if it's both sides, but it seems to be getting worse. I am planning n taking it in for an inspection and hopefully free repair this weekend.

The upside is that Nissan does warranty the exhaust/emissions related (on the exhaust) for 8 years/80k mile.

There are quite a few success stories on TitanTalk of this process going well. I was at a shop last weekend (independent, not Nissan) and the owner was surprised that this wasn't a recall issue since he's seen it often.

nmexMAX,

I have an 08 V8 with 47k miles. Your above post is the first time I've heard about cracked exhaust manifolds on the V8. I do admit, I'm not part of an Armada/Titan forum. How many miles did your V8 have when you discovered the cracked manifolds? Also, did you discover it, or a shop?

Had an issue similar to this on my 98 civic. They sprayed the manifold with a solvent while it was warm, and were able to see the crack before it became apparent by listening to it.

I took my pathy into the stealer today and got notified that the tech thinks I am suffering from #3
3. Timing chain tensioners wearing out (Google search "NTB09-128"). Fix: new secondary timing chain and tensioners.

They said that it is about 13 hours of labor to fix with about $1000 worth of parts! Holy crap, has anyone actually had this fixed or are you just dealing with the whine?

volvite wrote:nmexMAX,

I have an 08 V8 with 47k miles. Your above post is the first time I've heard about cracked exhaust manifolds on the V8. I do admit, I'm not part of an Armada/Titan forum. How many miles did your V8 have when you discovered the cracked manifolds? Also, did you discover it, or a shop?

Well, I got this with fairly high miles on it (72k), and if you read my first intro post a long time ago, I mentioned it, though at the time I didn't know what it was or could be.

After some due research on other forums Armada and Titan, I saw it was extremely common.

To answer your question I bought mine with them that way, and the sound has become progressively worse. Although the sound goes away after the vehicle is about warmed up.

Being in the hobby a long time, it's just one of those sounds that you "know".

But, when I had the muffler installed, it was verified by them.


As for the VQ chain tensioners, that's a common problem in 04-07 Maximas.

It's not that difficult of a job in these RWD's, but in a FWD 60º Maxima, plain out nightmare.

Looks as if they're trying to hose you, parts shouldn't be that much. Labor may be. I paid about 750, parts and labor for a timing chain job on a VQ with no CVTC. Had I known then what i know now, I would have tackled it on my own.

Thanks for the heads up. I knew it sounded crazy when they tried to tell me that price.