The Nissan Path

Hello All,
I just purchased a 96 pathfinder from the original owner and it has been well taken care of with 180,000 miles on it. I needed to use the 4WD and had a hard time getting it to engage. I finally got it into 4WD but then could not get it out of 4WD. When I parked it at the end of the day I shifted it to 2WD . the next morning the light on the dash was not lit and the vehicle is in 2WD but is making a clicking/grinding sound from the front end almost like it is partially engaged in 4WD. I am thinking it is the 4WD actuator but not sure. This vehicle has been well taken care of and all maintenance done on schedule. Can anyone help? Please feel free to PM me.
Thanks,
Jay

Does slightly moving or "bumping" the vehicle make it sync any easier?

moymurfs wrote:Does slightly moving or "bumping" the vehicle make it sync any easier?

No, it makes no difference. It feels and sounds like it has not fully disengaged.

the only suggestion i can offer, that i read somewhere and i've also done, is to drive backwards when you are disengaging 4wd. after moving it to 2wd and backing up a little ways i've found the 4wd light will turn off.

hope this helps.

97GoldPathfinder wrote:the only suggestion i can offer, that i read somewhere and i've also done, is to drive backwards when you are disengaging 4wd. after moving it to 2wd and backing up a little ways i've found the 4wd light will turn off.

hope this helps.

Hi,
I appreciate the info and I have tried this several times and I can get the light to go out but still hear clicking/grinding noises coming from the front end. I am going under the front tonight and hopefully will find the problem, if not it is going to the mechanic next week.

Thanks,
Jay

Does it click and grind in 4WD also? I found a front brake backing plate rubbing against the rotor that made some bad noises. Fixing it was a matter of bending the plate back so it doesn't hit the rotor.

Hello All,

My thoughts of disaster were all for nothing, I got the front drivers side wheel off and found that the CV joint had disintegrated. I had already bought a pair and had done the passenger side 2 weeks ago (guess I picked the wrong side to replace first). 4X4 works great now lol. The only complaint I have now is that the 4X4 indicator light on the dash did not go out but I know it was in 2wd but when I started it this morning the light was out. Thanks you all for the suggestions.
Jay

I have a similar problem with my 1998 Nissan. I put it in neutral and then shift it in 4H or 4L but then it makes a grinding noise. I don't know if that's normal or if I'm doing more damage. Plus, it doesn't look like the 4x4 light on my dash turns on. Any insight?