kentai3838

Sharing a pic for my 2002 as I am about to let it go. It has serve me well over the years. Sunrise at Gilgo Beach, Long Island.

Finally changed the spark plugs last weekend. It was not as bad as I imagined. Nothing was seized and I didn't break anything this time. ( I shear off a 10mm bolt in the past while working other part. ) However, I did notice one of the plastic electrical connection plug(oxgen sensor?) has cracks on it - I have to leave it alone when removing coil packs. The gap on the old plugs were twice as wide as the new one; just by eyeballing it. Incidentally, I now get p1147 and p0139. Looks like oxgen sensor will be my next thing to replace on this suv.

As title said, I don't think the spark plug was ever replaced. I am a bit nervous to remove the plugs off a 17 year old SUV- and I want to ask you if there is any tips? I guess spraying penetrating oil before removing might help. Any other things I should be mindful? Thanks. Ken

I did similar trip last year from NYC to Florida on my 02 Pathy. One experience I want to share - my windshield class crack under the intense Florida sun. The 15 years old car was never our of Northeast; I guess it can't handle the heat. But you are driving it there in winter - shouldn't be a problem for you. Still, you might want to get a reflective windshield cover - so that not to heat up the car so much under the sun. just my $.02.

I would say, 99% on road, 1% off road on beach driving on soft sand. so, 4wd is a must. AWD won't work. Towing doesn't matter to me. 3rd row is a must. i haven't give much thought to domestic vs Japanese. I only started looking at next gen pathy R51 since it still has 4WD. since most of time, it is doing family hauling, so, i dont want too old. I am thinking 2009 to 2012, at least for Pathy. Pilot is the other suv I am looking into. thanks for any advice .

Hi all, I have an 2002 Pathfinder SE. It has served me well; now at 170k miles. Recently I noticed transmission slipping; I think it's days are numbered. Just curious, for those of you who also like this vintage of SUV - what did you replace it with? For myself, I need 3rd for occasional use; and 4WD for occasional beach driving on soft sand. So far, I am thinking about Pilot or Pathfinder between 09-12. Not interested on newer Pathfinder with CVT's. Any pointers? Ken