lewisnc100

Tire pressure/size was such a common cause of this problem that Nissan released a TSB for it. (NTB98-010)

Check your tires, changes in diameter due to wear or PSI will prevent it from going back to 2H.

If you fix the O2 error the light will go out on its own after enough drive cycles. You don't have to clear it. If it doesn't go out then you didn't fix the error.

The XEs came with 235/70/15 tires, Nissan had a misprint in the manual. Those are a little harder to find in stock.

I replaced both by canister and vent control valve two years ago for under $100 including shipping. Funny, I can still find the canister for around $60 online but the vent control valve really went up. There are 2 sets of part numbers for the 97. 97 Pathfinders with a mfg. date before 4/97 used vent control valve 14935-54U06 and canister 14950-1S717. 97 Pathfinders with a mfg. date after 4/97 used vent control valve 14935-54U04 and canister 14950-1S718. If you replace both you can use the newer parts which were much cheaper when I was looking. If you're looking up prices for the old part#s that might be why you are seeing a higher price for the canister.

There's codes printed on top of the diff that will tell you as well. See this thread: http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=10787

I think that error code is P1447 on your pathfinder which is a EVAP PURGE FLOW/MON error. Under normal conditions (non-closed throttle), sensor output voltage indicates if pressure drop and purge flow are adequate. If not, a fault is determined. Possible causes: - EVAP canister purge volume control valve stuck closed - EVAP canister purge control valve stuck closed - EVAP control system pressure sensor - Loose or disconnected rubber tube - Blocked rubber tube - EVAP canister purge control solenoid valve - Blocked or bent rubber tube to MAP/BARO switch solenoid valve - Cracked EVAP canister - Absolute pressure sensor - MAP/BARO switch solenoid valve

Pic of tools: http://groups.msn.com/LewisPictures/shoebo...hoto&PhotoID=26

You can also look at the ID mark on top of the diff. Should be about 1" high letters and numbers right on top of the diff. The first two characters should tell you what you have: CR 4.363 CT 4.363 LSD CV 4.636 CX 4.636 LSD Not sure what other years 96+ this applies to, but should be right for your 97.

I doubt you have the sports package with your XE. That package came with the LSD, but also the fender flares, fog lights and rear wind deflector. I don't see fender flares in your pic, and its hard to see whether you have any original fog lights.

My 97 XE has the sports package with LSD. It also has all black bumpers.

Don't change the knock sensor, it won't trigger the CEL. My light is off and if I check the codes I'll have a knock sensor error code everytime, but I've never had any issues. If you're CEL is on then you have another code other than a knock sensor code. Can you post the actual code number(s) you are getting. For the front end noise, when's the last time you repacked your bearings?

There's a long list of possible causes for this error, but checking the canister for charcoal leakage is a good place to start. http://groups.msn.com/LewisPictures/shoebo...Photo&PhotoID=5 More info on your EVAP system: http://groups.msn.com/LewisPictures/shoebo...hoto&PhotoID=22

http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=9296

I've got the locknut socket tool, OTC7698 but its kind of pricey. You can search for that number and find it pretty easily, I think I got mine from handsontools.com. I think the CTA4170 tool will also fit, but it was out of stock when I was looking. You can also buy a standard locknut socket from the auto parts store and make it fit by grinding off any extra pins and bending the remaining two. Here's a pic of the OTC tool: http://groups.msn.com/LewisPictures/shoebo...hoto&PhotoID=21

My 97 did the same thing with past codes so I'm betting its normal.

P1441 = Vacuum cut valve bypass valve. Here's a diagram of the location: http://groups.msn.com/LewisPictures/shoebo...Photo&PhotoID=2

Pathfinders had that option through the 2000 year, 2001 no more diagnostic screw.

My money is on the fan belt, try tightening it just a little. Mine acted the exact same way after my timing belt change.

I think you'll find with the R50s the 96-99 rotors held up very well, but the 99.5+ rotors have had problems. My 97 has over 116k on the original rotors with no warping.

The procedures for reading the codes on a 97 are very easy, the problem is accessing the diagnostic mode selector screw. The ECM is located directly above the gas pedal and tucked behind the dash. Once you've found that the diagnostic mode selector screw is located on the topside of the box. Use a small inspectors mirror to figure out exactly where the screw is and how to reach it. You'll have to lay on the floorboard and reach up with a small screwdriver bit, once you get it once you can do it easily by feel. You can also drop the ECM down for easier access. My screw was covered with thick clear tape that had to be scraped away. Once you find it and can access it, turn the ignition key until the Check Engine Light turns on. Then turn the screw completely clockwise and wait 2-3 seconds, then turn it completely counter-clockwise and the Check Engine Light will flash on your dash with long and shorts. Record these numbers and then you'll need to convert the MIL numbers to P-codes, there is a complete list in the Haynes manual. To clear any codes repeat the steps and turn the ignition off.

I haven't seen any posts about problems with the Nissan coolers in the 96-98 Pathfinders. My 97 has the Nissan external cooler and I two quite a bit, never had any problems.

Some models had them from 96-98, but stopped in 99.

Unless your 98 is different than my 97, you not only need to remove the splash guard but the cross brace that supports it as well.

Link to 97 pics and parts list. Also the Haynes is good, but if you use the feeler gauge method to set the tension I think the feeler gauge size is listed wrong. Otherwise the steps are covered pretty well. 97 Timing Belt Change