2004 pathfinder transfer case control module, can’t find a replacement anywhere.

[gsg]

Hey folks,

 

New here, any help is very much appreciated. I’ve got a 2004 Pathfinder that has been having 4x4 issues. Awhile back the “4wd” service light came on, everything seemed to be working fine so I put it off for awhile as I was in the middle of a move. Once I brought it in the mechanic said that it was no longer switching out of 4wd and they believe the transfer case control module is the culprit. I can’t seem to find a replacement part with a matching part number or year anywhere. I’ve managed to find a few for 01-03 models, and lots for 05 and up but not a single one for an 04, part # 33085W900.

 

does anyone know where I can get one, or can anyone confirm if a module from an 01-03 will work? Will it require programming?

 

and finally, if all else fails and I can’t find the part, is their a way to get it into rear wheel drive permanently? It’s in great shape still with low kms, I’d hate to replace it.

[Slartibartfast]

Where did you find that part number? It's not getting me anywhere either. Poking around on NissanPartsDeal, I found what looks like the right critter, but there are two part numbers for what looks like the same thing, and both are discontinued. 33084-5W900 and 33084-5W905, both listed as 07/2002+. Your VIN might narrow down which one you've got, and the part number might turn one up elsewhere. Worst case, you might get lucky at a wrecking yard. TF-48 in the '04 service manual (available here) shows you where to find it in the truck.

Did your mechanic say how they narrowed it down to the control module? I would go through the TF section of that service manual before assuming the module is in fact the problem. Should be some troubleshooting in there that'll help you narrow down what's gone wrong. It assumes you have Nissan's special scanner, but there's often a "without CONSULT" diagnostic procedure. The manual calls your transfer case ATX14A. The diagrams on factorynissanparts call it out as XN3, for some reason. 

Does it drive like it's stuck in 4x4? Does low range work? Long shot, do you have manual locking hubs? Sometimes those trigger the trouble light, not because they're hurting something, but because the computer wasn't designed with that in mind and it gets confused.

The ATX14A is not a unit I would want to open up or try and jerry-rig. It's a complicated little bugger. 

[hawairish]

@gsg, echoing @Slartibartfast's reply.  Also curious to know how it boiled down to the control module.  A faulty TFCM would disable signals to solenoids, reducing line pressure and reverting to 2WD operation by default.  Something would likely need to be mechanically stuck to keep in 4WD I'd think.

 

Also, note that the presence of the 4WD light at startup indicates a fault present in the TFCM; it doesn't necessarily mean it's in 4WD.  A decent scanner can read directly from the module to retrieve any fault codes, but there is also a scanner-less self-diagnostic mode that will flash trouble codes.  View the FSM chapter here: https://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual?fsm=Pathfinder%2F2004%2Ftf.pdf

 

ATX14A sections starts on page TF-41, but see page TF-61 for the self-diagnostic mode instructions.  If you do it right, it'll reward you with a series of flashes of the 4WD light and 30 extra lives in Contra.  You may have more than one code; it'll blink them all before repeating the list.