QuestionI have a 1990 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr SE 4WD. Just a day or two ago I started having problems with the manual shifter. My son was driving it for a couple of days and he said it was getting harder and harder to shift gears while driving. He drove it to our house, and my wife got in it yesterday to go pick up our dogs, and she couldn't shift (the 5 speed) into any gear. She played with changing the 4WD shifter, then called me, frustrated. I tried it, and when I put the 4WD shifter in the top position, which I think is 2 WD (the manual's been gone for years! I've had the Pathfinder for 18 years...) I can get it into first gear with the engine off, start the engine, and it will go forward in 1st, but the clutch catches at about 1/4" off the floor. In other positions of the 4WD shifter, I get different capabilities on the 5 speed shifter, from being able to shift into any gear but the clutch catches nothing when released, to not being able to shift the 5 speed into any gear. I've been changing the 4WD shifter with the engine off, then starting and seeing what happens. Can you help me figure this out?
Thanks very much in advance,
Stuart Bethune
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
AnswerHi Stuart,
Wow, that is an odd one.
My first guess is to say that the pressure plate is going south on you. Sometimes when they go bad, the fingers start to one-by-one get broken making the clutch disk grab at odd times. This typically doesn't hinder the ability to shift the trans though, at least not while it is off and stopped. Obviously unless you have to do some swamping to get out of your driveway, you'll want to keep the T-case in 2WD mode.
I guess I'd start by draining the trans fluid and refilling with new. Check the old fluid for grit and metal. If that doesn't help, remove the inspection cover between the engine and trans and take a peek at the clutch assembly. If there is some dust you're fine but if you see any tiny, stringy black hairs hanging out down there, it's time for a clutch-kit.
Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php
