Transmission problem
2001 Nissan Pathfinder 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 216K miles
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I have a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder automatic with the 3.5l engine. It has 216,000kms on it, starts and runs like a dream; except when I first take off in the mornings. Doesn't matter if it's hot or cold outside. Always starts and idles well, but when I put it ito drive and step on the gas, the engine usually chugs and there's a pretty big hesitation regardless of how far the accelerator pedal is pushed down. After 3 - 4 seconds of this, the situation changes, the truck takes off like the wind, and everything will be fine for the duration of the trip and other trips until such time as it cools down for a lengthy period again.

Any ideas? It's not a huge issue just yet, but seems to be slowly getting worse and I fear that one day I'll be dead in the water.

Thanks

Hi eddie4x4fish,

Does the CEL shows at any time?

There are so many possibilities so I would suggest getting a scan done to find if there is anything wrong with the engine management system.

Hi KHLow2008,

Nope, the check engine light hasn't come on in about 9 months. It did come on shortly after I bought the vehicle, but the dealer replaced two O2 sensors and that solved the problem. This issue is more recent (last 2 months or so) but no dash indicators at all.

It's really weird. After the first forced acceleration, the truck runs fine for the rest of the trip.

Thanks
Eddie

Hi Eddie,

I would suggest checking the spark plugs and related parts.

Check the fuel filter and regulator too.