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Question: 1999 Nissan Pathfinder  mileage: 102,350. I brought my wife's Pathfinder into the local Nissan dealership for an oil change yesterday. While returning home, I noticed the oil light flickering and immediately pulled over. The dipstick showed no oil. At that time I had driven 9 miles. I called the dealership and they sent a truck to my location. They added 4 quarts of oil (capacity) and had me follow them back to the dealership to inspect the filter, etc. They gave the truck a clean bill of health (no surprise I suppose), and I drove home without incident. What is the chance that damage was done to the engine in that 9 miles? Is there an inspection that would show damage? What do you suggest I do to follow up?

Answer: Write a letter to your Nissan dealer outlining what occurred and your concerns about damage to the engine. Even though the engine appears to be okay now, you may experience problems in the future such as camshaft failure, rod bearing failure and/or excessive oil usage caused by failed piston rings.

Question: 1987 Nissan Pathfinder Z24 mileage: 77,000. Is there anyway you can test a starter relay (or any relay) without taking it to a dealership?

Answer: A relay is basically an electrically controlled switch. It uses an electrical signal to close a set of contacts in the relay. The contacts act as a switch allowing power in and back out of the relay. Using a test light, check for power and ground into the relay. If working properly, the switch should allow power in and out of the relay.

Question: 1999 Nissan Pathfinder  mileage: 91,000. I have a Pathfinder and have lost both remotes. I purchased a used remote and don't know how to program it to my vehicle and was wondering if you knew how?

Answer: We are not familiar with programming your remote. Each make and model is a little bit different. The ones we have programmed have been relatively easy to do. We doubt that the Chilton or Haynes manual will have the information. For sure, the dealer's manual will but they are rather expensive. Your local Nissan dealer may be able to help.

Question:  1991 Nissan Pathfinder mileage: 160,000.  My Nissan Pathfinder stalled a few weeks back.  (It’s a 306E something engine, overhead, fuel injected.)  Then we noticed a few days later that the catalytic converter was growing extremely hot.  When removed it looked rotten inside.  We replaced it.   The new converter is not becoming red hot!   There is a clunking sound in the engine.   It barely runs.  In the past, there was a problem with a canister under the hood that effects the fuel mixture.  What's eating up my catalytic converter?

Answer:  Normally, a catalytic converter will get over heated if the engine is running too rich.  Check the fuel pressure.  Also, check the fuel injectors to see if they are leaking and scan the computer for fault codes.

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Question:  1991 Nissan Pathfinder  mileage 144,500.  What is the usual price one would expect to pay for new exhaust manifolds for the above vehicle?  It's the SE-model I've been given a quote by a Nissan dealership of 1280.00 dollars that includes parts and labor. I was wondering is it best to just shop around for or cheaper price or stick with the deal.  I have no ideal even as to how important the exhaust manifolds are to a vehicle performance.  Please advise.

Answer:   We would shop around a bit to see if you can find a used manifold first.  The exhaust manifold is fairly important re exhaust emissions.

Question:  1994 Nissan Pathfinder   mileage: 75,000.  I noticed a high-pitched whistling sound coming from the right rear of the car this morning.  It seemed to come and go.  What could this be a symptom of?

Answer:    It may be a fuel pump about to fail. They sometimes will make noises before they fail completely.

Question:  1996 Nissan Pathfinder  mileage: 30,000. There seem to be an increasing number of extended warranties available. Do you all have any advice or recommendations? I'm specifically interested in anything you can tell me regarding Warranty Gold, the CarMax extended warranty, or Service Guard.

Answer: We are not familiar with any or these warranties. Read them carefully and select the one with the most coverage at the best price is the best advice we can give here.

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