1997 Pathfinder SE Auto trans: I used 4H for the 1st time today, in sloppy conditions (snow/sleet on unplowed roads) then shifted to 2H for wet pavement, but the 4x4 light stayed on till I reversed about 5 feet. I searched here and found threads saying this is normal for 95's and older. The pdf of the owner's manual I downloaded does not mention needing to reverse to disengage the hubs.
So, my question is: Do I have a transfer case issue, or did the manual just neglect to mention this detail? I bought the PF used a couple of weeks ago and have no idea whether the hubs are automatic or not.
Also, am I right in thinking that once the transfer case shifter is returned to 2H, the 4x4 drive is disengaged, even if the hubs are not?
You don't need to reverse since you don't have autohubs like the 95 and earlier models, your pathfinder has full time driveflanges that are always engaged. Usually just letting off the gas or making a turn will disengage 4Hi. But differences in wheel diameter from the front to the back can cause it to stick on 4Hi, you might check your tire pressures and wear all around.
__________________
1997 Pathfinder XE
Air Lift Air Bags, Warn Hubs
You don't need to reverse since you don't have autohubs like the 95 and earlier models, your pathfinder has full time driveflanges that are always engaged. Usually just letting off the gas or making a turn will disengage 4Hi. But differences in wheel diameter from the front to the back can cause it to stick on 4Hi, you might check your tire pressures and wear all around.
That's correct. There is tension on the hubs when you're moving...so switching to 2WD from 4HI on the fly will usually keep the hubs engaged until the tension is released. (Either by stopping at a stop sign and putting the tranny in neutral, or reverse.) Sometimes, it will disengage by itself if you are coasting just right...but usually the hubs will remain locked until the tension is relieved.
__________________
2005 Pathfinder LE
Black, Charcoal Leather
2004 Toyota Sienna XLE
Pearl White, Tan Leather
Sometimes, it will disengage by itself if you are coasting just right...but usually the hubs will remain locked until the tension is relieved.
I've never had to stop or put my 97 in reverse to disengage 4hi, should do it coasting with no problems, or with a slight turn. If not, then you've got some diameter differences in the wheels that is causing tension or some other issue.
__________________
1997 Pathfinder XE
Air Lift Air Bags, Warn Hubs
I've tried to disengage it by stopping, by putting the selector lever in neutral, etc., but only reversing works so far. I will check the tires for proper inflation. I do know all the tires are fairly new and well-matched.
Hmmm....I have the rear bushing issue that I haven't addressed yet. Could the amount of play in the rear be causing torque enough to keep the 4x4 from disengaging? :::scratching my head:::
There was a TSB on your 97 not shifting from 4hi back to 2hi and the only item it mentioned was the tires. If your tires look fine, post back and maybe someone has a tip.
__________________
1997 Pathfinder XE
Air Lift Air Bags, Warn Hubs
I've tried to disengage it by stopping, by putting the selector lever in neutral, etc., but only reversing works so far. I will check the tires for proper inflation. I do know all the tires are fairly new and well-matched.
Hmmm....I have the rear bushing issue that I haven't addressed yet. Could the amount of play in the rear be causing torque enough to keep the 4x4 from disengaging? :::scratching my head:::
Hmm...then you might have a problem. You shouldn't have to put it in reverse for the front end to disengage. As was mentioned in a previous post, the 4x4 should disengage as soon as torque/tension is released from the transfer case and hubs...apparently, that's not happening for you unless you put the vehicle in reverse.
Hmm..
-T
__________________
2005 Pathfinder LE
Black, Charcoal Leather
2004 Toyota Sienna XLE
Pearl White, Tan Leather
I've never had to stop or put my 97 in reverse to disengage 4hi, should do it coasting with no problems, or with a slight turn. If not, then you've got some diameter differences in the wheels that is causing tension or some other issue.
For the past 230k miles I often have to back up to dissengage my 97se .....the only time i find i dont have to is if im in and out of 4H over and over again over a couple of days. If i havent used it in a few days weeks or months backing up is the only way to get it free. Been that way from day one.....
Ive never once not had a matching set of tires. You can kill a 4x4 in minutes like that.
__________________
Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part........
If you're tires are the same diameter then you have another issue as I mentioned, maybe you and the OP can compare notes. It doesn't take non-matched tires, just enough difference in PSI front to rear can cause it and is common enough for Nissan to issue a TSB on it. Shifting from 4hi to 2hi on the go is normal operation for the pathfinder and having to reverse to disengage the transfer case is a sign of another issue, not the norm. Have you both replaced your t-case fluid recently to see if that had any effect?
__________________
1997 Pathfinder XE
Air Lift Air Bags, Warn Hubs
If you're tires are the same diameter then you have another issue as I mentioned, maybe you and the OP can compare notes. It doesn't take non-matched tires, just enough difference in PSI front to rear can cause it and is common enough for Nissan to issue a TSB on it. Shifting from 4hi to 2hi on the go is normal operation for the pathfinder and having to reverse to disengage the transfer case is a sign of another issue, not the norm. Have you both replaced your t-case fluid recently to see if that had any effect?
Actually I don't think there is any issue at all. If i wait long enough the 4x4 will disengage (since day one...... 230k miles ago.....8 years ago 8 Maine winters ago.....) or you just back up....just like the other two 4x4 nissan trucks I've had. Right or wrong thats the way they work.
You have my well cared for and well worn 97 and the initial poster saying they just got theirs, both behaving the same. Maybe some trucks are just different than others.
Going back to your initial thought that there is something wrong with the operation. There may be something wrong with it but after so many miles no problems ever operating in 4wd mode and plenty of mud and snow and other fun dont you think if it was broken that that it would have failed long before now?
__________________
Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part........
Actually I don't think there is any issue at all. If i wait long enough the 4x4 will disengage (since day one...... 230k miles ago.....8 years ago 8 Maine winters ago.....) or you just back up....just like the other two 4x4 nissan trucks I've had. Right or wrong thats the way they work.
Exactly right, it should disengage after a short time, but putting it in reverse is not required. Your other trucks were pre-97 correct, with autohubs? If so then that makes sense since autohubs require you to reverse to disengage them.
The 96+ Pathfinders have driveflanges that do not need to disengage and the 4x4 system is designed to shift from 4H to 2H "at any speed up to 50 MPH" according to Nissan. Putting it in reverse is a good last resort, but I'd also want to change the t-case fluid to see if that had any effect.
Just pointing out this is not normal operation and design for the OP, but it can take a few blocks for the 4x4 system to disengage. Here's some past posts with hints to get from 4hi back to 2hi.
Turns out the all-important right rear tire was about 5lbs low. Filled it, then had no place to go 4x4 until today when I decided to take it for a spin at the town recycling center. Put it in 4H and rode around the brush chipping area, shifted back into 2H on the fly and as soon as I eased up on the accelerator, bingo! the light went out.
__________________
1997 Pathfinder SE auto 4x4
the green machine
Shifting question: 4H->2H; reverse needed?
Linear Mode
