Multiple problems with 1990 Pathfinder...what to fix?

oudent · Sep 26th, 2007, 03:19 AM

Hi,

I just bought an old 1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE with a few problems. The thing runs great but there are a few problems and I'm just wondering what to fix, and what those fixes might be.

Problem 1:
When vehicle is turned on one headlight turns on, and is in the high beams setting apparently.
Very annoying, and I'm sure this can't be good for the lights.
Current fix is to turn the headlights on to full.
Where would things be going wrong? Why would the one light not turn off, and instead go into high beam mode?

Problem 2:
Ignition stuck in lock position.
The key simply won't turn, but after violently wiggling the steering wheel and key it unlocked and I was able to start the car...but now I don't want to take the key out anymore!
The whole thing is a little loose on the steering column now. Has anyone had this problem before? Is replacing the whole key/ignition the only way to be sure it is fixed?

Problem 3:
Power locks lock all doors but driver door. It pulls the lock down, but not enough to lock it.
Also the door needs to be slammed pretty hard for it to stay closed when it is locked by pressing the lock knob down just a little bit more than what the power locks pull it.
Whats the easiest way to fix this?

Thats all I will ask about for now. Any advice or info about previous experiences with similar problems would be greatly appreciated. I bought this thing because it was affordable and because I wanted something I could beat up a bit by doing a little offroading to get to remote climbing locations in the Rock Mountains. So I expect problems, but I want to get them fixed before they cause problems before I'm too far from civilization. The engine, transfer case and transmission all seem pretty good, but the body and anything related to keys (door looks and ignition) seem to be problematic.

Thanks for any help/advice you can give.

**88pathoffroad** · Sep 26th, 2007, 10:35 PM

1. The headlight switch needs cleaning or re-bending of contacts. Easy DIY fix, usually. Replacement switches run around $75.

2. I'd replace the ignition cylinder. Not sure on that price.

3. Remove your door panel on the driver's side and inspect the lock linkages. Lube up the contact points and watch the actuator operate when you lock or unlock the doors to see if there's any special place it may be hanging up. Actuators wear out over time, you could try to find a junkyard part or look on Ebay for a cheap replacement if needed.

If you plan on offroading much you'll wreck your steering in short order. That's a weak link in WD21 Pathfinders. Be prepared to buy steering parts like a centerlink($150+), idler arm($75-90) or tie rods($20-30 each). A steering stabilizer and idler arm brace would be a good place to start. You can score a whole new set of shocks AND a steering stabilizer from 4Wheelparts.com for $160 or so IIRC. That's an awesome deal FWIW.

oudent · Sep 27th, 2007, 11:22 AM

Quote:

If you plan on offroading much you'll wreck your steering in short order. That's a weak link in WD21 Pathfinders. Be prepared to buy steering parts like a centerlink($150+), idler arm($75-90) or tie rods($20-30 each). A steering stabilizer and idler arm brace would be a good place to start. You can score a whole new set of shocks AND a steering stabilizer from 4Wheelparts.com for $160 or so IIRC. That's an awesome deal FWIW.

I couldn't find a kit for 1990 Pathfinders on that page when I looked quickly. Would a steering stabilizer help prevent damage to the steering system? Or should I still expect to have to buy steering parts? How difficult is it to install a steering stabilizer?

Thanks for the suggestions and help. Could you elaborate a little on the headlight switch repairs please? I don't really know what to clean or bend.

**88pathoffroad** · Sep 28th, 2007, 12:19 PM

Pro Comp ES3000 Shocks

That took about fifteen seconds to find...

Steering stabilizer: Rancho or OEM - Nissan Pathfinder Off-Road Association

The SS should come with instructions.

To mess with the headlight switch, take off the steering column cover and take off the switch. There will be a small plastic cover over the contacts that you'll need to remove to get to them.

oudent · Sep 28th, 2007, 01:06 PM

The second link you provide shows the OEM stabilizer. What is the benefit of either OEM (or similar) or another brand like Rancho or Pro Comp? Why would you go through the trouble of modifying the centerlink bracket if you can install one with the existing mounts?

Thanks for the help.

oudent · Sep 29th, 2007, 03:42 PM

Quote:

To mess with the headlight switch, take off the steering column cover and take off the switch. There will be a small plastic cover over the contacts that you'll need to remove to get to them.

Nothing wrong with the switch...at least before I played with it. How do you get the plastic cover back on properly?

So more info on the headlight problem:
Vehicle off & light switch set to 'off' position = no lights on
Turn vehicle on & light switch set to 'off' = right headlight turns on, but at bright setting
Turn light switch to 'on' position = both headlights are on, in normal setting (not brights).

So it is something to do with when the ignition is on. I was trying to follow the wiring diagram in Haynes with no luck. All I could find was maybe it has something to do with the lighting relay? Or does that even effect the headlights?

**88pathoffroad** · Oct 2nd, 2007, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oudent

The second link you provide shows the OEM stabilizer. What is the benefit of either OEM (or similar) or another brand like Rancho or Pro Comp? Why would you go through the trouble of modifying the centerlink bracket if you can install one with the existing mounts?

Thanks for the help.

The problem is that you have to go buy the frame-mounted pin for the factory SS setup. None of the US Pathfinders I've ever seen came with one unless it had the SS factory-installed. It ends up costing about the same to buy a pin, bolts and replacement SS for the stock setup as it is to get the heavier-duty offroad version.

Trouble modifying the bracket? Shoot, I took that off in about fifteen seconds with an angle grinder and a cutting disc. What problems?

**88pathoffroad** · Oct 2nd, 2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oudent

Nothing wrong with the switch...at least before I played with it. How do you get the plastic cover back on properly?

So more info on the headlight problem:
Vehicle off & light switch set to 'off' position = no lights on
Turn vehicle on & light switch set to 'off' = right headlight turns on, but at bright setting
Turn light switch to 'on' position = both headlights are on, in normal setting (not brights).

So it is something to do with when the ignition is on. I was trying to follow the wiring diagram in Haynes with no luck. All I could find was maybe it has something to do with the lighting relay? Or does that even effect the headlights?

Sounds more like one contact is stuck together in the switch, because the switch doesn't receive power until the ignition is turned on. That's why it turns off with the ignition. Flaky headlight switches are common, really. I found this page with a replacement for around $55 if that'll help:
Turn Signal Switch - Hardbody & Pathfinder - Cruise Control: CourtesyParts.com - Nissan auto parts and accessories

There is no headlight relay. The power routing goes:

Battery
Fuse panel
Headlight switch
Headlights
Ground