2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE Reverse problem

[shanti.vt1]

Hello,

I have a 05 pathfinder which has the switch has a 2WD and a 4WD switch. It is usually set to 2wd.

Recently I switched it to 4WD and when I reversed it seems like something was catching the front wheels and the car would move but kind a like if you have your brakes on.

When I switch it back to 2WD works find. Also if I am driving the car normal speed and switch to 4WD it works with out any problems.

I just tried it again and the car reversed fine. In 4WD. Any thoughts.

I had the transmission and the Rad fully replaced by Nissan last year under warranty.

[shaggyT]

Do you have the LE or the SE? And is it 4WD or 4Hi/4Lo?

[shanti.vt1]

I have a SE

the turn knob show 2WD, then 4H and the 4low.

[skinny2]

Were you turning while doing this and/or were you on dry pavement? You can't turn on dry roads while in 4H or it will bind the system.

[shaggyT]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe you're only supposed to use 4hi/4lo when you're stuck like in snow or mud.

[shanti.vt1]

yes I was reversing and then turning the wheel.

[doctahjones]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe you're only supposed to use 4hi/4lo when you're stuck like in snow or mud.

you can use 4hi whenever "slick" conditions are present, like rainy/wet/snowy/icy roads and anytime on dirt/mud. 4lo -should- only be used offroad.

however if it's just wet i'd turn it back to 2wd/auto whenever making sharp turns (like in parking lots) just to be safe.

[skinny2]

yes I was reversing and then turning the wheel.

Then that sounds perfectly normal. If the tires can't slip while turning the system will bind up because the front wheels are spinning at different speeds. I only use 4hi when the ground is very slippery and even then I typically don't use it in parking lots at slow speeds because it makes the turning more difficult.

[disallow]

4Hi is good for anything under 50MPH, but you can expect your low speed maneuverability to be less, the wheels spinning in the front won't want you to turn as sharply as you can in 2WD.

t

[doctahjones]

4Hi is good for anything under 50MPH

ehhhh, thought i remembered reading like 60-65mph in the manual......(although if you -need- 4wd you shouldn't be going that fast anyway!)

[disallow]

it says 85kph on mine.

I have used 4wd on the highway before, when conditions are poor. It helps when its really slippery.

[Heisenberg]

OP: Does your truck have hill-descent? Is that what it feels like?

I have the 2wd/Auto/4H/4L switch and leave it in Auto all winter. Except in deep snow or glare ice, where 4H works better. Deep snow performance seems to best in 4H with VDC off. Just watch out for the ditches.

The cold has been messing with the transfer case or at least with what the LCD dash display is showing. Below -25 it shows the truck to be in 4H even though Auto is selected via the switch. Once truck is warm it turns the central diff icon to "unengaged" ...or I can switch to 2wd and then back to Auto to rectify the display problem. The truck doesn't seem to drive like it's in 4H, (no binding while turning).

Anyone else have display issues in the cold?

H.

[FLiPMaRC]

4Hi is good for anything under 50MPH

ehhhh, thought i remembered reading like 60-65mph in the manual......(although if you -need- 4wd you shouldn't be going that fast anyway!)

So what is the proper use of 4HI? Only when slippery (rain/snow/ice) under 50MPH?

[skinny2]

According to my manual....Quick summary:

-4H is for driving on rocky, sandy, or snow-covered roads. Can shift into/out without stopping. Do not shift while making turns or spinning wheels. Exceeding 62.5mph (100kph) is not recommended.

-4LO is for maximum power and traction on steep grades, rocky, sandy, or muddy roads. You must be in 4H and stopped with vehicle in neutral to shift in/out. Exceeding 31mph (50kph) is not recommended.

-Auto is for driving paved or slippery roads. Only available on LE model.

There is also a note that in low ambient temps the LCD may improperly display which mode of 4x4 is active.