New Nissan Pathfinder owner - please read

[jrgilbert]

As my thread title says, I just recently bought a 2001 Pathfinder SE 4x4. It has 174,000 miles, but is in really great shape only a tiny bit of showing rust in the drivers side rear door. Before I even got it, it had to have - JUST LET ME GET THIS OUT...I AM NOT A CAR GUY AND I AM NOT A MECHANIC AT ALL...LOL - something to do with the idle replaced and had to be taken to the dealer to be programmed. Other than that it runs incredibly well and drives wonderfully too. The interior is in excellent shape expect the driver side carpet has what appears to be a worn through hole. I got new floor mats and now the inside looks practically new. Now onto why I wanted someone, anyone to be kind enough to read.
I found this site because of something about a major recall. First question, that post was from 2011, is it still in effect now? But the bulk of my query is information seeking! I have done some research and the 2001 Pathfinder actually had quite a bit of negative postings. Mostly about O2 sensors, I believe they are called MAFs. Now I know there is going to be way more negative postings because people who are satisfied generally are not going to be as earnest to post that, but people with issues are proactive to vent and complain. I would love to hear some honest feedback on the possible pitfalls to the 2001 Pathfinder and would LOVE some advice on how to avoid, if possible, issues with the O2 and MAF. I will add that one site in particular was had many people calling the 2001 Pathfinder a money pit. Well I have already bought mine and love it. I know it is 12 years old and I know it has 174k miles, but should I brace myself for the O2 issues or is that over hyped and what other common problems could I face.
I thank anyone who answers with a post soooooo much. I truly want this to be a great experience with my new Pathfinder.

[Towncivilian]

The recall is still applicable. Since your Pathfinder was at the dealer for idle reprogramming, any outstanding recalls would have been dealt with then.

What is the manufacturing date of your Pathfinder, found on the driver door jamb sticker? 2001.5 model year Pathfinders have less issues with spark plug coil packs.

Welcome to NICO!

[Chuck Tribolet]

The MAF (mass air flow) sensor is not an O2 sensor. The MAF sits on the intake side of the engine and measures the amount of air going into the engine, which is used to determine how much fuel should be injected. The O2 sensors sit in the exhaust. There are four O2 sensors, two on each side, one before the catalytic converter, one after. The one before the cat is used to fine-tune the amount of fuel to keep the exhaust clean and get best mileage. The one after the cat is used to make sure the cat is working.

O2 sensors live in a tough environment.

I've got an '01 with 225,000 miles.

[jrgilbert]

Re:Towncivillian - Thanks for the info. i think I knew that the O2 and the MAF weren't the same, but I think I did think they were connected. I like the information about the manufacture date. My Pathfinder is still at the dealer. Once I have it back I will check that out.

Re: Chuck Tribolet - Thank you for the post. I hope so much that my Pathfinder easily makes it to 225k miles! Thanks for responding.

[Slumpert]

Do ask the dealer to inspect for the rust issue with the front strut housing. As Town noted, the dealer should check, but that recall is important enough to insure it gets looked at.'

I am new to the pathfinders, but generaly they seem to be "over built" for normal street use and that allows them to go to 200,000 miles with generally scheduled maintances. o2 sensore, MAF sensors, knock sensors, idle air control valves?, thermostats, waterpumps, hoses and radiators seem to be the common issue items that a lot of users here do themselves since the labor is 2-6 times the cost of the part but usually can be done solo in a weekend.

I have had mine since just February and it has been both a personal labor and money PIT, but I know that the parts I replace now should last me for years to come if not anouther decade so it is good ROI.

[jrgilbert]

Re:Slumpert
Thanks for the reply. The car lot I bought mine still has my Pathfinder - hopefully not too bad a sign. If they take care of the idle issue, fine. The skeptic in me fears doctoring just enough to appease me for a while and then I will have issues. They have had it for nearly four days and looks like I won't get it back until next week provided they get to the bottom of it. The idle sporadically will idle up down up down up down between like a 1000 rpm. He said he replaced some idle part - don't ask me what that was, then someone told him it might be a vacuum line or something. I don't know, but he is still trying to get it figured out. So i am off to a rather auspicious start!