2000 Xterra problems

[andrewpc]

Hello all, I've been having some trouble with my 2000 Xterra and I was hoping you could help. I don't know much about cars, but I know that the mechanic doesn't care whether or not what he does actually fixes the problem, so much as he gets paid, so I've come to you because I think you'll be a little more honest.

First off, the most important problem. My car has stopped dead while in drive 3 times now, and died in park once. Twice I was at a low RPM (once parked while talking on the phone, once while waiting at a stop sign), and twice the car began lurching, almost like it was getting intermittent fuel. Both times as I pulled into a parking lot, the car died and I had to coast into a parking spot. All 4 times, I couldn't restart the car until a few hours had passed. I had just done a tune up on the car personally, but that may be a coincidence, because we only replaced some wires, spark plugs, distributor cap, and the rotating unit inside. As well, we also replaced the fuel filter, and still have the problems.

I'm thinking maybe the fuel pump, but a fuel pump is around $200, not counting labor (I don't think I could handle the work alone), and wanted someone's input who knew more about cars. (I wouldn't call me inept, but I'm no gearhead.)

The second problem involves the instrument cluster. I've read a bit on various forums about cluster problems, and mine seems similar to those. At various times, every gauge on the cluster will die, and either freeze at the spot where it died, or coast to zero and stay there. If I stop the car for a few minutes, it usually comes back on, but it seems to happen either when I've been driving for a few hours, or in the heat of the summer. (I live in GA, it gets pretty hot) I took it to a dealership, and they said they've seen the problem before, and the whole gauge cluster needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, it's a $200-ish part, and I was hoping there would be a less costly fix.

Thanks in advance for your answers, I hope I've given enough information. If not, just ask what you need and I'll supply answers if I can.

P.S.~ The Xterra has around 121,000 miles on it.

[Rev_D21]

Nissan had a recall for the fuel sending unit on Xterras and Frontiers. The fuel pump connector passes through the sending unit using a white 90 degree two-prong connector. The connector would corrode, turn green and eventually the fuel pump would lose power through the connector. The recall involved dropping the tank, check for green(corrosion) inside the connector and replacing the sending unit if any was found. Unless Nissan held the campaign open I highly doubt your truck would have the recall honored this far along but the information contained within might be something to investigate. If the 2-pin connector on the sending unit has visible corrosion it could cause what you are experiencing. Good luck.

[Rev_D21]

Here, I found this:

Recall DateMAY 24, 2004

Model Affected2000 NISSAN XTERRA

DescriptionON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

ConsequenceIF CORROSION OCCURS, THE TERMINAL STRIP COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP OPERATION. THIS WILL RESULT IN NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH.

RemedyIN THE FOLLOWING STATES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT. THESE STATES ARE CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Potential Units Affected586196

NotesNISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

[Desert Rat]

The fuel pump is actually pretty easy to replace, if that's the problem. There's an access hole under the passenger rear seat. Just pull the seat cushion and you'll see it there.

[Rev_D21]

That's right, it only sucks if you have more than half a tank of fuel.