2002 Pathy, Time to Let Her Go???

[02SurfPathy]

My great Pathfinder has 147k miles and I've been quoted $1800 to repair an oil leak, Rear Main Seal (of course) (Engine Crankshaft Seal Rear & Auto Trans Extension Housing Seal) and to fix Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set oil leak.

I haven't replaced the timing chain or any other major items.

AC works great, already put new tires on her and getting ready to replace the front rotors (warped again).


I'm afraid to put the $1800 and about $350 for the front brakes, is it time for something newer?


Also I've recently has 3 times were the car didn't crank on the first turn....guess my starter is going.... Anyone know where the starter is and how difficult to change? I have not had time to look for it but it appears from the little research, it has to be removed from the bottom.


Suggestions?


Thanks!!

[QX4ME]

I am in a similar situation. I thought about selling my 02 QX4, 120K miles. Starter went dead last week, but everything else has been solid. I ordered the starter and two belts ready to replace them tomorrow. I will probably still keep it, or sell it when I buy another car. QX4 i my backup car now. I drive Honda van more often but need to drive QX4 just to keep it up.

I tried looking up underneath the car to see if I can work on the starter and decided to give repair shop the job, $140 for the labor. To me it is nearly impossible to access to the starter especially with 4WD type.

[AZhitman]

Don't assume the starter is the issue. Sounds more like battery voltage. Check it with a multimeter.

If you're doing the rear main, that's an engine-out repair... which means it makes sense to do ALL the gaskets and seals, as well as timing chain, water pump, etc. Still cheaper than a new car, and an 02 Pathy is a great rig.

Why not find a local independent mech who can do it?

Front rotors should be a DIY job in most cases - we can walk you through it.

[04pathse]

I've recently has 3 times were the car didn't crank on the first turn....guess my starter is going.

If the battery is more than 3 or 4 years old it could be starting to fail. You can have the battery load tested at an autozone.

The battery voltage might be good, however amperage is also important, car batteries lose their amperage over time.

[02SurfPathy]

@ AZhitman

Great Idea, Will put her on my battery charger and check things. Like another person stated this car is our backup car/beach car but it's the car I drive all of the time. One of the main reasons I love her other than the comfort and ride (and power) is that when coming out of the store I just hit the keyfob and lower the windows, throw in my keys and phone so I don't leave my phone in the cart!!

As far as the other seals/water pump, etc. I will ask the auto company about it. I don't do big things on the car due to the condition of my back & LACK of knowledge and I want her to keep running!

Thanks for the help!

[QX4ME]

I got my car back, and it drives perfect again. Decided to keep it until who knows when.
The shop manager said my QX4 is very well maintained especially the interior is so clean. He has seen some 2015 year cars much worse than mine.

[02SurfPathy]

Return/Update! Found a great garage! I got my rear main seal & transmission leak fixed all for a little over a thousand! She is running great with no more leaks and it's been a year since the repair!

Love my Pathfinder!

[mdmellott]

Love my Pathfinder!

from one '02 owner to another

[02SurfPathy]

I only have about 160k miles, how many do you have?

[mdmellott]

... how many do you have?

Just over 220k. My old '91 had about 250k before it passed away from being t-boned 8yrs ago. Keep the engine oil changed every 3k miles, refresh the AT with a gallon of new ATF every 15k miles or so, and you will see it still running strong at a quarter million miles and beyond.

[02SurfPathy]

I do take care of her and at least if we were in a accident I believe the outcome will be good since Pathfinders are not plastic and aluminum foil!
She still has plenty of power and the AC is still working great!
Now if I could only get Android Auto to work like it did when it first started!