2004 Nissan Frontier gas milage and 60k check up

Forum for the Xterra, Frontier and Hardbody, the smaller workhorses of the Nissan lineup!
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photograph4
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Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2007 3:45 am
Car: 2000 Nissan Pathfinder

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I recently bought a 2004 Frontier XE Crew Cab. I Have only had it for 6-7 months or so, so I don't know if it is just because the mileage drops some in the winter? But I was getting 17.5MPG or so and about two months ago or so it suddenly dropped to 14.5-15.5MPG all the time. The truck just reached 60k miles. Any thoughts?

Also, speaking of 60k miles, I just hit 60k miles. What do people recommend for 60k check ups? Places around here want $450-$800 for the full deal. Should I do it? Should I do only some key things and not other things that may be a waste of money? Also, when do you change a timing belt on these?

Thanks guys!


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PEZi
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Timing belt is 105k... but given the age and such, sooner than later on all the belts would not be a bad idea.

Other than that, on a 60k truck I'd say just do ALL the fluids, do the belts and maybe the hoses if they look like they need it, but probably not. Plugs should be good till 100k but also, given the age maybe not a bad idea.

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Rev_D21
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It is more than common for the knock sensor to fail on the 3.3L causing a slight reduction in performance and mileage. It's not a fun job from what I have read but there are options to relocate the knock sensor in a way that you get your performance back. If you don't like that idea it's about $1000 for a dealer to look at it. We are also running winter-grade fuel which sucks some life out of vehicles as well. If you have access to a scanner try scanning for an inactive knock sensor code.

Most 60k services can be done by the owner. Belts, fluids, filters and I would clean and lube the brakes all the way around to assure proper pad wear and caliper performance. All this can be done in your driveway if you have some basic tools. Consult the FSM for details and use synthetic fluids for long wear life and less internal friction.

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photograph4
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Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2007 3:45 am
Car: 2000 Nissan Pathfinder

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thanks for the advice.

The gas mileage drop happened with the start of winter ( i live in vt) so maybe the start of winter/cold weather (ie leaving the car running to warm up in the morning and evening) and my habit of hitting the gas too hard in snow to have fun fish tailing are both factors... but my 2000 pathfinder never dropped by so much. Maybe from 18-20 to 16.5-18.5 in winters, my truck is doing from 17.5ish to 14.5ish. I am going to try to be gentle with the gas on this next tank and see what happens, and also see about getting someone to run that scanner for Knock sensor errors, though i have not noticed any loss of power.... thanks again!


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