4wd light on???

[Finkle]

I am sure that it is a coincedence, but yesterday i took my pathy to get windows tinted, and last night my 4wd light is on. What does it mean? Can I fix it myself?

The green lights that indicate which tires are running are off and are unaffected by turning the 4wd selector knob.

Its a 2004 LE Platinum edition.

[asnorton44]

Run the 4wd diagnostic and see what the result is. Check the FSM for the instructions.

[Finkle]

Can I download a service manual, or do i need to go buy one from parts store?

[Towncivilian]

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/pathfinder/2004_Pathfinder/

Parts stores got nothin' on Nissan's own factory service manual. I'm not sure what page the 4WD diagnostic is, I'm trying to find it for you in the AT section.

[Finkle]

See Towncivilian. You are the man. I was just saying that on my other post. Thanks.

[Towncivilian]

Thanks for your kind words.

Try this:


Perhaps read this topic which may provide more insight.

How's your transmission fluid level, color, and smell? Should be reddish-pink and not burnt smelling. Have you ever changed the transfer case fluid?

[Finkle]

I havent checked, i will as soon as i get off work. Are they hard to do at home?

[Towncivilian]

Not at all. When you get home is perfect actually, since the fluid should ideally be hot when checked. The procedure:

1. Park on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. With P selected, shift through every gear and return to P.
3. Pull transmission dipstick with engine idling, wipe clean, reinsert completely, and read level. It must be within the notched areas labeled "HOT". Check for fluid contamination after wiping on a paper towel.

If you can, check the transfer case fluid as well - see MA-24. Changing the fluid should be a pretty simply drain & fill, if the plugs are easily accessible (I wouldn't know since I've got a 2WD).

[Finkle]

I changed the front differential fluid, it looked just like autn jemima pancake syrup. (brown and almost see through) I replaced it with brand new fluid. I checked the transmission fluid and getting it replaced tomorrow. I will see it the light goes off.

[Finkle]

So I checked my transmission fluid and it looks and smells perfect. I have tried the 4x4 and it all works fine. I took it to my mechanic and he said that he has no way to diagnose the 4wd light. And for me to take it to a transmission specialist? I am going to try the diagnosis above... but once i get the blinks, where do i go from there?

[Towncivilian]

Perhaps you should drain & fill your transfer case. I have no experience to offer as my PF is 2WD. See MA-24.

[ottofalcon]

I know it's not the same but I have a Montero and it has almost the same display as the path/qx's for the 4wd and once this happened to me, i just reversed it for a bit and everything worked fine, and something similar happened to my qx the 4 lights started flashing and i did the same, reverse for like about 5 feet and it went back to normal!

[SOUTHSHOREQX4]

4wd-shift-light-blinking-t511144.html

[Finkle]

I back out of my driveway everymorning... at least 20 feet. so I can try farther. i'll back all the way down the street. I'm going to change my xfer case fluid this saturday. I'll tell you how it goes.

[Finkle]

Southshore, My wife is from Lindenhurst. She grew up there and moved to West Palm Beach after high school.

[Finkle]

Soooooo, 2 days ago i finally got around to trying the 4x4 self diagnosis. The first time I got a few blinks and counted them. Then i tried it again to make sure my count was correct. On the second try my 4wd light blinked very slowly, then went off. Now everything is back to normal.