Question on engine heat to touch?

[tomb]

I just bought a 2002 Pathfinder and I have a question on how the engine generates heat to the touch on the hood and even inside next to trans shifter. To the touch the hood seems very hot and to the right of the auto trans shifter inside the car seems hot also. Not scorching hot but definately very warm. I traveled about 1 hr and noticed that the car just seems a little hot too me. The temp gauge, oil & trans fluids are full & normal color. Is this normal for these SUV's? Thanks, tom

[fueler]

Nissan Pathfinders just run hotter than a lot of other vehicles. If your temp needle stays in the middle for the most part, then you're doing just fine. My cupholder next to the trans shifter is a dedicated warmer. I do not put cold drinks in that one because it warms the drink up quickly!

[fueler]

And our hot engines is the reason to use original NGK spark plugs. Other brands of plugs are just not up to the task. They don't stand the heat for very long.

[88pathoffroad]

Heat from the shifter area means that the rubber boot under the carpet and leather cover has torn or cracked. Replacements from a dealership are usually reasonably priced and relatively easy to install yourself if you want to..