Two Nissans And A GMC 1500

1993 Nissan Pathfinder, 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 & 1996 Nissan Maxima

May 7, 2007

A Nissan Pathfinder that won't start when it's cold outside and a GMC Sierra 1500 that hums and a Nissan Maxima that "skips".

Question: 1993 Nissan Pathfinder

I have a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder 3.0 liter V-6 4WD, with Automatic transmission and Cruise Control. It runs very well above zero (32°F) but will not start when it is below zero even if the block heater is plugged in.

Answer: This is a known problem with this engine. To fix it install a new Water Temperature Sensor, Nissan part number 22630-51E20 and that should fix you right up.

Question: 2002 GMC Sierra 1500

Vince, I have a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4. There is a humming coming from the rear end. It is not the tires as I just had them replaced. Could it be the axle bearings or something worse?

Answer: Well you know why your truck hums? It doesn't know the words. Okay, so I'm no stand up comic.

The noise could be coming from either the differential or wheel bearings. First thing to do is check the fluid level in the differential. This is how to determine which.

Chock the front wheels and jack the rear end up so both rear wheels are off the ground. Place jack stands under the frame to properly support the engine.

WARNING: NEVER WORK ON A VEHICLE SUPPORTED ONLY BY A JACK!!

Insure the vehicle is NOT in 4WD and have an assistant inside the vehicle. Start the engine and put it in drive. Using a mechanics stethoscope listen to each wheel bearing by placing the stethoscope just behind the brake backing plate. By listening you know if it is a bearing noise. If both are quiet then listen to the differential and listen to it for any noises.

Question: 1996 Nissan Maxima

I have a 1996 Nissan Maxima with 185,000 miles. The "skips" when going slowly uphill. It also "skips" when sitting at a red light. I have poor acceleration sometimes. What can be the problem?

Also, it has begun to run hot. The temperature drops when moving, but rises when stopped. This is the first time it has ever done this. What can be the problem?

Answer: I don't understand what you mean by "skips". Is it misfiring? Is it slipping? Is it bucking?

The "skipping" could be a secondary ignition problem. The secondary ignition consists of the spark plugs, Spark plug wires, distributor cap or rotor. It might also be dirty or clogged injector(s). A partially clogged fuel filter could cause this as well.

If the engine temperature rises when stopped and drops when moving, I would have to suspect the cooling fan motor is not coming on. Try turning on the A/C when the temperature rises when stopped. You should hear the fans come on and see the temperature drop. If it does then you need to look at the cooling fan circuit for the problem.

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