I have had an off and on rattle for quite a few months. I decided to do a little research before I took it into a shop. I first thought it it had something to do with the EGR valve but in my HAYNES manual and talking to a Parts Manager at a Nissan Dealership the 2001 Pathfinder does not have an EGR valve. Does anyone know what 'part' is doing the job of the EGR for this vehicle? Because I am due for a tuneup I am hoping that a tuneup may fix the problembut just wanted to check here first. Thanks!!

 

is it intermitent? like when you first start it does it do it more loudly and often? does it go like ------ (pause) ------- (pause) ------- (pause) until it gets warm and then stop? if so Ive got the same rattle in my 94 pathy 3.0 v6 and would love to know what it is also!

 

I have the same problem with my 2001 Pathfinder. I have the extended warranty and have taken it to the dealer many times andthey have beenunable to figure it out. The Service Engine Soon light would also go on and then off. So far the dealer has replaced the oxygen sensor, computer, and on the latestservice visitthey also replaced a non-warranty part (some kind of bypass part). The SES light has stayed off since my last visit (about 1000 miles ago). My Pathfinder has the 3.5 liter V6 motor and the problem has been occurring since I had the vehicle in for it's 30,000 mile service (could be a coincidence). I now have 72,000 miles on it and have taken it to several different dealerships over the past few years and they haven't been able to fix it. When it starts spark knocking the motor loses a good deal of it's power. It seems to occur between 2250 & 2750 RPMs. It is intermittent but has been getting worse as of late. The tranny also seems to act funny at times (not sure if that's related). The dealer I've been working with has been helpful but I really think they are out of ideas. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

It's probably the vent control valve that's bad if it's an egr related problem..... other common problems are the VTC sensors, and the valve timing control solenoids.

 

Thanks Burnout. I'llask the dealer to check those for me.