I just traded in my 92 Pathfinder for a 2003 black Xterra SE-V6 (4x4), 5-speed [Paid: $22,250. (they gave me an additional $1,300 for my trade bring it down to $20,950.) I bought the 60/75,000 extended warranty for $740.00. ].

This car rides just like my trade in – I am very pleased! Lucky for me, the snow in Boston has allowed me to test out the 4-wheele drive. My problem is, for some reason, when I take my car out of 4-wheel drive it keeps slipping back in while I am driving. Has anyone experienced this phenomenon with his or her 5-speed?

I am also look for a solid push bar, you have to be proactive in Boston. Any suggestions would be wonderful.

Make sure you shift the transfer case with some effort. Just moving it until the light goes out usually isn't enough.

that's a pretty good price you got. i have nothing to help w/ your 4wd drive problem though :rolleyes: .

I did not know you could get an 2003 SE with a 5 speed. They only come in the Auto, don't they?

Anyway, like Ian said, you have to push up good on the xfer case shift. I have to push up on mine and then keep pushing up and hold for a while.

I am defiantly confused. I must have an XE-V6. I am not usually this clueless. Thanks!

I have tried to do what has been suggested. It still continues to slip. It is going to snow tomorrow. I will try it one more time...it is frustrating, my 5-speed pathfinder never had this issue.

Thanks for the clue.

Be sure and be forceful like xoc said, and let us know.

Can you actually tell that it's slipping in and out of 4WD or is the light just turning on and off?

I will be driving in 4-wheel for a while. When the road condition changes, I shift it out of 4-wheel. About a ½ mile down the road, the light comes on and the car appears heavy as the roads are pretty clear. I stop (I even backed up once in case my wheels were locked) and then moved the shift back into 2-high. The light goes off, everything feels fine – then, while driving at relatively slow speed (ie, 25 mph) the light comes back on (around a ½ mile). It has done this back-and-forth for a couple of miles. I have attempted to switch on the fly and then at a full stop.

Hi Gretchen! I reside just west of Boston. What Ian and the others say is true, it does take some effort. I can't recall anyone else on the board having this specific problem. You really do have to use a lot of force to ensure the shifter is in place. I've had a similar experience, except that I had sunglasses etc... falling out of the under-dash cubby and partially blocking the shifter. Good luck. BTW I am in healthcare as well. Welcome aboard. The X is a great vehicle.

Hunter

I am in healthcare also.

And it took me awhile to learn how to shift the transfer case and it does take a rather good yank.

You only got $1300 for a 92 Pathfinder? This is why I always sell my vehicles myself after buying the new vehicle. You sure get screwed on trade-ins.

I'm sure what she meant was that the dealer gave her an extra $1300 on top of the trade value to get the price down to $20,950.