Hi all,
I have a 93 Pathfinder 5 speed that has always ran at 1/4 the heat guage and very stable at that point. Lately I have seen the heat guage go up to and sometimes a little above the 1/2 mark with and without the AC on. It also seems that when you go down a hill the gauge will go down a little and then rise again (it is no longer stable).
I have had my Pathfinder for about 4.5 years and have never seen my heat guage approach the 1/2 mark unless in the city with the AC on caught in traffic.
My question is how hard is it to change the thermostat. Is a thermostat something that should be done at a Nissan dealer or can I bring it to any garage with a reliable mechanic?
I read somewhere that the timing belt and water pump has to be removed to change the thermostat is this true (that would make the job expensive)?
I think the thermostat is a good place to start I checked the radiator and it seems very solid. I think my clutch fan is operating because it seems to engage when I start the vehicle in the morning.
Can anyone recomend any test that I should try before I go looking to get the thermostat replaced?
Thanks a million