2012 Nissan Pathfinder PCV Valve Replacement

Although this isn't in the regular maintenance internals in the Nissan Manual the check and replacement of the PCV valve is listed in the repair manual I have on this vehicle so at almost 200,000 km (125,000 miles) I decided to give it a shot. Since the part was only $30 and it's actually fairly challenging to reach in to work on I figured I would skip the check of the PCV Valve and simply replace it.
Tools and Equipment Used:
Pliers Variety Pack - amzn.to/3mvZIQJ
Assembly Lube - amzn.to/2KLDa05
24mm Deep Socket - amzn.to/2HNOvvD
Adjustable Wrench - amzn.to/37eVHJX
PCV Valve - From Nissan
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[@dyip32]

Something to think about... I followed your video guide for the PCV on my 2010 LE because I was installing a oil catch can. Anyway, maybe because of my large hands, when reaching to remove the hose clamp, to remove the PCV house, and then PCV - I may have been putting stress on that heater hose assembly, causing it to break. Apparently, that plastic "spider valve" heater hose assembly is prone to failure. Luckily I wasn't out on the road, and so didn't need to tow my rig nor urgent car repairs. I replaced the heater hose assembly with a fully steel assembly (no plastic), but I'm starting to second guess my decision for the all steel assembly with worry that the coolant may corrode it. Any way, just wanted to give you and your audience a heads up about that heater hose assembly. Might want to keep an eye on it.

[@DIYNorth]

Wow, that is very unfortunate. I'm glad you got it sorted out though. Thanks for the share and for watching

[@VipDetailingMontreal]

Eh, thanks for this video. Going to do this, this morning 🍻

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watching

[@VipDetailingMontreal]

@@DIYNorth I found out 15/16 long socket works like butter to remove and install the pcv

[@DIYNorth]

good info on the socket. For that clip on the big bundle of wires, yes it is a huge pain. There are a few comments on this video mentioning the difficulty.

[@VipDetailingMontreal]

@@DIYNorth for the bundle wire, the best is to use the smallest flat screwdriver and lift the flat "pin" inside the clip upwards then remove it from the support 🍻

[@diegotoro758]

Very useful, i have the same pathfinder

[@DIYNorth]

Hopefully it will come in handy for you one day.

[@calsurflance5598]

That shop time is insane! Thanks for the video. I have a 2012 with 170,000 miles that I bought new. It has been bulletproof. I will be looking at doing this. 👍

[@DIYNorth]

every once in a while they surprise you with a reasonable shop time though. I have no idea with this one was so high. Thanks for watching

[@calsurflance5598]

@@DIYNorth I went after it today, thanks to your help. Mine was just a little dirty so I soaked it with Carb cleaner. Not that I’m cheap (although I am) but I didn’t feel like driving into town for a new PCV valve. The old one cleaned up like new and works perfect!👍 thanks again.

[@nobody1322]

thanks for video , just did this myself in 2011 pathfinder , what a pain to get it off and to tighten new one, I hope i got it right enough , i used a deep socket like you to hand tighten it than a wrench to turn it a bit more but I could only get 1/4 turn after hand tightening it. left it as is what a stupid location man nissan is anoying ..:: edit: Reason i changed this is i keep getting check engine light , code says it’s the mass airflow sensor but it’s not replaced it. also my air filter when i change it is dirty and oily and the car burns a bit of oil too, when i drive on the highway for 20 min than the check engine light will clear after a car restart, it eventually comes back . so really hoping this was my issue …. i’m also at like 19.6L/100km on fuel which is insane . if this does not solve my check engine light (code is p101 or something mass airflow sensor) any ideas ? really hoping it was this valve just changed it crossing fingers

[@mlgluv2playtv]

Did this fix your problem have same pathfinder chasing mad flow sensor po101

[@nobody1322]

@@mlgluv2playtv it did not fix my issue, the light came back 2 days later, I reset my computer (in plugged battery for 15 min) 4 days ago, so far no light but pretty sure it will come back as this has been an ongoing issue for 4 years … I have been using regulator fuel all this time but premium is recommended so thinking i’ll try premium fuel for next 2-3 fill ups see if that’s the issue. I know it’s not my MAF sensor as I replaced it with an original few years ago and light keeps coming back Code P0101 …

[@mlgluv2playtv]

@@nobody1322 thanks for the feedback I wouldn't think regular as anything to do with it been putting premium since day 1 and updates lmk thanks.

[@DIYNorth]

The location is tough to get at for sure. and 19.6L/ 100km is really bad. My average is about 12-13 according to the nissan computer. I only use 87 octane. If it is unresolved it might be worth getting the diagnostic done at Nissan as their computers should be able to do a better assessment of what is going on with the car.

[@nobody1322]

@@DIYNorth I was considering going to nissan dealer but those guys hose you so bad, they fart and it’s $300 already.

[@cesarcisneros6370]

any video for the oil catch can. that would be great

[@DIYNorth]

I don't have one, but will put in on my list of potential videos for the future. Thanks for the idea.

[@cesarcisneros6370]

do it also need to know if is true that helps to get better mpg my 2010 is making 15 mpg

[@stebensbobby]

Why would u replace the pcv valve like what are the symtoms of a bad one

[@DIYNorth]

Rough idle, poor acceleration, oil consumption....generally not running well.

[@majed9r]

Does the other engine’s bank have another PCV Valve ?

[@DIYNorth]

My manual indicates that the V6 has one and the V8 has 2.

[@majed9r]

@@DIYNorth Thanks buddy

[@Philip_Chong]

Subscribed! Same year as mine and same province!

[@DIYNorth]

I like the Pathfinder....Had to move to Ontario though, which is a bit disappointing.

[@jpomlo5111]

I have a 2011 Pathfinder with 178K miles on it. The manual says the fuel filter is not a service item. There is no recommended service interval for it. I'm not a fan of permanent fuel filters. Have you ever attempted to replace the fuel filter on your Pathfinder?

[@DIYNorth]

No i haven't really looked at it but my understanding is that you might have to drop the fuel tank to do it.

[@truthsocial7338]

Fuel filter is integrated with fuel pump. No needed replacement. I put in good high octane fuel always '07 fronty 275k odo.

[@DIYNorth]

I only give it 89 octane.

[@vicofsf8314]

Good morning sir,hopefully everything is okay with you and your family,I’m also working with my Nissan 2011 pathfinder and I’m just wondering if you know the part number for the hose connecting the PCV to the inlet manifold?thanks for your video I’m able to maintain my pathfinder,I never change the pcv ,it has 200 thousand miles already and I think I have to buy the hose first b4 I change my pcv.thanks again.

[@DIYNorth]

I dont know the part number. For that I would just call nissan and get it from them.

[@MischievousFancy]

How in the world do I get the bundle of electrical cables released from that clip? Wiggling and pulling isn’t working? Is there a tool or trick or something to press to release the plastic clip from the metal?

[@MischievousFancy]

Please help, lol 😅

[@DIYNorth]

i believe that I might have used a flat head screwdriver to pry it a bit.

[@robertribitharrison666]

great video

[@DIYNorth]

Thanks for watching it

[@hubertpiatkowski5041]

Awesome, thanks I need to do this to my 2014. What is the gel you spread on the PCV valve? Some kind of liquid sealant?

[@DIYNorth]

No I didn't use any sort of sealant. It was Lucas Engine Assembly Lube, I only used it to lubricate the rubber gasket. I would say you could any type of lubricant for it as long as it isn't something that will break down the rubber gasket.

[@hubertpiatkowski5041]

@@DIYNorth Awesome.. thank you.

[@JT-ql5oi]

Did this help car run any smoother by chance? My car idle is alil wacky even after cleaning throttle body so thinking about doing this job soon

[@DIYNorth]

I didn't notice a difference in my idle, but if the PCV is clogged it could certainly impact your cars idle.

[@JT-ql5oi]

@@DIYNorth thanks for comment hopefully it helps

[@marklarson2299]

Try cleaning your mass airflow sensor and do use mass airflow cleaner only.

[@jackstraughan2652]

Would the pcv being clogged cause blue smoke on startup ? My idle also goes up and down when cold… thanks man

[@DIYNorth]

Maybe. What my manual recommends checking for erratic idle includes the following: Vacuum Leakage Leaking EGR Valve or clogged PCV Valve Air filter Clog Fuel pump not delivering enough fuel Leaking head gasket Worn Cam shaft lobes. So the PCV falls in that list.

[@alexsanchez8254]

White/Black/Blue Smoke from the Exhaust. If the PCV valve or the hoses are blocked, the crankcase will push up oil into the combustion chambers, which will cause oil to burn inside the engine and go out through the exhaust pipe. This will cause a lot of blue smoke from the exhaust pipe.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

@@alexsanchez8254 yes and eventually it will destroy your catalytic converters. I believe that’s what happened to my 06 Xterra. Will be replacing vacuum hoses, PCV valve, valve cover gaskets and spark plugs soon on my channel. Stay tuned!

[@jerryguzman1921]

how do you disconnect electrical wires

[@DIYNorth]

They can be hard to separate if they have never been disconnected. I usually use a small flat head screw driver if the harnesses are difficult to separate

[@13jonneil]

How do you disconnect the main bundle of wires from the connector?

[@DIYNorth]

I assume you're talking about the big black bundle that has a mid-point connector to hold it in place. There should be a square cut out in the metal piece on the vehicle side. There is a plastic piece on the wire side that snaps through that square cutout. You might be able to push the plastic piece back with your finger, but also might need a flat head screwdriver to jam in there.

[@DIYNorth]

If you watch between 3:52 and 3:58 you can see the plastic piece that snaps into that square cut out while I reinstall it.

[@Andresgm2011]

how much did that part cost you

[@DIYNorth]

normally I put that in the video, but apparently this time I was slipping. If I recall the part was about $25 Canadian. They are not very expensive. It was the shop time that was very high.

[@diegotoro758]

Are you on instagram?

[@DIYNorth]

No, I have a Twitter account that I dont use, one day when I have some time I will get more into social media platforms.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Great project! Thanks for sharing! Excellent video. Here is my dilemma. Can you tell me what this bolt is? I have replaced the oil cooler gasket and now the leak is fixed! I did notice a loose bolt at the bottom of the engine right behind the oil cooler. Here's a video of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lae8oYqBo7J2ipo

[@DIYNorth]

Sorry for the delay, its been a bit wet here with the melting snow, I'll respond on your channel.