Nissan Pathfinder R51 ABLS Test - 4LO

Testing the traction control with the Pathfinder again. This time I am using minimum throttle input with no or very little change at the first sign of slip. The outcome was much better. Also, I need a high clearance bumper...See slo-mo!

[@everready19373]

That was actually quite good. Thanks for posting and you get 1000000 extra points for NO MUSIC!

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Thanks. It was a tough call on the music... I mean what off-road video shouldn't have "Bodies" blaring in the background?

[@ratri4969]

I will always say it. This gen Pathfinder was heavily underrated. If Nissan made it with a solid rear axle, it would've made this truck a legend.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Agreed! Several have swapped the M226 from the xterra and Frontier under it and it’s a whole new animal.

[@PGXPPR]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventuresI am currently swapping axles to the v8 style IRS with 4.10 gears and arb lockers. It should be a beast

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@PGXPPR where did you find the shorter R230 axles?

[@justa_2v549]

They it, it’s the xterra!

[@zacharyjacques5551]

I got this gen with stock solid rear axle 2005

[@Dylanhtd]

Your video inspired me to create a similiar video for my older r50 pathfinder. traction control is great, saved my butt in bad wet weather, when I witnessed other vehicles hydroplaning.

[@GridLineGo]

I am so impressed with traction system! wow!

[@mustafanajeeb7859]

Perfect review & great Nissan.

[@user-ks2ng2wn2y]

Отлично проехал! Well done!

[@mikehub6664]

Minimal throttle input is the best way to use it. I learned also that if the brakes are even touched at any time during abls activation it litterally stops the programs. So committing to the obstacle is necessary. Top tip in picking lines, try to pick a line where only one axle is in the air at a time with minimal transition time. I usually walk it an imagine I had to slide a flat board up a trail lol. works every time.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Remember the unexpected Toyota acceleration? That's why we cannot 2-foot any longer...

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Mike, after you made this comment, I saw an article with Expedition Portal on the new Frontier. They stated that the Frontier has always had the ability to two-foot the ABLS system. So, I tried it. On this exact hill. It was WAY smoother and my traction control was not defeated in 4LO. Mine is a 2012 model year. Not sure if that changed along the way.

[@mikehub6664]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures I think you are correct, it may be year dependent. I have tried to two foot with no success. Mine is a 2010 base model w/o Automatic 4wd system and no hill decent control. However abls remains active and can idle to a stop with wheels in the air on an incline without it rolling back, almost acts like I have lockers. But once I touch the brake it disengages immediately and rolls back in an alarming way. Its why I haven't tried hells gates in moab yet haha.

[@flight2k5]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventuresyou know the unexpected acceleration was all lies right?

[@themouas]

Nice! I have always wanted to test mine like that but unfortunately there's nothing like that here in MN.

[@jg180sx]

That thing can crawl! Impressive.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Thanks

[@AK-ky3ou]

Abls works pretty damn well

[@hithummah]

back then when Nissan Pathfinder finds paths

[@lifestooshort6801]

Have a 2008 LE V8 Auto AWD. Just to verify that the V8 is the 5.6 in both the Armada and Titan. Have a CIA and Bully Dog tuner and produce about 330 hp, 405 tq. Same transmission, but different clutch packs. Beefed up drivetrain of course. Not sure if you're aware, but Nissan Pathfinder/Xterra had transmission issues correlating to faulty radiator connections at the transmission cooler lines. A lot of transmissions were decimated because of this defect. Earlier owners simply bypassed the cooler part of the radiator. That being said, because of colder hard shifts, I opted to replace the radiator. I agree with your review. This model design, body on frame, is very comfortable and small steering radius make it almost nimble, lol. Love stoking the 5.6 and a lot of people are shocked they came with a V8. My 0 - 60 is right under 6 seconds with the mods thus far. Last, it can tow 7000lbs conservatively and installed $100 suspension air bags. If you haven't installed them, it was the best investment for the dollar. Cut out a significant amount of body roll. You can very more information on your model and year through many online forums.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Hi David. Yes, much of what you wrote is document on our blog and other videos. Wish i could have found the 2012 with the VK56DE. So we don’t spread panic, majority of the radiator issues were resolved by 2008/9 depending on models.

[@rahulrane1658]

it did really well

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Thanks, yes. It really performs better than expected. TBH, it really is a worthy opponent to the Toyota 4Runner. No only is it capable, but it tows more, faster, handles better, more room/more comfortable seating position, it will save you GOBS of cash upfront. Its also quite reliable.

[@user-ks2ng2wn2y]

Super!

[@christophermartinez5314]

Great off-roading

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Thanks

[@sirjolly81]

I have heard people mention this system but i never had it work on my 2011 r51 2.5td. I struggle on any track that I lift a wheel on. I was way more aggressive trying to get up things. I need to try the very low and slow approach.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

yeah, it works best when you slowly lean into it. If you floor it, it saves the running gear and won't clamp down on a caliper.

[@mahmudadem]

Do all R51's have ABLS even the earlier ones or it depends on the trim level? What size tires are you in this video + do you have a lift? Thank you!

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Hi @MHA. Yes, all 2005+ R51 Pathfinders have ABLS. I am US based, but that should ring true for Global applications as well. There was an earlier write up by a large publication where they stated the traction control was very slow to react and would essentially not transfer power effectively. I have not witnessed this yet unless you try to power through. Overall I am very interested to see how it will work after a regear and LSD install in the rear. The trim level does not add anything from a traction management standpoint. The only trim that added something for offroading is the SE Off-Road added Bilstein Shocks, Skid Plates and Hill Decent/Accent Control with 16" Nismo wheels wrapped in 265/75R16 BFG Rugged Terrain Tires. My suspension is an Ironman 4x4 Performance Kit. It's labeled as a 1.5" lift but that's for the AU version which sits about .75" higher than the US version. The Performance version verses the Constant load is very comfortable and rides extremely well when only dealing with light loads. They do have a Foam Cell version that I have not tested but overall I am very happy with this setup. The tires are a Falken Wildpeak AT3W 265/70R18. Falken marks the sidewalls with a 33"x10.5".

[@workingcountry1776]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures geat info. I wanted a Frontier but i need crew cab for my kids. I discovered I can buy a pathfinder with 100k miles for 5-7 grand vs a Frontier is 8 to 10 grand. I figured suv would cost more but its 3 grand less. Looking forward to family wheeling when not lugging my tools and gear around.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@workingcountry1776 Keep in mind that the Pathfinder has Independent Rear Suspension. Doesn't flex as much as the Frontier but it works...

[@crankc97]

I have the 2007 v6 au version. Does mine have abls as well? I havent figured out how to use it yet because i always shut the tractioncon control off when wheeling!

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Hey there! With the Nissan Pathfinder, you cannot fully shut off the traction control. When you press the VDC/Stability control button, you are only disabling the Stability control and engine control portion of the traction control. To get this level of brake bias, you need to be in LOW RANGE and ease on the throttle.

[@crankc97]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures thanks! Ill give it a go!

[@christophermartinez5314]

✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@AK-ky3ou]

Does abls work if traction control is turned off?

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

ABLS is always on and cannot be disabled unless you pull the fuse.

[@capcityorgnzr]

How does it fare going downhill without any hill descent control like in the Pro4-X?

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

It's fine. I use 4-LO and 1st gear. If you cross-axle on the way down, you will need to use some brakes, but overall it's fine.

[@mikehub6664]

It has electronic brake force distribution so as long as your on the brakes the system will figure it out. It just won't brake for you like the hill decent control will would do.

[@andresgarita3233]

Great demonstration! I understand R51 has a transfer case for 4H and 4L. 1. Is it automatically locked, so rear and front axels have the same speed? 2. So in case that the two rear wheels have no traction, front wheels will get 50% or 100% torque? 3. The two wheels in the same axel always divide equally the torque given? 4. Finally, is ABLS capable to move the car with just one wheel with traction? Thank you!!

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Hi Andres! 1. Yes, it automatically locks the center diff/coupler in AUTO. When selecting 4HI or 4LO, the center diff/couple is locked manually and remains locked until the dial is rotated back to Auto or 2wd. 2. Yes, it is a true 50% F/R lock. 3. No, the same axle will not divide the power equally mechanically. The vehicle has an OPEN CARRIER differential and the power will follow the path of least resistance. You can add a rear locking differential. In my case, ABLS will apply the brakes to limit wheel slip on any axle. 4. Yes, it will keep your vehicle moving even if only 1 wheel has traction. This is most noticeable on the climbing sections where I am transitioning from once cross axle to another. The weight transfer lightens the load on the opposite wheel, causing slippage on 3 or 4 wheels.

[@andresgarita3233]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures That's great! I'm now convinced that R51 is a great adventure vehicle. I'm currently planning to buy one here in Costa Rica. What do you think about the next gen? Since I've seen, they're not so strong and capable like R51. Thank you so much for the answer!

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@andresgarita3233 The R52 Pathfinders are straight GARBAGE! DO NOT BUY! The CVT Transmissions will fail you and they are not for anything other than a graded dirt road at best.

[@reganmickle9821]

​@@BorellaFamilyAdventures The other good thing i learned about the r51's 4wd system is that the centre diff is a clutch pack design and can transfer any ratio between 100R 0F to 50R 50F similar to the gtr's system. n the manual it is even recommended to use auto when driving on wet roads.

[@huaso7376]

Hi, I have the same, tried but do not feel diference with VDC off, did you deactivate it?

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

In 4LO, the Stability Control and Engine Based Traction Enhancement feature is disabled. This is minimal throttle, even pressure, and patience.

[@BasilAlHasan]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures does it have a diff lock? Or it is just the 4Lo? Engine v9x?

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@BasilAlHasan It is in 4LO. That's just ABLS doing its thing. There is not rear or front differential locker installed. The engine is the 4.0L V6 Petrol

[@BasilAlHasan]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures I have a Navara D40 V6 3.0L diesel. It is a very powerful pick-up, I feel similar behavior while driving on slippery surfaces on RWD because of ESP. I didn't have the chance to use 4Lo or similar terrain, yet!

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@BasilAlHasan The traction control is surprisingly good. You will be happy with it. I'd also recommend a locking rear diff from Harrop/Eaton as a supplement for major hill climbs to save your brakes from cooking.

[@rumaddness961]

Pretty good considering trash ifs and IRS and open diffs great job bud

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Here's the deal... The fully-independent suspension isn't ideal for off-camber or cross-axle situations but I don't consider it trash. As my daily driver/family-mobile, the IRS/IFS is perfect. It rides well, handles great, and provides excellent clearance when off-road. The traction control that Nissan provides (ABLS) corrects the need for a live/solid rear axle. I have a complete appreciation for the live axles, Jeeps are amazing with its mechanical simplicity. But, we have to be honest... It's absolutely jarring to drive everyday on-road. I had one and couldn't wait to give it back!

[@rumaddness961]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures totally agree with that I have one as a daily great on road and up hills towing but off road bouncy as haha

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@rumaddness961 That's exactly why I went for upgraded suspension. The bounce is nearly gone, but I am working on figuring out a quick disconnect for the swaybars.

[@rumaddness961]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures I'm going to try manual hubs nice and cheap unknown how the computer and abs will react but no hassles only $90 I only use mine light offroad camping and on sand dunes I tow my terrano out for the more challenging obstacles

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@rumaddness961 I don't think there is any reason to do manual hubs. There are no reported failures with the standard hubs that I am aware of. What is your though process behind this?

[@rahulrane1658]

How do you do such a fantastic job? I have seen other Pathfinder videos and they just could not do it Any tips on how you made it so smooth? Almost effortless

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Yep, it’s two foot breaking, low range and ease in the power. The Pathfinder does the rest.

[@johnnyceciliano6245]

I suppose that the "electronic" is better in your 2012 than would be in a 2006 for example , right? Cause yours step over that impressively easy 🙌🏻 And what size of tyres is that mate👍🏻

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@johnnyceciliano6245 Sorry for the late reply. No, the electronics are the same for all R51s if they have the VDC or ESP OFF button. Some do not, and that may be why they struggle. The tires are 265/70R18. I have changed to the BF Goodrich TA/KO2 which is much better for this terrain.

[@workingcountry1776]

Seems like brakes would get quite hot and ware alot if wheeling like this long enough

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

I have been doing this for years, even towing a 4,000lb camper all over and no issues yet. There are sensors to ensure you do not cook the brakes.

[@elonsus9747]

These R51 Pathfinders have very little articulation thanks to independent suspension all around. But you did very good considering.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Thanks. Yes, the articulation is slightly better with the aftermarket suspension. The only way around it is to disconnect the sway bars, then it's a pretty significant gain.

[@mikehub6664]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures I'm rolling without sway bars full-time on a 2in lift. It's perfectly acceptable surprisingly. Dodged a deer, and didn't feel like it was going to fall over. More comfortable on and off road too. The sway bars didn't engage til we're pretty deep in the travel anyways.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@mikehub6664 Good to know. Might need to remove them. I'd like to see how it does with the Black Series Camper on the back.

[@mikehub6664]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures I have a 5k rv I tow with no sway bars. LT tires helped more than my swaybars ever did.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@mikehub6664 Excellent. I just put on the 33's last year but they are not LT. They are XL rated with a thicker sidewall.

[@mxpx148]

There is no substitute for actual lockers. That being said, it looks like ABLS works almost as good as Toyota ATRAC(without sounding like the truck is coming apart), and about even with Jeeps BLD.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

I had a Liberty with the BLD and this works much better in hard climbs. As for ATRAC, this engages later but is more consistent during the climb. I’m getting a rear locker lol.

[@mxpx148]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures the BLD in my JL worked really well. Idk about libertys

[@NOTYOURPROJECT555]

Nice rig, love the pathfinder you can check out what I have done with my pathy on my channel last video. PS!CLICK SUBTITLE ON FOR ENGLISH SUBS!

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Thanks, I will.

[@victorromo1036]

Are you running stock or do you have any mods?

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Ironman 4x4 Performance suspension and 33" Falken tires.

[@luciano.1149]

Nice, what year and engine is it?

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

2012 4.0L V6

[@vcostainternet]

Nice tires. What kind/size?

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@vcostainternet I ended up switching to BFG in 265/70R18

[@Elchamakiito69]

What Size of tire u have

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

265/70R18

[@jonathanlucero78]

So you leave the traction on, and put it in 4LO? Is that how it works????

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

That's correct.

[@jonathanlucero78]

Alright, now I know lol

[@elspatata4x4]

Con bloqueos??

[@MegaZach98]

what size tire

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

265/70R18

[@_fefe]

you need another chassis-shock absorbers + springs (IM, OME, etc, 2"body lift) *** kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXuwXpSOq5uUo6c

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

This R51 has the 2" Ironman 4x4 lift and 33" tires. I am avoiding the body lift because of the integrated hitch in the bumper.

[@_fefe]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures 5cm = 2" body lift no need to adjust the bumpers

[@pizzasaurolophus]

every video i see of an r51 offroad it has a tire in the air all the time.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Yep. That’s the independent coil spring suspension with sway bars.

[@terrymead145]

Where is the abls

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Not sure what you mean? If you are looking for a button, there isn't one. ABLS is automatic and is always on.

[@arsenl584]

ESP OFF ?

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

This is in 4 LO. VDC automatically turns off the Stability Control and leaves the traction on.

[@christianramon808]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures all the models?mine is a 171cvs 2007 4wd

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@christianramon808 You should have ABLS. Even models that did not have VDC, still came with ABLS.

[@donutmaniac12]

I don’t get the pathfinder honeslty… just get a D40

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

I assume you mean the Frontier/Navara? They are good trucks with horrible back seats and I travel with my family. I also like the full time 4wd that’s not offered and the 3rd row seat. Pretty easy to understand now?

[@donutmaniac12]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures yeah, I think it’s the frontier in American and other countries. They do have their problems but she is great… I say this when mine isn’t drivable 😂

[@scottChapman25]

I'm more of a fan of a locker

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

I think that's a pretty obvious statement. The problem is that there isn't a native locker option from the factory or aftermarket without some heavy modification.

[@scottChapman25]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures xterra pro4x. :)

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@scottChapman25 Yes, but I needed a 3rd row and a higher towing capacity. A plus is the full-time 4wd in winter

[@scottChapman25]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures that's true, and the v8 is nice to have. I have a titan swap xterra and I'm wanting to do the vk swap.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@scottChapman25 i always thought a vk swapped xterra with the transfer case would be pretty legit