Heat from floor board -normal?

I just bought a 2000 SE XTerra (and loving it) 2 weeks ago. I noticed the floor-board seems to get warm after I drive it awhile. It is a 5-speed (not 4 wheel drive) and I can feel the heat right above the transmission through the floor-board (basically where the cup holder is).

Is this normal or something I need to be concerned about? After two weeks and 500 miles, it seems to be driving just fine. No problems.

thanks for any feedback.

-Mike

It's somewhat common. Long trips, being in 4wd, or having skid plates all seem to add to heat buildup. Owners sometimes turn on the floor vent with AC to cool things down on your feet at least. Outside temperature obviously makes things heat faster or slower depending on where you are.

I think it's mostly due to lack of decent heat sheilding. ChuckH who's poked around there more than I probably has an opinion.

I have opinions on everything. :biggrin:

Yeah, there isn't a whole lot of insulation and shielding between the exhaust pipes and the cabin. Plus, the main cats are stuffed up in a spot where they create a lot of heat and if you have a California equipped Xterra (sold in a few other states too) with 4 cats, then two of them are right under the floorboard. If you add skidplates that cover the exhaust system things will get super toasty. :eek:

Thanks Guys. I thought it might be engineer design flaw. I've noticed it is not so bad anymore, this last week. Maybe it was from not be driven that much before I bought. It is a Texas vehicle.

Thanks for the feedback - I feel better. I plan to get the transmission oil looked next time I changed the oil.

I am very excited about being a new XTerra owner and glad to have found this forum. Pretty cool. Now, if I can just find club in the Dallas, Texas area.

I am very excited about being a new XTerra owner and glad to have found this forum. Pretty cool. Now, if I can just find club in the Dallas, Texas area.

southwest xterra club
www.swxc.org

west texas xterra club
www.wtxc.org