Nissan Titan Maintenance and Repair

akangl

I probably better bring my Titan in too, the FM reception is horrible. I just listen to CD's instead. Needs an alignment too and I need to check to see if they got the window regulator in yet. That's about all the problems mine has at just over 2 months old and 9200 miles.

7forever1

Is anyone experiencing a shaking with the steering wheel when braking from a speed of 40mph or greater? I described what was happening to my dealer and their response was that the pads are defective and Nissan is on a huge back order for new ones.
Also experiencing the squeaking in the dash and the same A/C issues other owners are pointing out.

accumac

I had the pulsating brakes and posted my experiences earlier about the process of turning my front rotors then having them replaced as well as the brake pads, caliper bolts and shims. I don't think that replacing the pads will help you out unless they replace the rotors at the same time. The steering wheel vibration is caused by warped rotors, not defective pads. I finally took care of my squeaking dash by removing the shroud around the instrument cluster and re installing it so that it does not rub the instrument cluster facia clear plastic on the lower right corner just above the ignition switch. (twice not fixed by the dealer) I now have 19,700 miles on the Titan and don't notice the hissing noise from the A/C anymore, I don't know if the hiss is gone or I just don't hear it any more. My Rockford Fostgate system rocks!

rafa

Yes I've experience the same problem with my o4 nissan titan xe when i'm going 30 or faster and brake the steering wheel starts shaking also the wheel goes to the right like it needs an alignment and this on a truck that has 2900 miles on it if anyone can help thank you

7forever1

That was the other problem I forgot to mention, the pulling to the right. I've had an alignment done and it still pulls!! Like you, I've only got 3800 mile on it.

Thanks for the responce

akangl

It needs an alignment and sometimes its just being sensitive to the road. My Focus had to be aligned at 2k miles, its MUCH better than it was, but still will wander to the right, that's just the road.

My Titan used to just wander a little, but after running it up and down the logging roads it has started to pull to the right, I'm going to get it aligned here eventually. Its at 9800 miles now.

rafa

204 nissan titan ext cab. We'll I've notice that the ext cab doors are misplace on the driver side its like there out of place i ve haven't notice any leaking yet also has anyone had any hesitation when go from a stand still the tranny hesation a couple of seconds if anyone has any help thank you

mccdon1

I justy had a new radio installed under the TSB I mentioned a few posts back. HUGE improvement on FM reception! Thought I would let everyone know.

Don

devin

Heck yes. I can't even put into words just how much I agree with you on both accounts. The AC and the brake dust. I have a blk LE (not the crew cab) and the AC thing is driving me up the wall. Did you service center tell you anything about it? Mine was not helpful.

devin

Fellow Titan owners, I've done some research--perusing through various forums and asking questions from various service centers. The guy from the service center were I'm from said that he was considering contacting Nissan on the issue of the rotors--it causes the truck to vibrate (either the steering wheel or the brake pedal especially) when braking past a certain degree. The guy said they were or had become warped--and that he would "machine" them for me to help the problem. I think Nissan should replace them. It's a 30K truck. It's their responsibility, period. Also the AC system was poorly designed, poorly implemented, poorly manufactured, or all three. It's "hissing" varies from annoying all the way to abnoxious. Sometimes it sounds like the sound you get if you put your head close to your car/truck's tires and slowly let the air out---it's that loud. Someone should pay----money----to fix this problem, and it should NOT be us---the people who bought the truck. It again should be Nissan. The brake dust. There's not much to say. It accumulates at a ridiculous rate--totally unacceptable for a 30k truck--or even a 22k truck for that matter. Again this problem is Nissan's, not mine and not yours. I'll start an army in my spare time if a have to. I don't like being screwed and then told that I haven't been screwed--unless, of course, it's by ....well nevermind. The fact is, that these problems are so widely reported by so many of us (Titan owners) in so many different areas that it's CRYSTAL CLEAR that this is a problem with the TITAN itself. Therefore, it is Nissan's LEGAL and PROFESSIONAL obligation to acknowledge this on their website and to provide reimbursement to Nissan service centers to correct these problems, not sweep them under the rug, really FIX them permanently. What say you?

accumac

Cool your jets! I agree that problems that are not resolved quickly are disappointing, especially with a new vehicle. I consider myself a Guinea pig for Nissan, I purchased my Titan in December of '03, breaking the first rule in my book of "never purchase the first year of a new model". My rule comes from my own experiences as a mechanic in the early 80's for Nissan, BMW, Saab and Honda Motorcycles. The fact is no matter how much pre-production testing the manufacturer does the public is going to bring out the weak spots in any vehicle. It takes time for the manufacturer to figure out the proper repairs (that are not just temporary band aids), then pass the instructions on to the dealer. In the meantime the dealers are scrambling to keep the public happy with very little help from the manufacturer. I have already read about the Nissan engineers touring the plant in order to figure out how to correct problems with the Titan and Armada. The next production line will accordingly be better. I am not saying that it is acceptable, just that a buyer of an early production model shouldn't be too surprised by problems.
    Lets not forget that these are trucks, trucks that are very smooth and car like in their ride and performance but still trucks with truck suspension. I am very impressed with the ride quality considering that I can four wheel and haul with the best of them.
   The brakes are excellent! As good as any truck out there and better than most cars but they make brake dust! BMW's and Saabs have very good brakes and brake dust lining their wheels. I find that the brake dust cleans up pretty easily, if it is cleaned often then the wheels stay looking like new. The brake rotors warping is a problem that has been addressed by Nissan, I have already had new rotors, pads, shims and caliper bolts as instructed by a service bulletin. Not a good thing that your dealer wants to turn your rotors, I guarantee you that you will be back with pulsating brakes, insist on new rotors! I purchase a New '99 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton that had new rotors and pads under warranty. I guess that GM never built a 1/2 ton truck before '99! My 2002 Silverado 1/2 ton never had any brake problems, wish I could say that for the rest of the truck.
   The A/C hissing is diminished on my truck, not gone but not nearly as noticeable as when it was new. I will give them credit for providing a very good A/C unit that cools the big cab very well. Really, it is very good, the hiss is unfortunate but not the end of the world. I used to have many customers that cursed me because their BMW's A/C was sub par, BMW scrambled with all kinds of different sensors before the system was acceptable, unless you had a black 528e with a black leather interior, that car was never cold.
    I am probably too forgiving because of my years holding the wrench, I know what it is like to be in the mechanic's shoes, it isn't easy. I have to admit that I never saw a problem persist, it might take a few tries but the manufacturer will make the problems go away or the customers will. I also believe that Nissan is suffering from a sales boom, that stresses the service end to play catch up with all the new models and their problems. I don't think there is a VW mechanic out there that is not singing the blues with his friends Jack Danials and Jim Beam, because of a VW sales boom then a warranty service nightmare. My 2001 Passat was great until it had a fuel injection computer failure then the engine never ran correctly again, the final repair was to trade it in. I pity the fool that buys it without a long test drive.
   What say I, 21,500 miles and still in love with my Titan.

akangl

VERY well said. I too have an early Titan (born on 1/04, purchased 6/04) and it has its moments. I've put 10,500 miles on it and am still very much in love with my truck. The only major gripe I have is the front windows getting stuck down in the door, parts have been on order for 3 months now. Good thing I'm patient, lol. My truck does the A/C hiss, but I hardly notice it anymore, I think its quieted down, either that or I've learned to ignore it. I can't imagine owning a different truck, this from someone who swaps cars every 3-6 months.

The Titan has proved to be a worthy truck, I've hauled firewood (loaded down in the bed and with a heavy trailer on), towed a travel trailer and a popup camper, pulled our big car hauler trailer, taken the truck offroad, there is nothing I've tossed at this truck that it hasn't met with a willingness to do. Its a great truck.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Anyone who buys a first year model and doesn't expect problems is setting themselves up for major disappointment. That goes for Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, any carmaker.

mcscjt

1800 miles thus far on my LE 4x4 KC with NO problems. No squeaks or rattles. Bedliner has no bubbles or chips. RF radio reception is great.
AC hiss is really mild, I can't believe this is such a big issue for some people. I agree that the AC works great, it cools my cab in 95 degree heat quickly. I rarely turn the knob 3, position 2 cools the cab great.
Brake dust is very heavy in many cars such as BMW. I had a 94 325is that turn the wheels black. Here's my solution....get a bottle of wheel cleaner (the kind you can hose off after 2 minutes) do it once a week. I spray my wheels and tires every other week, the truck itself rarely needs to be cleaned from regular driving.
No braking problems yet, but I will get them checked at my next service. The engine is great!!!

keanec

A quick look in the local shopping centre parking lot shows 4 new F-150s with tons of brake dust on their front wheels. Also 2 Rams with this problem. Didn't look at GMs.

This is not a problem that is only with the Titan, it is a problem with having good brakes. You just have to wash your wheels more.

natit

#117 is correct new fords and dodges lots of brake dust notice it everywhere i go, I was at a nissan dealership a month ago, saw a titan coming in for service,front wheels were almost black.Been looking at titans all summer waiting for the right model and hopefully a fix to some of the problems,no luck,said goodbuy to my 2002 silverado, 27000 miles had belt replaced once for squeal, no other problems, said hello to my new 2004 silverado 3 weeks ago,1045 miles not a problem yet, paid almost 10500 off sticker i guess ill get my titan in a couple years, good luck titan owners see ya in 06

boomer1b

Be wary of some of those spray on wheel cleaners!
Some brands EAT or spot the clear coat finishes off these new wheels.

Use caution.............. I smoked a set on one of my trucks a few years back ! Now just plain old soap, water and elbow grease for me !

stephenson18

Bought my titan back in april and so far so good just a few minor problems. Windows some times get stuck in the down position and takes about three times for the button to work. Two screws on the drivers side door came loose and the open door button stayed on. Didn't know what the problem was until we stopped for gas and noticed the latch was loose but fixed that. Now i'm experiencing something else and let me know if it has happened to any body else. the parking brake light comes on and the B-LSD light stays on. the manual says check the brake fluid and thats at the correct level. the B-LSD is the brake limited slip differential light. Any idea why these lights come and stay on. Should I be worried? Going to call the dealer tomorrow and see what the deal is?

akangl

The windows on my Titan do that all the time, its going in tomorrow for a different dealer to look at it, first dealer says its the window regulators but then they couldn't get the parts. The other dealer says they can get the parts, so going to give them a chance, the windows drive me nuts.

I've never had the B-LSD light come on at all, but I heard another Titan owner talking about it the other day, not sure what causes it though.

i006129

A comment and two questions.

1. Brake dust is what it is. German or Japanese, you're going to have to deal with it.

2. Gas mileage seems to be close to what is advertised, is that a common experience?

3. Has anybody had good or bad experience with the stability control?

I'm about to buy and want to make sure I know what I'm getting into.

Thanks.

akangl

Gas mileage seems to be right about what they advertise, that is if you keep your foot out of it and are realistic about your driving.

The VDC (vehicle dynamic control) is wonderful, no complaints there. Its saved my butt a couple times in loose dirt on the logging road that I drive with the truck.

I would say go for it, BUT, keep in mind the trucks have some quirks that take time to work out. However, powertrain wise they are flawless!!!

razo

I just pickup my Titan 4x2 crew cab SE, So far everything is what I expected...I did read this board before my purchase and inspected mine to see if it had any of these symptoms and here's what I found

1) The radio reception does suck....Also, I notice the volume goes up and down every time I speed up or slow down. I thought it was some special volume feature based on road noise. I can't find anything in the manual that indicts this so I will chalk it up as a defective head unit. Will try to get it replaced from the dealer....

2) Noticed that the side compartment door is very hard to close. You have to slam it...It was posted on this site to check for a buckled compartment door. Now I know why!! It will buckle just above the lock mech from slamming it....

3) The AC is a little loud ( howling or hissing sound when blower is past 3 ) no big deal. I will say it's very efficient, cools very quick at #3 or #2.

4) Lots of brake dust, no big deal....I don't think it helped when I drove with my e-brake on for a couple of miles. I know...I'm a dumb A@# Wish it had a bigger idiot light....

5) Overhead compartments catch at the back hinge area when you open them. It makes it difficult to open some times, you have to pull real hard. Simple fix, shaved the back of the compartment door with an exacto blade.

Everything else seems to be rock solid, no rattles....I pulled and probed every nook trying to find more problems but all is solid at this point....Enjoy it very much !!!

Razo

akangl

Is supposed to lower the volume when you slow down, at least I read it somewhere in the manual cause I thought mine was bad too. Reception does suck though, mine is being replaced next week for that.

keanec

1. This is the SSV feature. Press the tuning knob on the right until you see SSV. You can turn it off, low, med or high.

2. You want it hard to close so it stays water tight. Just give it a firm push on the black part and you won't dent/bend anything.

4. E-brake usually only activates back breaks. Shouldn't give you any dust on the fronts. A bunch of dust is normal and it will abate over time/mileage.

rafa

I have a 2004 nissan tian xe with the off road package I have three problems one the shaking of the steering wheel, second the steroe, third i just got a notice in the mail about a recall on the seat belts the problem is how long will the take to fix because i nee my truck for work we have a second car but my wife drives it to work. I wonder if they would give us a rental should i ask them or wait for the to ofer thank you

akangl

The shaking is probably a wheel balance problem I would guess, but could be something else, mine doesn't shake at all. The stereo is no biggie, they just replace it, the replacement should work fine (does in mine). The seatbelts don't take long at all to fix. All told they should have your truck less than 1 day. As for a rental, well, that's up to the dealer I guess. I didn't bother, just took the shuttle van back to where I needed to go and they came and picked me up when the truck was done.

rafa

Thank yo for the response good to know they probobly will have it done in one day

krash

I'm thinking about picking up a Titan, but read another forum that spoke of many problems with the rear diff. It seems that the trucks may not come from the factory with enough fluid. In some cases the diff burned up while towing for the first time. Anyone had this experience? Apparently, the Armada has a similar problem.

akangl

I haven't had any trouble with the rear diff on my Titan in the 13k I've driven it, 1/2 of that was towing heavy trailers. The dealer changed all the fluids (except engine) in the truck to synthetic including the rear diff so I'm sure that's why. I would say don't worry about it, just drain out the fluid and replace it with a good sythetic, end of problem.

krash

Thanks. That's what I plan on doing if I do buy one. It's looking that way...

bonsco23

First, I love the Titan. It's my "BAT" (Big A-- Truck)

The one problem I encountered after only 2600 miles was the passenger window mysteriously and without provocation, moving down on it's own. The window button was unresponsive and it did come down during a rain storm. Brought it to the dealer who kept it for 5 days due to having to order a part (regulator). While I was there, they told me of the back seatbelts being recalled and replaced them.

Although it was a pain, the dealer was helpful and the problem is fixed....

bonsco23

An update to the Titan Window problem from the above post...

A week after bringing in the truck for a malfunctioning passenger side window...and waiting 5 days for the part to be ordered and then repaired...the DRIVER SIDE window did exactly the same thing.

Luckily the dealer is helpful and providing a rental @ N/C...but, what a disappointing situation. I traded in a 2000 Maxima that had little to no problems for this Truck and after 2600 miles, I've had it to the shop 2 times within a week. I expect more from Nissan "quality" than what I am experiencing at the moment.

wrkllc

Just a note, I too had a clunk noise, along with chunk noise shifting between 2nd 3rd, coming from what I thought was the rear end of my Toyota Tundra 2000, what it ended up being was a failing transmission (pan was full of metal, Toyota uses four magnets to catch metal particals). I am currently trading it in on a Titan. I suggest you take it to the Nissan dealer and demand they pull the trany pan and inspect it now. All Toyota and Nissan Transmissions are now built here in the US. If you find metal particals stuck to the magnet, insist Nissan look closer to the transmission before your warranty is up. I had to pay because mine was out of warranty. Good luck.

quadrunner501

At this time, the Nissan Titan tranny is still built in Japan. The engine is made in Tennessee however.

wrkllc

You are correct, I saw only the Engine sticker said it was built here in the US

gonecamping

Not sure how to describe this but when the engine is idling there is a clicking noise (very fast) and it has the same rough sound when you accelerate. The dealership said this is the normal sound of the engine. I have over 9000 miles on the truck and don't really remember hearing this noise when I bought it. Anyone have something similar and does the dealer response seem correct? Last thing my radio just started going out of tune on the preset stations (eg. 107.1 jumps to 107.3 and out of tune). Is this the tuner problem that other people have experienced?

Thanks

akangl

On the engine idle, mine does the same thing and the dealer says its normal. The clicking is the injectors, guess its a Nissan thing. I'm just over 14k on my Titan.

As for the radio, can't help you there. My Titan's radio was replaced for poor reception, the new one is MUCH better.

titandoc

two things:
1-I have se 4x4 with tow pkge.it di not come with the 7-pin wiring harness plug. Did I get jipped or am I supposed to purchase separate?
2-I have what I believe is the trailer brake wiring that needs to be installed. The diagram for the 7-pin wiring harness plug has connectors for electric brakes. Why did I get the cables also? or Am I supposed to install the wires too for the electric brake connection to work?
My dealer did not give me any info on this and nissan does not have customer support.

akangl

Ok, first I'm sure you do have the 7-pin wiring, its right next to the hitch on the back if you do have the towing pkg. Second, the brake controller jumper harness is to be spliced to the brake controller and then plugged into the plug under the dash. Its not the end of the world, read the owner's manual, lots of good info there.

titandoc

Thanks for your reply. I was not clear enuf. I do have the 7 pin wiring next to the hitch. I was refering to the whitish plastic plug-in receptacle where one connects the trailer wire.Located right under that spring loaded cover. The dealer told me I have to purchase it separately. I find that hard to believe since the tow package would be incomplete without it. Did yours have it?

akangl

You mean the 7 to 4 adapter or ? I just plug in the 7-way wiring from my trailer right into the 7-way plug on the truck. There is no receptacle that I know of other than where the wiring plugs in.

titandoc

Thats it! When you lift the spring loaded cover you plug your trailer wiring into that 7 way receptacle. Well, that receptacle comes out. My truck does not have it and that is what the dealer sais I have to purchase. Well. I'm sure that's not an expensive part and I'll just have to buy it, I was just curious about it. I do still think that no matter how inexpensive it is,it should be replaced if it was supposed to be there.

akangl

When I first got my Titan I backed into a log and broke the 7-pin wiring. Had to replace the whole thing, the plug just unscrewed from the bracket and a new one screwed in, both plugged in at the back of that plug. Its a complete piece and cost about $12.25, not sure if that's what you are refering to. I know its not 2 separate pieces but one solid piece that has a plug at the back to plug into the truck's wiring.

davant

A buddy of mine just got an '04 4x2 4-door Titan. Great ride, but something struck me as unusual. The oil pressure gauge acts like a tachometer. Before you motor-heads pile on and tell me what I already know, that oil pressure varies with RPM's, this is nearly a full range variation from L to H on the display. Tromp on the gas and it nearly reaches the H, idle it stays near L. Most vehicles I've had (24 and counting - currently '03 Expedition, '04 Volvo S-80, '03 Deville) have a virtually consistent reading that stays midrange, more independent of RPM. Did Nissan engineers design a more accurate albeit active indicating system on purpose or could this be a problem? He's not a big web researcher and would like to avoid dealer service if all they're going to say is, "What did you expect the oil pressure gauge to display, the stock market?" The manual doesn't discuss pressure flux, just that it isn't oil quantity and we verified that there is the correct amount of oil in the engine. If this is normal maybe a note in the manual is in order. This inquiring pal wants to know about your experiences, thanks.

akangl

Mine does the same thing. I just ignore it, that's the least of the truck's problems right now.

dustyk

This is a classic symptom of a stuck oil pressure bypass valve.

Dusty

davant

Dusty,

OK, sounds reasonable, a stuck pressure bypass valve. Did you have this problem with a Titan, take it to the dealer and now you no longer have the problem or is this your professional opinion based on experience with another vehicle? I was going to opt for caterization to remove any circulatory system blockage but with such a young patient (800 miles) I thought therapy and seeking other opinions was in order before operating, LOL.

Incedently, this is the ONLY problem he's had with his '04 Titanic other than a good bit of brake dust and a thirsty engine. The dust is worse on our '03 Expie and I'm very satisfied with something called Kleenwheels I've had on for 28K of 39K miles. They cover the rims from the inside and have slotted vents to assure adequate cooling. I don't work for the company but they are Sierra-Hotel, near zero dust! Custom cut to your rig & wheels, about $80 for four and they sell them in pairs too. Ford dealer said it won't void the warranty (mine since expired) and the manufacturer backs that up on paper too. See for yourself at http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=1045&addcar=1. Ford brake dust was so bad they issued a TSB to replace pads, at customer expense of course (bite me Ford!). The Armada wasn't out when we bought or I'd be posting there now.

Dave out

coppertone1

Hey guys, sorry to hear about a lot of your problems, but I have one so for, and this is one I have not seen on hear yet.I keep blowing out a #15 fuse. That fuse controls the inside lights,side mirrors and driver side adjustments.If anyone else is having this problem please let me know.Oh yeah if you guys are looking for the standard dvd package, you can order it at MYRON&DAVIS WEBSITE.It is the same one Nissan charge you about $1700 they have it for $829 get it in 2 days for $869 no sale tax, coming out of Cal. dvd monitor,dvd player 2 cordless headphones and transmitter. Oh yeah you must cover up factory one in back (transmitter)with black electrical tape so headphones operate right.

akangl

Does the DVD plug into the existing wiring? In other words does the stereo recognize it and play it through the speakers if wanted? Just curious since I'm thinking about doing this with mine......that is unless Nissan buys it back.

mctackett

#98 stonemedal : My Titan is just a week old and I know exactly what you are referring to regarding the iron lung. It breathes when the A/C compressor kicks in to cycle. My service manager has listened to it and doesn't have a clue. Guess we'll wait for a TSB. I do have a few rattles I'd like taked care of but other than that great truck. Also have a metallic scraping noise from the front left when the rear tires brake loose coming out of a mud hole, about 1300 RPM, anybody else have that? do not have the VDC button on this truck. It has the E-lock diff., if that maked a difference.

coppertone1

Yes it does.No cutting wires or rigging up. Straight factory stuff. You can listen to the movie threw speakers, or they can listen to movie with headphones, and you can still enjoy your music.Radio or cd's. I love mine.Just knowing I saved that much money.