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I tought it was strange. Maybe there is a good explanation..
Anyone ?
What IS strange, however, is the temporary problem I had where the one-touch open and the tilt buttons were "switched." I never experienced it until they disconnected the battery to replace the gas tank (see description in post #656 above). In my post above, I describe how the buttons temporarily kind of "reversed functions." It only happened that once and has not happened again. A friend of mine who test drove one of these kinda' remembers this also happening to him on the dealer lot back in October, but not sure. Hopefully, I will get some sort of answer from Nissan on this in connection with my service engine soon light problems.
Have any of you with 01s or 02s experienced this temporary reversing of the buttons? Maybe after a battery disconnection?
P.S. Was going to update all on status of Lemon Law stuff, but out of time; basically, turning lemons into lemonade . . . and you Nissan owners will be pleased to hear of my treatment by Nissan Consumer Affairs and Nissan Arbitration . . . at least so far. :> Very encouraging. [I can tell you though, if I did not know the issues, do the research, written the letters with pages of attachments documenting everything, etc., etc. then I do wonder if everyone would be where I am. But, then again, it pays to do your homework and then let the facts and law speak for themselves.] I will update shortly.
For now, anyone following lemon law issues and wondering whether you need to be an attorney to tackle them (you don't!) should send a blank E-mail to kkulig@aol.com with the words "Lemon Law Document Request" in the subject line. You will receive a terrific document in a reply E-mail from an Edmunds user who shows you all the ropes, so to speak. Hats off to Edmunds, as I found this info in a very old post somewhere here on the Town Hall!
2. As for poor window performance when cold my dealer replaced the window gaskets they worked perfect.
According to Discount tire Co. , Nissan doesn't make the hub ring that fit the rim of 2001 SE , therefore it difficult to balance the wheel even if doing road force balance on Hunter 9700 machine.
Is it true, any one here having luck getting the shimmy and vibration issue resolve ?
I turned right around and went back to the dealership and after meeting with the service manager and sales manager, will be dropping my car off on Monday July 7 for them to run a more thorough emissions diagnostic. They believe that there may be a pinhole sized leak somewhere and will be performing some sort of smoke test (?). I am hopeful that they will be able to correct the problem.
I have been following mjohnr99's posts regarding his woes and appreciate the information regarding the lemon law statute. Obviously, I would prefer for them to offer to exchange the vehicle, but since it was a floor model, I believe this is unlikely.
I'll be happy to keep every here posted with my experience with both the dealer and Nissan if this issue escalates any further.
Think I can feel the cluck through the break petal-breaks, rear links ???
Any ideas?
Short answer: charcoal canister filter had a hairline crack (as I had asked them to check from Day 1!!!!!! (see my prior posts)), the new canister has completely removed problem, temporary sunroof operation was a non-issue, and in exchange for my hard Lemon Law work, I now own the top of the line, longest length, gold-preferred premium Nissan policies: 1) 100000 mile, no-deductible, extended warranty/service contract, and 2) 75000 mile scheduled maintenance service contract (oil changes every 3K, rental cars, the works). Yes, I am very satisfied with Nissan’s treatment once I issued my demand letter with a draft Lemon Law Notice attached. I AM back to being a “happy camper,” and although I could have gone for more (a few months car payments, etc.), I decided these two policies that I negotiated were a fair outcome, given the problem was a “service engine soon” light and not something like some have experienced with transmissions, engines, etc. on some American models. These policies don’t cost Nissan much from a company perspective, but their retail value is in the $ thousands $ (e.g., a 30K mile service at the premium level runs $550! What a rip!) – so, I’ll take them and go back to enjoying my new PF. Overall, I give Nissan an A for the professionalism and absolutely perfect follow-up that Nissan Arbitration displayed. If they are always like this, then I know why NSANY (Nissan’s stock symbol) has jumped from the mid teens to 21 overnight. The key, as I said in an earlier post, is to arm yourself with the facts and information, document everything, do it in writing, and make clear demands. You do NOT need to be a lawyer; an on-the-ball consumer should be able to do the same. I will admit that Nissan Consumer Affairs didn’t particularly impress me, as it wasn’t until the demand letter writing stage with numerous attachments, receipts, etc. that things got moving with them and they started to pay attention. In the end, Nissan Corporate made good and made me whole and did the best under the circumstances given the fact that they had a service center that regrettably missed something that they maybe should have caught early on. Rhymerguy, you need to read on and consider your options; the fact that it was a demo is probably IRRELEVANT.
Turns out the erratic sunroof behavior that lasted for a few seconds can happen anytime the battery is disconnected. The sunroof computer is very primitive. After losing power, it has to run through almost a “self test” to “find out” how to line up, etc. This was explained by corporate to me and their description of the behavior matched exactly what my sunroof did that one time. Similar to a copy machine that may stall and have to run through a self-test to figure out “where it was” and “line itself back up” for normal operations. The sunroof has worked perfectly since!
The “service engine light” story recap in a nutshell (now, remember, from the beginning I said “why don’t you double-check the charcoal canister as I know it is NOT a loose gas cap, as from my Edmund's pals I know to turn it MANY clicks"); each number represents a trip into the dealer:
1) Light ON; they said loose gas cap, sent me away; 2) back ON; they replaced gas cap, sent me away; 3) back ON; they replaced some valve under the hood that Nissan Tech advised them to replace, sent me away [turns out that they never called Nissan tech]; 4) back ON; they ordered new gas tank, sent me away; 5) part came in, they replaced gas tank, sent me away; 6) back ON; they said they would have their “regional expert guy” look at it, I said "no-way," demand letter time (see next post); 7) after receiving written confirmation of the Nissan extended warranty and service contract, returned vehicle to dealer, corporate tech immediately determined that it was the canister filter (as I asked from beginning!), replaced, and problem solved on first try!
The reason they were getting a gas cap code on the diagnostic was because this canister filter under the driver’s side rear (under the vehicle) had a hairline crack that was letting air seep in just like a loose gas cap. It took a while to order a replacement filter as these were on national backorder. Apparently, there may have been a bad batch of these on vehicles getting replaced around the country as nothing explained why the part was out of stock like this. Rhymerguy, you may have the same problem (but even so, get at least some dispensation for your hassles if they don't fix after a resonable number of tries, e.g., like 3 tries! (see next post)). It seems the dealers just go through the next step of their flow chart of what the problem may be; but, based on my experience, insist they go back and check the most basic of things. You may even deserve some free service contracts like me depending on what you end up going through after all this; document everything (days lost use, etc.); I am 90% sure you may be covered under the statute. In VA, it only takes 3 attempts. At a minimum, they need to make you whole and feel like you neither gained nor lost from the experience of the multiple trips and hassle. Had they not fixed mine on that immediate next try after getting the two contracts, my next step would have been to file the formal lemon law notice or give them another couple attempts in exchange for three months of car payments (basically, the duration of the time where I was inconvenienced and losing use of my vehicle).
One good strategy I learned for any future repair attempt that seems “dicey” (this is from a Nissan corporate insider), is always call Nissan Consumer Affairs that you are taking the vehicle in for X or Y work/problem and you want them to follow-up with the dealer. Tell the dealer that you did this as well and that Consumer Affairs should be contacting them to make sure all went well with whatever it was. This puts the dealer on notice and makes sure they are really following the correct procedures and not saying they called Nissan Tech when they never did. Also, I now have a form letter that I update and whip off my computer anytime I drop the vehicle off for overnight service; for example, just got back from the 7500 service (all free!) and my letter said in part to make sure to not over torque the lug nuts on tire rotation. [If for some reason they did, and I was stranded with a flat somewhere, then believe me, it would be another demand letter to Nissan Corporate with that letter as documentation. There are good reasons why they always say to put things in writing.]
I think there is some new JD Power survey where Nissan did really well, right? A sign of my exeprience.
Anyway, all is well that ends well! It sounds like all this was days of work, but really the mental aggravation and waiting were the bad part - writing the letters, doing the research/follow-up, writing this Post!, etc. were not that bad at all! :>
P.S. If they had not fixed it on that try, I think I said that then it would have been me filing the lemon law notice and triggering the statute or them agreeing to cover 3 months payments (~$600 a month) before I let them have another shot at some more repair attempts. Again, demand letters are very effective! The threat makes them more likely to respond positively, then does running off to file suit, which often only entrenches your “adversary.”
Hope this story helps/motivates others!
[Date]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
BY CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing this letter to alert you that I am considering seeking redress under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, Title 59.1, Chapter 17.3, §59.1-207.9 - §59.1-207.16. This letter concerns problems that I have had with my [describe vehicle], VIN# [insert VIN]. Unless you contact me within seven calendar days of your receipt of this letter to discuss these problems, I will formally notify you of these problems by submitting the attached draft notification. If, at the time you contact me within the seven-day period, we can not reach an agreement regarding these problems that rectifies the situation to my satisfaction, then I will formally notify you by submitting the attached draft notification immediately thereafter. Please contact me at the above work telephone number so that we may discuss and (hopefully) resolve this most unfortunate situation.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Attachment
DRAFT
[Your name]
[Address]
[Phone]
[Date]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
BY CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to notify you of the nonconformity I have had with [describe vehicle], VIN# [insert VIN], pursuant to the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, Title 59.1, Chapter 17.3, §59.1-207.9 - §59.1-207.16.
By way of background, I first informed Nissan of this nonconformity by written submission on [date] at the www.nissanusa.com website (see Attachment A). After receiving no formal response from Nissan other than an E-mail acknowledgment from Nissan Consumer Affairs confirming the receipt of my written submission, I sent you a letter, certified mail/return receipt requested, on [date] alerting you of my intent to submit the instant notification and seek redress under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (see Attachment .
I purchased my vehicle from [dealer] on [date]. Approximately five months after purchase, I began having trouble with the vehicle when the malfunction indicator lamp (i.e., “Service Engine Soon” light) came on steady. I took my vehicle to [dealer] on [date], [date], [date], [date], and [date] to have this nonconformity corrected, but to date, the dealer has been unable to do so. Thus far, this dealership has attempted to repair this nonconformity four times. Attached are copies of the five repair orders that document the dealership's four attempts to repair my vehicle (see Attachment C). In addition, I have included a summary of details and notes that I have compiled describing each of my five visits to the dealership during the months of [insert months] (see Attachment D).
This nonconformity significantly impairs the use, market value, and safety of my vehicle. Because this same nonconformity has been subject to repair three or more times by this Nissan dealership and the same nonconformity continues to exist, this letter serves as notice of your final opportunity to correct or repair the nonconformity. Unless you are able to correct this nonconformity within 15 days of your receipt of this letter, I request that you accept return of my vehicle and refund the full purchase price under the provisions of Section 59.1-207.13 of the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act. Pursuant to this Section, I request that you refund all collateral charges and incidental damages, including but not limited to [insert dollar amount] of Nissan and aftermarket accessories purchased for my vehicle from [purchase date] until present. In addition, under this Section, I request that you provide compensation for yet-to-be-determined mileage placed on my vehicle, expenses including but not limited to loss of work, and reasonable loss of use for [insert number] days necessitated by these above-referenced attempts to conform my vehicle to the express warranty.
At this time, pursuant to Section 59.1-207.15, I do not elect to use Nissan’s informal dispute settlement procedure to avail myself of my rights under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act. Any loss by reason of your violation of any provision of Section 59.1-207.13 will result in civil action to enforce such provision. It is my hope that we can avoid such an action by either: (a) your correction of this nonconformity within 15 days of your receipt of this letter; or (b) your compliance with my requests described in the immediately preceding paragraph. If a reasonable resolution under either (a) or (b) does not occur, however, then I intend to enforce Section 59.1-207.13 by civil action where I shall also seek to recover reasonable attorney's fees, expert witness fees and court costs incurred by bringing such action.
Please contact me at the above address or telephone number to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for you to inspect my vehicle and make the necessary repairs.
Sincerely,
[leave the actual signature section blank for now!]
[your name]
Enclosures
Attachment A: [name]
Attachment B: [name]
Attachment C: [name]
Attachment [name]
Last updated [insert date]
Owner:
[Your name]
[Address]
[Phone]
Vehicle:
[describe vehicle]
[insert VIN]
PURCHASED: [date]
Visit #: 1
Date: [date]
Mileage: 5,306
Instructions/Problem Description: diagnose reason for “service engine soon” light that has been glowing steady since [date]; explained that I did not think it was due to the common loose gas cap problem which I had been aware of and avoided since vehicle purchase by always turning 3 clicks x 3 times for a total of 9 clicks
Repair: tightened gas cap and cleared codes
Visit #: 2
Date: [date]
Mileage: 5,419
Instructions/Problem Description: diagnose reason for “service engine soon” light that has been glowing steady since [date]; explained that I did not think it was due to a defective gas cap as the cap had never been physically damaged, and if it had been defective then the “service engine soon” light would have appeared soon after initially buying vehicle; requested examination of charcoal canister filter and hoses under vehicle rear
Repair: replaced gas cap with new cap and cleared codes
Visit #: 3
Date: [date]
Mileage: 5,550
Instructions/Problem Description: diagnose reason for “service engine soon” light that has been glowing steady since [date]; requested examination of charcoal canister filter and hoses under vehicle rear
Repair: at advice of Nissan Tech, replaced purge control valve and cleared codes
Visit #: 4
Date: [date]
Mileage: 5,745
Instructions/Problem Description: diagnose reason for “service engine soon” light that has been glowing steady since [date]; requested examination of charcoal canister filter and hoses under vehicle rear; requested loaner car
Repair: received loaner; informed that charcoal canister would be replaced; in examining charcoal canister filter and hoses, discovered fuel back-up and suspected defective valve in gas tank; when informed that customer has never topped off tank, conclusion that this was certain to be source of problem; returned vehicle to owner until replacement gas tank and fuel gag valve could be ordered
Visit #: 5
Date: [date]
Mileage: 5,745
Instructions/Problem Description: installation of replacement gas tank and fuel gag valve; requested loaner car
Repair: received loaner; installed replacement gas tank and fuel gag valve and cleared codes
Next Visit #: TBD
Date: TBD
Mileage: TBD
Instructions/Problem Description: explained on [date] that for some reason all my presets (seat memory, radio stations, etc.) had been erased; described new additional problem with sunroof operation where “one-touch open/close button” acted like a tilt control (sunroof would NOT one-touch automatically open as normally had, but would only tilt up and down) and “tilt button” acted like an open/close button (but with movements of only opening 2 inches at a time upon each press of button); explained that within 30 seconds of pressing and discovering sunroof button problems, “service engine soon” light reappeared; requested diagnosis of reasons for loss of presets, temporary sunroof button problems (operates normally now), and “service engine soon” light that has been glowing steady since [date]; explained that I would contact Nissan Consumer affairs for advice as to next steps; requested re-examination of charcoal canister filter and hoses under vehicle rear; requested loaner car
Repair: service advisor explained that loss of all presets (seat memory, radio stations, etc.) was due to battery disconnection; no explanation as to source of problem for temporary sunroof button problems and “service engine soon” light that has been glowing steady since [date]
* * * * *
P.S. Can you believe after all that it actually was the Charcoal Canister all along!!! Aargh. :>
I suppose you could try another approach: rather than vacuum it, you could use compressed air, either in a can or with a high-pressure air compressor (i.e. gas station).
You can easily find cans of compressed air at Wal-mart, office supply or electronic outlets. Costco stores carry compressed air in sets.
First, tilt the sunroof up, then close the sunroof shade. Aim the compressed air into the left rear corner open sunroof and blast the stuff out the right side. You could also leave the shade partially open, but then some debris will fall into the cabin, where you'll have to vacuum or wipe it away.
1) shrill metallic squeal coming from front end after 15-20min driving, appears once speed is over 40kph
2) power loss at higer speed/high rpms (ie hills climbs over 70kpm and 3500 RPM). Engine feels like it is choking itself out. Easing up on gas results in power recovery.
Any thoughts?
I just had a new windshield installed in my 2001 Pathfinder. I noticed that the air bag lamp stays on for about 3 to 5 seconds when the engine is started. I have had this vehicle since new, and don't recall ever seeing this lamp illuminated at startup. Should the lamp stay on for 3 to 5 seconds upon startup?
I believe the windshield installer mentioned something to do with the passenger side air bag being involved with windshield replacement.
Thanks
Woody
Brought it to the dealer and they are ordering a whole new radio and cd changer. "That's what is prescribed by Nissan." My CDRs do not have labels on them so the thickness issues identified on ealier posts do not apply.
So, the next time I have to disonnect the battery for service I will run into this problem? I am afraid my warranty will run out and I will flip the bill for a WHOLE new radio. Anyone have or have not had similar problems when disconnecting the battery?
Do we really need to disconnect the battery for any maintenance items? It beats resetting all of your custom settings. I can only think of the fuel related maintenance as needing a disconnect (just in case of electric spark).
Well, fortunately it was covered under factory warranty. Warranty will expire in 2K miles. I won't be disconnecting the battery unless I absolutely have too for safety reasons.
The interesting thing is that after a few days or weeks of driving it goes off. The last two times it has come on, I have gone over a hard bump on the Freeway (and the light seems to come on right after that).
BTW, is this covered in the 5 year emission warranty or will I have to shell out $$$$ for the dealer to tell me that my gas cap was lose.
Also if I disconnect the battery to reset the computer, how long should I keep it off? Any precautions to take while changing the battery?
If you have to disconnect a battery, be careful when reconnecting (or disconnecting). Try to not intermittantly connect/disconnect it. Just one connection or disconnection (be firm or deliberate so you get one spark only).
Do you really need 4 lo to back your boat up your drive way? My boat weighs about 4500lbs w/trailer and my drive way is fairly steep with a large curb. I've never had any problem backing up the driveway in 2wd, even while backing w/o locking out the surge brakes on the trailer. I have an 01 LE.
Sivi1, I tend to agree with dieselone about the use of 4wd to backup a boat. I don't see how it can help you or your engine unless the wheels spins badly when you backup (it should not be the case on paved driveway). I've backuped my boat in many difficult places with both the 4Runner and Pathfinder and to be honest 4wd would have complicated my life more than help (4wd binding issue on paved road).
I think that you should be careful about doing this. It could cost you dearly in the long run.
I do remember connecting the negative terminal multiple times because I was not satisfied with the connection fit. I remember it sparked (very small sparks) everytime. Must of did it 2-3 times. I still can't believe that would cause the CD changer to go nuts. It sounds like good advice though. Thanks.
Dealer called me today to say the new radio has arrived. Will go in tomorrow to install. Thank goodness I messed up the CD changer 2K miles before the warrantly ran out.
What I am worried about is that the light will come back on when the time for the smog check comes. Have others here experienced anything like this? Should I still take it to the dealer??
Thanks
Nissan seems to have problems with o2 sensors. Most people I know that have Nissan v6 powered vehicles tend to have o2 sensors as a common problem.
Good luck.
Any recommendation for a good non-dealer service shop in the Silicon Valley for Nissans?
I experienced something similar. It displayed Err2 on the display. AM/FM Radio worked fine. Took it to the dealer. Ordered whole new radio/Changer and replaced it two weeks later. Did it under warranty. Lost about two hours total estimate/repair time. Waiting for them to send me back my stuck CDs. My problem came from disconnecting my battery, last thing I did before it did not work. Don't connect and disconnect too many times in a row like I did.
Changers are known to have problems for reg. CDs and CDRs. Changers are poor quality. Slow and problematic. Get it to the dealer before warranty runs out, forget about fixing it. They will glance at it and order a new one, hopefully.
Also I have the same problem that a lot of other people had with the CD-changer. When I put a disc in my # 1 disc slot it reads Err2. On the rest of the disc slots it reads the CD perfectly normal, so I know it is not the CD that I am using, did anyone come up with a solution to fixing the CD changer besides replacing the unit? I am over my warranty and don’t want to shell out $500 for a new radio unit.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Any other ideas other than let the dealship play with it and charge mega bucks? If I have a short in the wiring would not know where to start.
Appreciate it!
I was cleaning my car with the engine and A/C on and noticed water leaking from the underside? The manual says that it is normal. Is it really??
I was wondering if the bad o2 sensor had been sending a rich mixture down the exhaust pipe and into the cat-conv. If there was a lot of hot fuel, I wonder if it melted the cat-conv and that is blocking the exhaust pipe. It seems like the problem might be caused by exhaust backing into the engine. Does this sound right?
I just had it at an exhaust shop but they can't seem to reproduce the problem and don't want to replace the cat-conv. unless they are sure of what it is.