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Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager problems
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
1. An intermittent creak sound (bearly audible) coming from the break pedal when pushing in and out. This can only be heard at very slow speeds, or at full stop. At higher speeds, the creak may be masked by the engine noise. btw, it sounds like it's coming from the pedal and not the actual brakes.
2. The other concern is a slight swishing sound in the steering wheel when turning. I only hear this occasionally.
I was told by my regular mechanic that both items were functioning properly. I didn't argue with this opinion, because this dealer service has be helpful on other matters with previous vehicles; also both the brakes and steering have been working fine.
However, today I went to pick up an accessory (rear bumper guard) today from a different dealer, so I decided that while I was there, I'd get a second opinion on these two things. This time I went along for the test drive with the mechanic to point out the noises. I couldn't duplicate the swishing noise, however we did hear the brake creak. This dealer service handled my concerns differently. For the brake noise, he's going to replace the brake booster. He's not really sure what's causing the creak, or if it's a real problem or not..., but since he can hear it coming from the booster, he's decided to just replace it.
As for the swishing sound in the steering wheel, they'll be replacing the "spiral cable." He also mentioned that he'd done the same for some other Quests that had a swishing noise... so he was going to go ahead and replace this, even though he couldn't duplicate the problem with my van.
If anyone else has similar symptoms with their 99/2000 quest, I'd be interested in hearing your experience. Btw, as I've mentioned before, it sure pays to get a second opinion. Talk to everyone later. ;-)
Pocahontas
Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sports Cars Conference
Thanks
R2
R2
Talk to everyone later. ;-)
Pocahontas
Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sports Cars Conference
Thanks. kunjan.
First off I'd recommend that you get the rear suspension checked out by the dealer or a trusted mechanic. I have heard of loose or broken rear stabilizer links causing suspension klunks on Villagers and Quests.
Having said that, it is possible to beef up the rear suspension. Since it is a simple multi-leaf spring unit, a truck axle & spring shop should be able to add leafs to help stiffen the ride. You should be able to find one in your local yellow pages.
You could also replace the rear struts with heavy-duty units like Monroes. This by itself won't prevent bottoming, but will help control the suspension bounce associated with heavy loads.
Both of these modifications are tradeoffs. The ride would be much stiffer when you don't have a heavy load, and the van would ride higher in the rear also. Something to consider before making any modifications. Good luck.
Dave
I'm new to this site. I read this site thorougly before buying my Quest. It really helped me make my decision.
Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
The second dealer had a different attitude. As far as he's concerned, the noise indicates that there is some kind of interference which may lead to a potential problem.... and better safe than sorry.
But, I haven't had the work done yet, because I'm waiting for my running boards (on back order) to come in. Then I can do it all in one trip. In the meantime, my brakes have been working just fine, and the creaking noise has not gotten any worse.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck. ;-)
Pocahontas
Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sportscars Conference
Checked the mpg for the first time this weekend and got 17.5, mostly city driving.
The SECOND dealership found that the brake line had air in it which was causing the need for excessive force as well as the back brakes were a little loose. They bled the brake line and adjusted the back brakes. The creaking however is a common problem (where have I heard that before) and that it should go away after 4-5k miles. I'll keep an eye on it. After picking up the van, holy cow was there a difference in the brakes. They seem so much more forceful and capable of stopping with so much less force. What a wonderful thing it is to get a second opinion. I was going to take it back to the original dealer one more time but Pocahontas convinced me to get a second opinion.
THANK YOU POCAHONTAS!
I can sleep better now knowing my wife (who drives the van) and 21-month-old can stop in a hurry if necessary.
GOOD LUCK and HAPPINESS
CONRAD
P.S. LOVE THE VAN!
Let us know what happened.
Dave
Worse when the air conditioning is on? Hmmm...if that is true, I would check the belts and vacuum hoses for irregularities. I suspect, though, something more along the lines of my first guess.
Good luck, and fee free to search for topics on "brakes" to post this concern in. Please, let us know here when you get a resolution.
Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
As I mention before, there's a slight creaking noise coming from the brake pedal. This can be heard at slow speeds or when the van is sitting still... when I push the pedal in/out. Seems to be coming from the brake booster, not the brakes pads. I'll let people know if the noise goes away with the booster replacement.
So far, the brakes are working fine (no squeaking) at 10,500 miles.
Pocahontas
Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sportscars Conference
I'm also having the creaky brake noise, usually at very slow speeds or when parked and I'm releasing the brake. Van has 18,000 miles so I don't think it's going to go away. I plan to take to dealership within a week.
Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
I wrote at the end of December to Nissan Customer Service regarding battery dying. No response, probably they throw such letters straight to recycling bin if they are ecologically concerned.
I give up on battery, at least till it goes dead again.
I also have a break squeek, with the dealer who happens not to hear anything, it comes and goes away as many reported here.
I have something to add regarding engine driving belts, that were making some noise. The first dealer did not hear it, second dealer found belts are responsible for the noise and adjusted them. Noise returned in a week and was fairly consistent till the moment the van was brought on the second dealer lot (at which moment it disappeared). Dealer emulated humid conditions and noise returned. They ordered the part (new belts) and said we will have to wait for a while as this is common problem with the Quest Nissan run out of parts for this, it is now on national order or something like that.
We are definitely wasting too much time and energy on these repair attempts, especially given that dealers are at least 30 minutes away. Hope others are having a better time with their Quest, though from this topic one might come to a different conclusion.
Many roads where I live are a little curvy. That means that when I am coming to a reasonable distance from the intersection my steer is not straight and I have to force the signal by pressing the lever down consistently.
My other car (Corolla) does not do it, neither I had it on previous cars so I think this is a Quest phenomenon.
Some argued this is safety measure, on the contrary I find it extremely inconvenient and safety hazard, as I have to dedicate my attention to turn signal staying on and not switching back when getting close to some intersections.
Unfortunately, nothing can be done as this is not just my particular Quest problem.
Regards.
On my quest, the signal will only shut off, if you to start the turn, than then you turn the wheel back the other direction before you finish the turn. Like we sometimes do when turning a sharp corner with a large vehicle... pulling out the other direction to give more space for your vehicle... so your wheels won't hit the corner.
The shut off will also happen if you're changing lanes and then hesistate... letting the wheel go back the other direction. Perhaps the Quest turn signal (shut-off) sensitivity is a little much for certain people's driving styles. Perhaps it can be adjusted.
Also, I have to admit, most of my roads are straight and flat. So that may be why my signals are working just fine for me.
Vshun- Sorry you're having so many problems. Just curious, what year is your corolla? Also, have you tried testing another (make's) late model van to see how the turn signals function?
With the problems you've listed, I would call Nissan Customer service 1-800-nissan1 and file a formal complaint. Writing and explaining/complaining about something may not be interpreted as a "formal complaint." Also, letters to large corporations have a tendency to get lost... sit on desks for a while. Especially if you don't send it as certified mail... it can very well get lost.
Personally, I think you'll get a quicker response if you talk directly to a real person at the 800 customer service (get their name/file number) on the phone. Tell them you want to file a "formal complaint." They are suppose to fill out a form... and follow up on your problems... when you file a "formal complaint".
Good luck.
Pocahontas,
Community Leader/Coupes, Convertible, and Sportscars Conference
I had Nissan sedan "made in Japan" a few years ago and it was virtually flawless car "(except for the radio/tape that went dead a month after warranty excpired).
Due to relocation I sold Nissan and bought Corolla in 1994 and thought it to be a rather mediocre car after Nissan sedan (1-2 problems a year, such as water pump went dead in 1994, and for the second time again in 1999, etc). But this is nothing compared to Quest. I will give this second Quest dealer a chance at repairing belts, but if/when battery goes dead again I will definitely file a formal complaint as you suggest.
However, I don't think that's the answer. For one, I have had non-asbestos pads on my previous vehicle and the sound from them was of a much higher pitch. Second, for the stone theory to be true, I must be regularly reintroducing stones into the brakes and I don't think that is plausible. Which leads me to a third theory, one not offered by the dealership. Could it be the "Ford designed" calipers as posted on this site about the 1999 Quests? Does this apply to the 2000 Quest? Insight appreciated. Thanks.
http://www.audiovox.com/buy/buy.html
Just another thought, is there a tracking control on the VCR or remote? That may be why you are losing the picture but not the sound.
Good luck.
Dave
To the battery problem we were advised:
1. Next time it happens not to charge the battery with cables but tow the car to the dealer (yea, right, the closest dealer is 35 minutes away from me and Nissan is not paying for towing).
or
2. Leave the van with the dealership and let them ride it for several weeks till the problem with the battery happens again.
I would not comment on these suggestions, I just smile at them ( my wife does not smile since she is the one getting stuck in this car).
Another suggestion was to take the van to the electrical guys who installed AudioVox as Nissan does not have any warranty on this.
(Seeing my AudioVox installers before I doubt they are still in business, or that they will understand what I am talking about).
Regarding some other problems we had - she confirmed that engine belts are on national order since this is very problematic part (we have been waiting for a few weeks already to have this part replaced). I guess we will have to wait another year or so given the speed they moved so far, or till it goes out of warranty.
I understand why consumer reports in the latest April 2000 issue according to customer survey put Nissan service/dealers as the worst among all dealers (in previous years, this place was reserved for arrogant Toyota dealers).
Wish everyone else better experience with Quest.
Pocahontas,
Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sportscars Conference
I do not know what the warranty is on the built-ins for the 2000s, but wouldn't that also be the same length as the Nissan warranty now?
Mitch
It seems to happen with the newer Quests (99, 2000).
Please check it out and do you see it as a problem?
that's normal, you see it on the other nissan models, I was sitting in a maxima on the showroom with the acc on listening to the radio and playing around and knocked the shifter into neutral. I think they do this for towing or something, like if the vehicle is wrecked, they can get it out of park without the engine running.
I was wondering if the manifold bolt issue would be the problem. The dealer nevers seems to hear it even when I leave it overnite.