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Exhaust Smoke On Start Up - Click HERE for Original Thread
DDUKE
The MO is new to me,however; it has 30k on it and I have noticed pufss of smoke from the exhaust on start up. Everything seems to be functioning properly.

Just had the 30k service performed and they were going to check it out but thier OBII diagnostic tester was not working.The Service Advisor noticed the smoke...so They can't say "could not duplicate....."

Could this be an emmissions thing? The Service Engine Soon light has come on,but not until after I noticed the smoke.

Maybe I should have kept the Lexus???????????

Any thoughts on the problem would be greatly appreciated.
Dookie
What color is the smoke? If it's bluish, then look for a head to be bad or possibly the block. (They won't repair heads or blocks at the dealer level.)

If it's black/brown, then you are running too rich. If the SES light is on, I'll put money down on either one of the oxygen sensors being bad, or an MAF sensor bad. If the MAF sensor was bad, it usually idles poor though.

Let us know what happens!
DDUKE
The smoke is kinda blueish....not running hot or anything and doesn't do on all start ups.The service advisor said the car runs great..........

Would the things you suggested be covered under warranty?

Thanks
pmw0826
I have about 7,500 miles on my MO and every once in a while when I'm parked on the down slope of my driveway, and I start it, I get a puff of blue smoke. The dealer is going to check it out. I think it has something to do with the position of the engine on the down slope. It doesn't do it any other time or place.
DDUKE
Sorry to hear you have the same problem....but on the other hand it's nice to know someone else is having the same problem.

Taking it back to the Dealer on Monday.Hopefully they'll be able to diagnose the problem and fix it.

Keep me posted on your situation.
Dookie
They'll definately repair your problem, provided you haven't messed with the motor or anything like that. Doubt you have. If it's bluish, a head gasket may be the culprit as well. It's hard to say over the internet. ;) As they to do a compression test. This will see if you are getting steady compression accross all 6 cylinders. According to the Nissan service manual, the standard for compression is 185psi w/ no more than a 14 psi difference accross all cylinders. Also, the minimum can be no less than 142 psi. I'm sure they know this, but I guess gee whiz info for you.

Sometimes, a leaking head gasket will indicate two things. Fouled spark plugs or loss of coolant over time. Of course, the compression test may find this out for you without pulling the plugs.

All of these things, the dealer should be doing. Let me know if you have any more ?'s

Take care,
Dustin
DDUKE
Thanks Dustin,
I hope it's something simple like a sensor,Haven't had the car but a week..................
Eric L.
Blue smoke = burning oil.

Sounds like the piston rings have not seated properly.
DDUKE
What actions should the dealer take if thats the case?
Dookie
Only a compression test will see if there is oil leakage into the cylinder. If one of the cylinders are leaking oil, they usually put a teaspoon of oil in through the spark plug fitting, then check the compression again. If it goes up, then it's definately the piston rings. In this case, they will replace either the entire motor, or the bottom end; depends on how Nissan handles these issues. If the compression doesn't go up, then the problem lies in the head somewhere in which they will replace that entire head.

Sometimes, smoke on start up could mean leaking valve guides as well. You never know....
Eric L.
quote:
Originally posted by DDUKE
What actions should the dealer take if thats the case?


None - they will blame the customer that they did not break in the car properly. Its not true of course, but its also right there in the owners manual.
Dookie
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.


None - they will blame the customer that they did not break in the car properly. Its not true of course, but its also right there in the owners manual.



They might try it, but they shouldn't be able to prove it. I've had a friend whos Acura was burning oil from the get go. They replaced the motor without question.
hfelknor
Considering the fact that the VQ engine is bulletproof, if the rings were worn, I would side with Nissan and perhaps suggest changing the oil more often than every 30,000 miles would be called for.
I (if i were Nissan) would definitly want to see proof that oil/filter had been changed regularly.
If it could be proven (receipts, dealer records, etc) that the engine had been serviced correctly, then Nissan would warranty any repairs IMO.

Besides a puff of blue smoke at startup is hardly a worn out engine.
This engine "could" run another 150K miles.


Let's face it folks, this is a used car. Why did the original owner get rid of it?


Homer
Dookie
The deal with "proof" of oil change has happened before. It doesn't hold up in court because its a piece of paper saying it was done, but nothing positive. I change my own oil, and there is no way to show proof of oil change, other than sales receipts that I bought it. It still doesn't show that I changed it.

Where did you buy the car from?
DDUKE
Follow up........
Took the car to Auto Zone to have the codes read(dealers tester was broken)heres the read out:

U1000
PI700 manufactuers Cont. Trans. Camshaft Acuator
p0011 bank 1 TIMING OVER ADVANCED

Hopefully one of these will correct the problem.

Thanks
David
Dookie
Timing over advanced may cause smoke, but nothing bluish though. I would still think it is something mechanical in the motor.
DDUKE
I took pix of the smoke ,just in case they could not duplicate ."After further review" it has more of a white look to it.Maybe I'm color blind.

Tried to post pix but the're too large.
mfshin
I had 2000 Max w/ around 70k which I thought bluish/white smoke come out in a cold start. Never raised a question nor intended to fix it since I bought it used and it only happened in a cold start. Then I traded in for MO where I notice similar white smoke come out in a cold start and had a fume smell to it. So I took MO in for a thorough check and the tech told me that it is perfectly normal for a VQ engine where it tend to run rich in a start up and that often cause smoke/fume. I remember after dealer visit, reading similar post either on this forum or in Maxima forum.
So it may not be a problem but rather a safety to run a bit rich at a start up for VQs.
Just a note!
DDUKE
That puts my mind to ease some....however ; there should be adjustments to correct the rich startups. Sometimes it looks like I just sprayed for Musquitoes on startup .
crively
General speaking, a puff of smoke on startup can be caused by as little as a drop or so of oil leaking past the valve guide down to the cylinder chamber. This can be caused by blocked or restricted returns. Although this may be a sign of poor maintinence by the previous owner, I would not consider it an indication of early wear or failure unless there were other symptoms. An easy way to check for poor maintinence is to remove the oil filler cap (when the engine is cool) and run your finger around under the valve cover, if you feel any grit. That would be a sign of carbonized oil and poor maintinence. Talk to a professional it may be reversable.

Personally I do no like flushing engines, but in a low milage, poor maintinece situation. I would consider it.

Generaly speaking if the rings were worn it would smoke all the time. I seriously doubt this is your problem. Another quick test would be to hold the engine RPMs at about 2K for a few seconds and then let off the gas. If you see a puff of smoke this is most likely a bad (or worn) valve guide.

Hope some of this helps.
DDUKE
There was no grit to speak of.....

The RPM test did not produce any smoke.I guess that's a good sign.

Must have something to do w/ the SES light being on.

Thanks
DDUKE
Dealer finally got their OBD tester fixed and ran codes..... and now one of the 3 on board computers will not allow them to access
whatever that means.They have been on the phone w/ the "experts ".Oh well I get to drive my Miata while it's being fixed.

Now that's a dependable car. 198k and still going strong (knock on wood).

UPDATE: They ordered a camshaft actuator.

Now there's talk of replcing the engine. Apparently the techs at the dealership have to call "Nissan tech line" before they attempt to do anything in the line of Diagnostics or repairs.

This is getting very old.............
DDUKE
I guess I need an attorney. Come to find the engine is consuming oil pretty bad and NISSAN wants to replace the engine. But First I must produce the service records,I've only had the car 3 weeks(been in the shop for 1 of them) and I have no service records from the previous owner. I have gotten "some" documentation from the Nissan dealer the original used.

One reason I bought the car was because it was still under WARRANTY. Didn't know I had to have documents from the previous owner to have warranty work performed.

When you see WARRANTY on the sticker you feel safe in buying the vehicle. At least I did...............
hfelknor
I was afraid of that.
Used cars that smoke are rarely fixed with an adjustment.


Did you buy the car from an individual or did you buy it from the dealer?

If you bot it from the dealer, you have some leverage.

The dealer may have sold the car with "remainder of warranty" status.
If so, HE has to prove to Nissan that the car is under warrranty.
And if your papaerwork is in order, the car is in warranty to you. What his arrangement with Nissan is, is not important.


OTOH if he sold it "as is", you are screwed.
You would be reduced to trying to get a local investigative reporter interested, etc.

and if you bot from an individual, you can sue "maybe" up to the limit of small claims court,but you are probably screwed.
And even if you "win" in SC court, there is a difference between winning a judgement and actually getting any money.
This is the voice of experience talking.;)


Hope it works out.


Homer
DDUKE
I bought the car from a Chevrolet Dealer who in turn had gotten it from a Nissan Dealer who had taken it as a trade in. It has the balance of factory warranty remaining.

The Chevy Dealer has been working w/ me to try and locate the previous owner,the Nissan Dealer will not return calls....almost like he new something was up w/the car.

We have faxed the service history that I could find to Nissan...I guess it's up to them now. You would think the Nissan dealers would be linked thru a network that would disclose what work had been done where/when.

The previous owner can not be located to get records,so it's up to me to prove service. That's BS.

Thanks for the advice.
DDUKE
UPDATE: WARRANTY CLAIM DENIED.

Any suggestions????????????

Thanks
David
mgthe3
With only 30k on the engine you may be forced to call a news channel and see if they can help (as Homer said--good call Homer). When I first saw this thread I was worried about engine damage causing the smoke....now it seems there is some.
From the standpoint of the dealer wanting service proof, I can see that. Not defending them, just thinking about if I was the Nissan dealorship owner who sold it to the Chev dealor.....how would I stay in business if I had to deal with past neglect on an owner's part who no longer owns it?

Sorry man, it isn't lookin good for ya...
:(
DDUKE
Ok here's the Deal...original owner filed a (warranty claim) at 27k for the same reason.The 1st Dealer(Micheal Jordan Nissan) claim because owner could not provide records.The area Rep. for Nissan then proceeded to notate in the computer that "the engine needs to be replced", "car is not safe to drive".

The original owner proceeds to another Dealership( Southern States Nissan)
and trades the vehicle in.The G.M. there told me he drove the car for about 3 weeks himself and noticed the smoke.He had the engine flushed and was going to have the seals replaced, but He stated it was easier and quicker to run it thru the auction.That's where my Dealer purchases it.

That's where I come in . A nice '03 SL AWD w/ the touring pkg. from a local ,respected dealer at a fair price w/ "factory warranty".

Yeah whatever.........I've had the car 1 week,the Nissan Dealer 2.


Anyone Need key FOBs,or bumper gaurd? or parts car?

Lexus here I come.........................
SugarRushMurano
I still think you got a case there. Maybe some kind of settlement of something from NNA. Why dont you try a consumer lawyer and ask him/her whether you got a case there.

While on the topic, you planning to sell the car as parts now?
If you do, sell me your ipdm module.
I can show you the pic on where you can find it.
I have a "use" of it for my project :rolleyes:

Good luck dduke.
DDUKE
Thanks for the encouragement....not parting out,just tring to find humor in the whole thing.

If I can take it out and it still run you can have it.

The Chevy dealer that sold me the car is meeting w/ his lawyer in the a.m.,something about a non disclosure clause,since Nissan knew it had a bad engine (documented it at the first dealer )then they are required to disclose anything which results in @25% of the value.I was quoted 8k-10k for an engine replacement.
hfelknor
Well, you can stay friendly with the Chevy dealer (In fact I recomend it) , but he is your pressure point.
He is who you would sue, should it come to that.
He is the one who represented the vehicle as having the remainder of the factory warranty.
It matters not that he did this in good faith.
He needs to look to the Nissan dealer and maybe Nissan as his pressure point. But that MUST NOT be your concern.


BUT.
He bot the Murano at auction?
Those dealer auctions are usually VERY straightforward.
You buy WHERE IS, AS IS.

In any event, don't let the Chevy dealer fog the window.
That is all very interesting, but it is not your concern.

Your concern is that you were sold a car that had the balance of the factory warranty which now is not being honored.

I agree with SugarRush.
You are likely going to need a lawyer.
But, like I said, stay cool with the Chevy dealer.
There is always the chance that he will "do the right thing".
He atleast should be given the chance to do so.



Then call Ch 7 news. ;)

Homer
pcs15394
At least they are moving in the right direction. If you do not get satisfaction from the Chevy dealer and/or originating Nissan dealer a Lawyer may be in your future. It certainly sounds like you have a very good case because of the non-disclosure. You could start with the Chevy dealer and pressure them to pressure the Nissan Dealer. I hope it all works out for you. The Murano really is a great vehicle but is subject to the same problems as any other vehicle if neglected. Sounds like prior owner may not have been very good at keeping up with servicing the vehicle.
DDUKE
Hey guys,thanks for all the input....maybe the chevy dealer will pay to have the engine replaced.I do like the car.

Already started looking for a replacement ,but it's hard to find one w/ the styling,power,price.....you get alot for your money. If maintained properly.
DDUKE
UPDATE: Dealer is going to purchase the car back.Local Nissan Dealer charged me $300. for the diagnosis.

Bought a Lexus LX 470.

Thanks for all the help.
hfelknor
Well that's great news!


That's a good dealer.
Always give him a shot at your business and don't be shy about telling people about your experience.


In fact if you look down the main page you will see a section for Dealer-Your experience. Post up a short explanation of what happened.


BOL with the Lexus.


Homer
DDUKE
Thanks...............
Kris
MO is my first Nissan........I love this car. However, I am open minded and I do know things happens. Even with MO. So I am glad you are happy with the solution to your problem.


PS. Friend of mine had a Toyota Land Cruiser in Australia. He drove me in this car. I can only say - great car. Both on and off road. So ENJOY!
DDUKE
The LX470 rides and drives like a dream....need to stay close to a gas station though.Totally different than the MO. the MO handled alot like my wifes Mercedes ML430.

Good luck to all.
finevolfan
Having the same issue myself. Purchased a MO that was a lease prior and had it a month. The MO is a 2003 SL and I picked it up today from the service department, and they are conducting a oil consumption test where I return it every 500 miles to log the oil level, and when completed the results will be submitted to Nissan.

The SES light came on while my wife was driving it and it was low on oil. Mentioned this to the dealer and the blue smoke as well.
njjoe
quote:
Originally posted by finevolfan
Having the same issue myself. Purchased a MO that was a lease prior and had it a month.

finevolfan-

How many miles on your MO?

-njjoe
finevolfan
At this time the mileage is around 47,800.
njjoe
quote:
Originally posted by finevolfan
At this time the mileage is around 47,800.


The good news is that you are still covered by the powertrain warranty.

I am not sure what the 500 mile test will prove. The quantity of oil consumed? Is there a minimum allowable quantity?

Did they say how the long they plan to run the test? 500 miles? 1,000 miles?

-njjoe
finevolfan
What the dealer advised is they would record the results at each 500 mile state and submit this information to Nissan for review.
finevolfan
Update the oil consumption test is over and the dealer advised Nissan that it is burning a quart and a half of oil every thousand miles.

The dealership then contacted me on Friday and advised that Nissan wants the dealer to dismantle the engine to see if it is the piston rings and to examine the cylinder walls, or see if it is the valve seals. After this Nissan will decide whether to do a short block change if it is the valve seals, or if it is the rings and cylinder damage change out the entire engine. So Wednesday the MO is going in the shop to drop the engine out of the bottom then the engine will be torn down.
Enforcer
Assuming they determined there were no leaks, thats the right thing to do IMO. Keep us posted.
njjoe
quote:
Originally posted by finevolfan
So Wednesday the MO is going in the shop to drop the engine out of the bottom then the engine will be torn down.

finevolfan -

Are they at least giving you a decent loaner while the engine is undergoing an autopsy?

-njjoe
finevolfan
Leaks was the very first thing that we looked for. Also when you start it blue smoke exits the exhaust as well. At this time there is no leaks to be found.
finevolfan
After the completion of the oil consumption test the info was sent to Nissan. Next Nissan advised that all service records was needed and all that could be found was a 30k maintenance. Nissan then advised that lack of records on oil changes and service that they could not do anything.

Bill Gatton Nissan then contacted me and advised me that they are paying for a engine and will be installing it as well. No refurbs could not be found where they are solid engines. So an engine was found close to the same mileage and it was shipped to them. We removed the engine for the crate, and it was in perfect shape no harnesses was cut and it was clean both inside and out.

I would highly recommend Bill Gatton for service of vehicles and I will be taking mine back for all work. They also offer a coupon on there website for a very cheap oil change as well. Everything is fixed and the new engine has twice the power as the prior engine.
GripperDon
:)
njjoe
quote:
Originally posted by finevolfan

Bill Gatton Nissan then contacted me and advised me that they are paying for a engine and will be installing it as well. No refurbs could not be found where they are solid engines. So an engine was found close to the same mileage and it was shipped to them. We removed the engine for the crate, and it was in perfect shape no harnesses was cut and it was clean both inside and out.


An engine was found close to the same mileage?!? Where? Where did the engine come from? Correct me if I am wrong, but the only way you are going to get a used (non-refurbished) MO engine is from a wreck.

-njjoe
Eric L.
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe

An engine was found close to the same mileage?!? Where? Where did the engine come from? Correct me if I am wrong, but the only way you are going to get a used (non-refurbished) MO engine is from a wreck.

-njjoe



Since it appears the dealership is covering the cost for this one (and not Nissan) then they can get the engine from whereever they want.
njjoe
Eric-

I would be curious as hell to know where it came from.

If it was a refurb, at least you would know some of the wear components had been replaced. And if the work was done at a reputable shop then you have a pretty decent engine under the hood.

Think about it. How many used MO engines can there be out there? There are not that many "retired" MOs. Locating a used MO engine can not be an easy task. Maybe it's Enforcer's original engine. Do you think sitting upside-down for an hour or two affected it any? :D

-njjoe
Eric L.
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
Eric-

I would be curious as hell to know where it came from.

If it was a refurb, at least you would know some of the wear components had been replaced. And if the work was done at a reputable shop then you have a pretty decent engine under the hood.

Think about it. How many used MO engines can there be out there? There are not that many "retired" MOs. Locating a used MO engine can not be an easy task. Maybe it's Enforcer's original engine. Do you think sitting upside-down for an hour or two affected it any? :D

-njjoe



If it doesn't burn oil and spew out blue smoke, and comes with a limited warranty, its probably better than old one. I know what you are trying to say, but we all know how awful Nissan dealers are - in this case the guy got one willing to help out a customer and stand behind a product they sell, so in this case I wouldn't complain too much.

The dealership probably wouldn't want to install a defective engine that would require them to foot the bill on future repairs, either, so there has to be some measure of security for the dealer when selecting a product to install in customers vehicles.
finevolfan
The engine came from a seem to be highly respectable salvage yard in NC. Bill Gatton Nissan contacted them and the next day the engine was delivered we then removed the engine from the crate while the delivery driver was there and if we were not satisfied it would have been loaded back up and a replacement would have been sent back.

All wiring harnesses was in tact nothing was cut the engine was clean both external and internal as well.
Shiftless'03
Hello all, I've had problems with my MO smoking on start up also. I complained to the dealership for over a year, took in pictures of the smoke. Finally, they wanted proof of oil changes, well..my parents have a shop and I've always had my uncle change my oil(he's a mechanic, over 25yrs). The dealership wasn't happy with that answer, so they told me to have it serviced every 1K miles!! Which at the time I was driving over 100miles a day. I did this for 6mos. It still smoked. The dealership "couldn't" get it to smoke for them. HA! The second I got in it, it smoked! After another 6mos of complianing to them and more pictures, they REPLACED the engine. But the kicker is after it was replaced under warranty, Nissan wanted proof of the oil and filters I had bought! I usually buy stuff with cash and didn't have the receipts from the autoparts store. Now they want to take out the new motor and put in the old crappy one. Ya right, that's not gonna happen. But I've acutally located a few purchases on my visa, so as long as I give them the proof they want, it's my new motor.
finevolfan
If you received a new crate engine from Nissan it had to be pre-approved prior to installing it into the MO. For my issue they done a oil consumption test for 1500 miles and then sent the info to Nissan to review. Then Nissan advised that they needed all maintenance records down to oil changes and that could not be provided so Nissan stated no on the new engine. Then the dealer agreed to replace it with a engine that was close to the mileage.

I am sorry but if the engine has already been installed and the dealer and yourself signed off on the work order that tells me that everything is complete and should fall back on the dealer for installing the engine instead of you. Sounds like you may need to contact and discuss this matter with your attorney.
njjoe
Shiftless'03-

Since the new motor is already installed I wouldn't sweat it. There is no way they are going to take it out.

If they insist on receipts you can always have your Uncle write a letter on the garage's letterhead indicating the approximate date sand mileage of the oil changes. That should suffice.

-njjoe
Enforcer
Well so much for the myth of changing your own oil and keeping a record. Guess you have to save the reciepts now?
finevolfan
The days of doing your own oil changes are over for a car that is still under warranty. Also with these quick lube places opening this makes the dealers be more competitive on service. Myself I do not trust the quick lube changes. For example where I take my MO to Bill Gatton Nissan they have a coupon on there website for a $9.95 oil change so I print it out and take it with me. For that price let them change the oil while I wait.
njjoe
quote:
Originally posted by finevolfan
The days of doing your own oil changes are over for a car that is still under warranty.


That's not true. The Magnuson-Moss Act states a manufacturer/dealer may NOT require you to have routine oil changes at their facilities or use any particular brand of oil filter (or any other car part) unless the manufacturer provides the item free of charge, during the terms of the warranty.

You simply need to keep your receipts for all purchased items/services and document the date and mileage of the services. That's it. If the dealer says otherwise then he is violating federal law and can be fined.

-njjoe
hfelknor
I think the point is, you can't change your own oil for 9.95

Homer
njjoe
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
I think the point is, you can't change your own oil for 9.95

Homer


I hate to disagree with you Homer, but check out finevolfan's earlier post. The dealer is threatening to take out a recently installed engine unless he can produce documentation proving oil changes were performed on the previous engine.

-njjoe
finevolfan
That is correct but think about it. If you walk in with receipts where you purchased the oil and the filter and done the work yourself and documented it as well Nissan can still possibly say that it may have not been done correctly and there is no physical proof that you changed the oil at the mileage you recorded. That could also be the same for taking the MO to a respectful location that does great work where it is not a Nissan credited repair facility the same can be said here as well.
njjoe
finevolfan-

That is where the Magnuson-Moss Act comes into play. By law, maintenance for your new vehicle may be performed at any automotive service or repair business, not only at the dealership where you purchased your car— and your warranty will still be valid. (Magnuson Moss Act 15,U.S.C. Section 45 et seq.) Receipts are all that are needed to indicate service was performed.

-njjoe
GripperDon
:mad:
finevolfan
First it is not my MO they are wanting to remove the recent installed engine from. So far Bill Gatton Nissan has treated me with the up-most respect. We do have that law that is mentioned concerning the maintenance that can be performed elsewhere I agree to that but it convincing Nissan of the work that it has been completed at requested. Besides if the dealership offers the competitive rate I will get the work completed there.
njjoe
quote:
Originally posted by finevolfan
First it is not my MO they are wanting to remove the recent installed engine from.

finevolfan-

Sorry for the mix-up. I mis-read your post.

It is my belief that many people go to the dealer to have their car serviced because 1) they believe they have to take it the dealer to preserve the warranty, or 2) they believe the dealer is best equipped to service their car, or 3) they do not know where else to bring the car for service.

You can take the car anywhere you want for service. You don't even need to put "Genuine Nissan Parts" on your car to preserve the warranty. The dealer may tell you otherwise, but that is just not the case.

-njjoe
finevolfan
That is not a prob on the mix up and I agree with you on the parts as well. I agree with you I have seen people take a car to a dealer because a brake light is out which is fine if you do not have that experience to work on a car all we can do is help when asked.
EasternPA
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
It is my belief that many people go to the dealer to have their car serviced because 1) they believe they have to take it the dealer to preserve the warranty, or 2) they believe the dealer is best equipped to service their car, or 3) they do not know where else to bring the car for service.


So long as the car is under warranty, I'm one of those people. But, with some clarification. 1) I know full well that taking my car elsewhere does not void my warranty, but I don't want *anyone* going near my CVT, for instance. I have oil changes done at Nissan dealers because a) they're price competitive with other commercial shops, and b) all of my maintenance records are immediately available nationwide (which has helped in the past). 2) Going beyond the oil changes, I feel they definitely are the best equipped to deal with our equipment. I can't think of any other place I'd go to for CVT work. Lee Myles? Cottman? No way, Jose. 3) Can't argue with that!

We've witnessed so many cases where personal maintenance is not enough anymore. Even with the federal law behind us, I know if I can either spend $19.95 for my drive-thru oil changes and prevent a "warranty war" down the road, or hire an attorney to "fight the good fight" (and wipe out the lifetime of money saved in the first week), the choice is a no-brainer for me.

They have instant access to every screw turned, every drop of oil, transmission fluid, and anything else that was done to or replaced in the car. If they screw something up, I've never had to say more than, "fix it for free and call me when its done." Up to and including the CVT. Same with a trans on a 95 Jimmy in a past life. Bought a refurb trans from an in-network dealer (while on vaca in Florida!) and it leaked from every seal by the time I got home. They replaced it again for $0.00.

Once I'm out of the gold warranty period, though, all bets are off (if I haven't sold it by then!)
Enforcer
Yeah and since most of the hardcore problems require the $5000 Consult-II with regular upgrades to run diagnostic routines and modify values as described in the SM, and to keep up with the SMs and all the TSBs, I'd bet most non-dealer shops won't make that kind of an investment. Some of the specialty tuner shops may.
njjoe
quote:
Originally posted by EasternPA
I can't think of any other place I'd go to for CVT work. Lee Myles? Cottman? No way, Jose. Can't argue with that!


EasternPA-

I completely understand your position, however I want to point out one discrepancy... CVT work. I wish Nissan was able to perform CVT work. Right now, with very few exceptions, they are limited to pulling out the CVT and replacing it with a new one. I'd love to know that they are competent enough to go in, diagnose the problem, and repair the CVT on the component level (like a Lee Myles and Cottman will eventually be able to do.) Unfortunately Nissan believes in part replacement and not part repair. This is fine when you are under warranty, but it gets prohibitively expensive when you are the second owner of a used MO and the CVT acts up.

Just my two cents....

-njjoe

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