| Jim C |
Wow! I didn't think this was that big a deal, but it looks like Nissan is stepping up to the plate without the pressure it took to get the alternator recall (which, IMHO, was a bigger issue). Here's a blurb from the official Nissan press release:
quote:
Nissan will be conducting a voluntary safety recall on approximately 226,000 Model Year 2003-2006 Murano vehicles to add a fuel tank shield in front of the fuel tank. Note: This issue was first raised as a preliminary investigation in September of 2005 – GOV05:190
Guess those guys with fuel tank punctures really weren't kidding!
JC |
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| njjoe |
It is good to see Nissan stepping up to the plate and doing whats right. I am guessing they had indications that the government may have been leaning towards a mandatory recall and they initiated it to save face.
-njjoe |
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| SugarRushMurano |
quote:
Originally posted by Jim C
Wow! I didn't think this was that big a deal, but it looks like Nissan is stepping up to the plate without the pressure it took to get the alternator recall (which, IMHO, was a bigger issue). Here's a blurb from the official Nissan press release:
Guess those guys with fuel tank punctures really weren't kidding!
JC
YIPEEE....another trip to the stealership.
I am waiting for my letter form Nissan!
Anyway, does this effect ALL 2003-2005 MO? |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
It is good to see Nissan stepping up to the plate and doing whats right. I am guessing they had indications that the government may have been leaning towards a mandatory recall and they initiated it to save face.
I bet they wanted to avoid issues and law suites that Ford Pinto had. Good thinking too. |
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| njjoe |
SugarRushMurano-
Looking at the numbers (226,000) in Jim C's post I can only assume it is for all Muranos (2003 -2006).
-njjoe |
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| UncaDanno |
Oh Gawd.
Wonder what spare parts the "service" guys will have after doing this. :rolleyes: |
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| Eric L. |
Get ready for another useless dealership visit while they tell you they "need to order the part." Every time I visit my dealership they send me away without a repair and tell me they need to order the parts. Half the time they never call me back.
I guess the fuel tank skid plate is another thing to add to the list for my next $tealership visit.
BTW thanks JimC for making the announcement. I'm making this sticky. |
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| MightyMo |
| Aw damn, and just when I finished my skid-plate project yesterday :rolleyes: :D |
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| wxman |
Here are details of the recall for installation of a fuel shield from NTHSA...
Wxman |
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| Jim C |
Best bet is probably to call your dealer first to see if they have the shield parts and procedure. I'm checking with my guy later today. To heck with waiting for a letter. I STILL haven't got the stupid alternator recall letter and if I wait for the fuel tank one, I'll end up selling the Murano before the letter arrives - and I keep my cars for at least 10 years at a time!!!
Jim
ps: my understanding is that the recall does apply to ALL Murano's as the fuel tank design has not changed since introduction in 2003. |
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| njjoe |
Did anyone else notice that the NTHSA bulletin posted by Wxman only lists 2005 as being affected? Was I reading that wrong? I would expect the recall to affect all Muranos operated in the US (the NTHSA doesn't care about the rest of you boys).
-njjoe |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
Did anyone else notice that the NTHSA bulletin posted by Wxman only lists 2005 as been affected? Was I reading that wrong? I would expect the recall to affect all Muranos operated in the US (the NTHSA doesn't care about the rest of you boys).
-njjoe
I wouldn't worry about the year since it says 205,000 units affected, which pretty much means every Murano ever sold.
I noticed the start date for the recall is March 26, which means that gives Nissan's parts supplier 2 months to manufacture 205,000 metal shields. :p |
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| enamurao |
| Osama bin Laden saying al-Qaida is planning attacks, counterterrorism officials said Thursday. |
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| MightyMo |
| OMG, that's it, Ossama is going to plant bungee sticks on US highways to attack Murano fuel tanks, it's all so clear to me now... ;) |
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| njjoe |
MightyMo-
What are you worried about? Your MO is the only one in the US that already has a skid plate installed. And from the looks of it, it will probably be a lot more effective than what the Nissan guys will be installing.:4:
-njjoe |
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| MightyMo |
| It's not me I'm worried about, it's the vast thousands of my Murano brethren out there who are in imminent danger! Get your recalls done everybody, Osama is after you! ;) :D |
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| Filosophic1 |
I checked several websites, and there are no recalls out right now for the 2006 Muranos.
P.S. I just got my 2006 Brilliant Silver Murano SL yesterday. :D It was an upgrade from my 2002 Chevy Avalanche. |
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| njjoe |
Filosophic1-
It is a voluntary recall that appears to affect all Muranos. It was announced only a few days ago.
Since the gas tank configuration has remain unchanged since it's introduction, I think it is safe to say your 2006 will also be included.
-njjoe |
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| Filosophic1 |
Thanks Njjoe....if anything, it's good to know that Nissan is being proactive about the recall.
2006 Brilliant Silver SL |
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| Eric L. |
| The reason why we know about it earlier than everyone else is because Jim C has access to the dealership news network. The actual recall will not begin until March 2006 (likely when it will be announced to the public), but its nice to know ahead of time what to expect. |
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| Gonzo |
| What years will this cover? 03-05? |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
What years will this cover? 03-05?
The NHSTA document only referenced the 2005. However, the same document indicated over 200,000 units were affected.
Since all model years share the same gas tank configuration I believe it is safe to assume all model years (2003-2006) will be affected.
-njjoe |
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| special-k |
| I moved since I bought my MO. Which of the myriad of Nissan-related numbers do I call to make sure that they have my proper address on file for sending the recall notice (and other potentially important info) ????? |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by special-k
I moved since I bought my MO. Which of the myriad of Nissan-related numbers do I call to make sure that they have my proper address on file for sending the recall notice (and other potentially important info) ?????
I would call the 1-800 Consumer Affairs number. You can also register your vehicle on the Nissan website I believe. I moved right after I purchased my vehicle too, and used the website to change my address. |
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| jaak |
quote:
Originally posted by Filosophic1
Thanks Njjoe....if anything, it's good to know that Nissan is being proactive about the recall.
Yeah, aren't they great!!!! It only took them 3 years! Wow, they move soooo fast.
They'll probably have the parts ready for everyone, almost as quick!
So, I suspect that they just ignored the whole thing, then something happened with a Murano, and it caught fire, and there's legal action being considered and their lawyers said, you better fix this NOW! or you're going to set yourself up for further action....
On a side note, anyone know how to get CVT fluid spots off a driveway? I've got about a 100 or so of them from my Murano.
It truly frustrates me to see such a great vehicle suffer from such a poor support system. |
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| njjoe |
jaak-
I think you are giving NISSANUSA too much credit. You are being overly optimistic if you think Nissan took this action because a single (or even a few) Murano had an incident and caught fire. I am just speculating, but I bet there had to be hundreds of punctured tanks in addition to numerous lawsuits in order for Nissan to initiate this recall. They are not that consumer-friendly that they would issue a recall after just a handful of incidents.
But then again, maybe you are right on target and I am just overly pessimistic when it comes to NissanUSA.
-njjoe |
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| Ski Zero |
Took the MO into the dealer yesterday for another free oil change and inquired about this. The tech said that it's going to be coming out in a Recall and that they haven't received the offical notice yet, so they couldn't do anything. He's got my name and phone number though and they said they would call once it was offically out there for it to be done.
Just FYI. |
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| pacmo |
I had my MO at the delarship yesterday to get the steering wheel aligned and have the front lic plate holder installed. The car was aligned but the steering wheel was off by a few degrees. Since my MO is a new 05 with only 500 miles I inquired about the alternator recall. When I picked up my MO at the end of the day they told me the alternator was not affected by the recall but there was a gas tank shield recall. So they went ahead and installed the new shields. They look like they are all plastic and are quite ugly. I will take some pics tonight if anyone is interested. With regards to the alternator, how to I determin if it really is affected by the recall or not?
Pacmo |
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| Gonzo |
Do a search and you will find affected VINs for the recall.
Please post pictures of the fuel shield... I'm curious. |
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| njjoe |
Pacmo-
If your MO came off the boat in August or later then it has the good alternator. The affected VINs are as follows:
2005 FWD: JN8AZ08T*5W300104 thru 302827
2005 AWD: JN8AZ08W*5W400011 thru 404496
Can the new shields be seen from the side or rear?
-njjoe |
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| Eric L. |
| Its good to hear dealers are already getting the correct parts for this recall even though the official date of the recall is still 2 months away. |
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| pacmo |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
Pacmo-
If your MO came off the boat in August or later then it has the good alternator. The affected VINs are as follows:
2005 FWD: JN8AZ08T*5W300104 thru 302827
2005 AWD: JN8AZ08W*5W400011 thru 404496
Can the new shields be seen from the side or rear?
-njjoe
Thanks for the info. I am pretty sure it came off the boat after august but I will check tonight.
If you are more than a few feet away you can see the shields from the side. I dont think you can see them from the from or back? I will post some pics tonight.
pacmo |
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| MightyMo |
| Bulky plastic shields that hang down to protect the plastic gas tank? I'm liking the sound of this less and less... |
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| pacmo |
quote:
Originally posted by MightyMo
Bulky plastic shields that hang down to protect the plastic gas tank? I'm liking the sound of this less and less...
Yea ,I was thinking of some cool metal shields when I first heard of this recall. I was a little bummed when I saw the plastic ones they installed. I will post some pics tonight or tomorrow and you guys can decide for yourself.
Pacmo |
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| Jim C |
| Looking forward to the pics Pacmo. Frankly, I don't think is a major issue (unlike the alternator) and I'm debating whether to even get those suckers put on. Since I tend to keep my vehicles forever, it shouldn't be an issue - except, of course, if I get a puncture in the tank!! ;) |
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| njjoe |
Jim C.-
What if you elect to not have the shields installed and the tank gets punctured when the car is out of warranty, will Nissan still repair the tank and install the shields free of charge? I wonder.
-njjoe |
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| dmako |
I havn't crawled under my MO yet to take a look at the expose edge of the gas tank.
But it seems that if the front edge is exposed to rocks etc. being flung from the front wheels. Couldn't we simply get say a strip of Aluminum and attach it to the tank perhaps with construction adhesive? |
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| pacmo |
Ok here are a few pics
Pacmo |
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| dmako |
From the pics, seems doable (homemade shield). The shield would not have to fit all the contours, just protect the front.
From the service manual it seems like the current protection only protects from the bottom. Will Nissan replace this shield or simple put plastic in front? |
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| njjoe |
pacmo-
Thanx for the pics.
It's hard to form an opinion on the shield from the pics. They stand out in the photos, but I would expect that once they accumulate some road grime and the shininess wears off they may be less notably. I am just concerned that they may look too "clunky", just like the center muffler (which looks like an add-on, or a design after-thought).
As long as they don't rattle, whistle, thump or contribute any noise then I might not have a problem with the install.
Since it is a voluntary recall, I wonder if the install is mandatory.
Thanx again for the pics.
-njjoe |
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| ekaxel |
"From the service manual it seems like the current protection only protects from the bottom "
I don't see any bottom protection at all on my '03. |
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| rjardine |
What if anything will this do to the airflow under the MO. I doubt that it will improve it any since it looks somewhat blunt relative to the airflow that will hit it. Does that in turn lead to increased noise or drag?
I had anticipated something a little more streamlined. Not sure that I will be early in line to have this installed.
Anyone have any idea as to how many punctured gas tanks have been reported? |
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| Eric L. |
Before we go knocking Nissan's fuel tank shield, lets remember that this is a voluntary recall campaign and Nissan is stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing. That to me, is all I need to know to get this done to my MO as soon as the part is available at my dealership.
If you are really that concerned about the looks, then it is your choice to run the risk of fuel tank damage, however rare it may be, by not responding to the recall notice. |
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| pacmo |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
Before we go knocking Nissan's fuel tank shield, lets remember that this is a voluntary recall campaign and Nissan is stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing. That to me, is all I need to know to get this done to my MO as soon as the part is available at my dealership.
If you are really that concerned about the looks, then it is your choice to run the risk of fuel tank damage, however rare it may be, by not responding to the recall notice.
I agree! They may not look so great but when I hear "Risk of fuel tank puncture" no matter what the odds I take it seriously. The last thing I need is 21.7 gallons of premium fuel spewing out and catching fire.
pacmo |
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| Eric L. |
| Also to clear up confusion, Nissan is offering two fuel tank shield kits, one is plastic and one is aluminum. The recall notice, which is now up at NHTSA, says the dealer should use whichever kit they have available. |
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| zebelkhan |
| I like MightyMo's sheilds better.... |
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| Gonzo |
| Hey not so bad... it distracts you from looking at the center mufler..... what are they thinking? As much as I don't like the appearance I will have it done when they call me. :28: |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by zebelkhan
I like MightyMo's sheilds better....
No argument there. ;) He paid for his, Nissan's are free. |
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| njjoe |
Can you just imagine the look on the mechanic's face if MightyMo left the skid plates in place and brought his MO in to have the shields installed?! :eek:
-njjoe |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
Can you just imagine the look on the mechanic's face if MightyMo left the skid plates in place and brought his MO in to have the shields installed?! :eek:
-njjoe
Knowing the dealer, they would remove the hefty ones on the "Mighty MO" and install the plastic ones! |
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| jaak |
| Looks like something that can get torn off by road debris... |
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| pacmo |
quote:
Originally posted by jaak
Looks like something that can get torn off by road debris...
They do look a little weak. But they are strong and on there pretty good. It you were to encounter road debris large enough to tear them off, it would have also damaged the tank (if they were not there) as well as other items such as the exaust, rear diff, etc...
pacmo |
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| Jim C |
Hey NJJoe - you're right in that this is a "voluntary recall." But the "voluntary" part applies to Nissan doing this without NHTSA issuing an enforceable order from them to do it (i.e., the voluntary part doesn't apply to vehicle owners!). Actually, almost 100% of all recalls are "voluntary." Generally, manufacturers will fight this only for so long if they don't want to do a recall. NHTSA then has to go through formal judicial proceedings to get an enforceable order issued. Usually, when manufacturers see the handwriting on the wall, they'll cave and do the recall.
Because the recall is formal (with NHTSA assigned number, etc.), Nissan will want as high a compliance rate as possible. Especially since they have to report the results of the recall to NHTSA, who has the authority to require another recall if the return rate on the first is not high enough. If I (or anyone else) doesn't get the fix done, any subsequent problem (i.e., fuel tank puncture and attendant damage) is on my own dime.
Although I'm not crazy about adding MORE weight to my Murano and potentially reducing wind drag even more (i.e., lower fuel economy), guess I probably don't have much choice on getting this done. Oh well . . . |
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| Jim C |
| BTW - just got off the phone with my dealer service station. They do NOT have shields in stock yet, but told me to check back in a couple of weeks. No hassles on admitting the issue or requiring a notice or anything. My service managered admitted up front that there was a recall and he'd be happy to help - just needed to get the parts in from Parts Distribution. |
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| KSmurano |
Great now I have a reason to take the MO to the dealer.
I can get the "new" plastic gas tank shield & also get my badly bent metal CVT snow scoup replaced with a new plastic one! :rolleyes: |
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| Jim C |
Okay guys, its a slow morning at the office for me. So I did a little digging. Here's what I found out:
From the Summary Page of the Defects Investigation opened into the Murano fuel tank issue:
ODI HAS RECEIVED FOUR CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF THE FUEL TANKS BEING PUNCTURED BY ROAD DEBRIS DURING NORMAL DRIVING (NON OFF-ROAD CONDITIONS) IN 2004 AND 2005 MODEL YEAR NISSAN MURANOS. THE RESULT OF EACH OF THE PUNCTURES HAS BEEN FUEL LEAKAGE AT THE PUNCTURE AND SUBSEQUENT NEED FOR FUEL TANK REPLACEMENTS. TWO OF THE CONSUMERS HAVE REPORTED PUNCTURES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. ONE CONSUMER REPORTED A PUNCTURE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE FOURTH CONSUMER REPORTED MULTIPLE PUNCTURES. THREE OF THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE FOURTH INCIDENT OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE FREQUENCY, SCOPE, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
In addition, in checking the "DOCUMENTS" page of the investigation, I discovered that "peer review" letters were sent to Toyota, Honda, Ford and DaimlerChrsyler where NHTSA asked about mid-size SUV production and the rate of incidents of fuel tank failures. You can see the details at this web-link:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...ect/results.cfm
On the left hand menu, just do a search under defects investigations. You can also find out more information about the recall itself. Here's what I was able to pull from the NHTSA website:
There's also a dealer service notice with step-by-step procedures for the installation of the new shields here (also pulled from the NHTSA website):
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| Gonzo |
| Hmmm I wonder. Which might be a little better, plastic or aluminum... plastic? Less chance of rattles? |
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| MightyMo |
Kinda hard to tell from the pics, but it looks like they had to make it extra wide to find proper mounting points just like I did, so you do end up seeing it a bit in front of the rear wheels even when standing fairly close to the vehicle.
I would hope that the aluminum shields would be stronger and therefore less big and bulky, but who knows until somebody gets a set put on... |
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| pacmo |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
Hmmm I wonder. Which might be a little better, plastic or aluminum... plastic? Less chance of rattles?
The service pictures didn't scan so well but is sort of looks like the aluminum ones may be angled back about 45 degrees. While the plastic ones I have are clearly 90 from the the undercarriage. So to me that would mean aluminum = less drag and wind noise.
Pacmo |
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| zebelkhan |
| I wonder if this sheild will interfere with my nerf bar installs....:confused: |
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| Jim C |
| Hey guys - yea, sorry about the picture quality (or lack thereof). I pulled these directly off the NHTSA website so I'm guessing that it was a copy of the official file version - and the copy was then scanned into PDF format. I converted it to JPG for posting, but the quality is the same regardless of format. Maybe someone friendly with a dealer service manager can get a better copy? |
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| njjoe |
Jim C.-
Excellent post. Thanx for posting the bulletin.
Now the debate begins.... Aluminum or Plastic.
Since the recall does not affect units made after November 24 I can only assume those new cars either have different tanks or the shields already installed. It will be interesting to see how the 2006 tanks are protected.
Thanx again.
-njjoe |
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| njjoe |
I have to give NissanUSA credit.
There were only 4 complaints out of a population of 205,000. That is less than 0.002%. There were no accidents, no fires, and no injuries.
I had assumed all along that there had to be at least one hundred incidents. I never would never have guessed there were only 4.
Kudos to NissanUSA for stepping up to the plate.
-njjoe |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
I have to give NissanUSA credit.
There were only 4 complaints out of a population of 205,000. That is less than 0.002%. There were no accidents, no fires, and no injuries.
I had assumed all along that there had to be at least one hundred incidents. I never would never have guessed there were only 4.
Kudos to NissanUSA for stepping up to the plate.
-njjoe
I think credit should go to NHTSA, not Nissan. I doubt Nissan would have done anything unless NHTSA had a talk with them.....just as in the alternator case. It was not Nissan who decided to launch a recall campaign (even though they were being bombarded by alternator replacements and compliants) and did so only after NHTSA sent them a letter...They are ignoring it now but I bet if NHTSA sends them a letter on the 03-04 steering issue they will jump again... |
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| Jim C |
| I don't know for sure, but after looking at the Defects Investigation file from NHTSA, it appears that NHTSA really took this one seriously and obtained a lot of data on comparable failure rates from Toyota, Honda, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler. Seems to me (and this is pure speculation) that the rates and descriptions of failures from peer vehicles was probably such that it made the Murano look bad. Either that or Nissan didn't want to get into the dogfight and figured recall was easier. |
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| SugarRushMurano |
quote:
Originally posted by Jim C
I don't know for sure, but after looking at the Defects Investigation file from NHTSA, it appears that NHTSA really took this one seriously and obtained a lot of data on comparable failure rates from Toyota, Honda, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler. Seems to me (and this is pure speculation) that the rates and descriptions of failures from peer vehicles was probably such that it made the Murano look bad. Either that or Nissan didn't want to get into the dogfight and figured recall was easier.
Fact:
One of NHTSA main office is in downtown DC.
Older forum member: remember the campaign when we keep writing/calling the NHTSA about their website not allowing ppl to file complain for alt failure a while ago? I got a call from one of their directors in DC, literally. He told me that the 'problem' with their website will be fixed. He apologized and he did chat with me for a couple minutes on the problem on Murano alternator. Gave me his direct # and tell me to call him if anyday NHTSA website does not look right in future.
Theory:
Now this same director (or his family) may drive a murano too. This will lead him to take any Murano defects problem as 'personal'. Gas tank puncture? NHTSA slaps them a recall letter :2: |
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| Eric L. |
Just got a call from my dealership that some other parts for TSBs they had ordered for me (sunvisor clips - the second time, and the drivers lumbar support) had come in (after waiting nearly a month), so I asked the service manager about the fuel shield recall. He said yes he knows of the recall, but so far he only had VIN numbers for 2005 models affected, but not 2003-2004. I told him the NHTSA recall notice documents say 2003-2006 Muranos, and he said unless he had it "in the computer" he could not install the fuel shield for me.
Yep Nissan does it to me again. :rolleyes: |
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| biggun |
My dealer told me that my alternator for my year was not part of the alternator recall. So, either they fixed the problem in the 05 or my dealer has no clue on what they are talking about.
As far as the fuel tank goes with the 05 versus the 03 - 04 models - I guess they "unfixed it" in the 05. :confused: |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by biggun
My dealer told me that my alternator for my year was not part of the alternator recall. So, either they fixed the problem in the 05 or my dealer has no clue on what they are talking about.
As far as the fuel tank goes with the 05 versus the 03 - 04 models - I guess they "unfixed it" in the 05. :confused:
Reconfigured (improved) alternators were factory installed on new Muranos beginning in June/July '05. MOs arriving in the USA from August on have the "good" alternators.
It appears that all "older" (2003 - 2005) Muranos are affected by the fuel shield recall.
-njjoe |
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| biggun |
| I purchased my MO in February 05. Should I get a second opinion? |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by biggun
I purchased my MO in February 05. Should I get a second opinion?
Have your dealership run your VIN again, or have them physically inspect the part number on the alternator. Posts involving alternators should go into the alternator thread, not the fuel tank shield recall thread. |
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| Corin |
I'm waiting to see a picture of the aluminum shield. I'm thinking that might look better on my Platinum MO, but want to see before I go for it.
I plan to call around to different dealers to fine one that will install the particular part that I want (plastic or aluminum).
Has anyone else had it installed? |
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| Gonzo |
| If you are really concerned about the ALT or fueld shield applicability call Nissan directly.. given them your VIN and they will tell you. |
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| 762x51 |
Aha! So THAT's what that plastic thing is in front of my rear wheel! Picked my new MO up last saturday and noticed it when I was doing the inspection prior to signing the papers. Asked the salesman what it was, he said it was an air intake which I knew was BS. Right....a flat plate that absorbs in air and is in front of the REAR wheel. :rolleyes:
Well....good to know mine was delivered with the shield and I don't have to take it back. |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by 762x51
Aha! So THAT's what that plastic thing is in front of my rear wheel! Picked my new MO up last saturday and noticed it when I was doing the inspection prior to signing the papers. Asked the salesman what it was, he said it was an air intake which I knew was BS. Right....a flat plate that absorbs in air and is in front of the REAR wheel. :rolleyes:
Well....good to know mine was delivered with the shield and I don't have to take it back.
Actually, what you are referring to is not the fuel tank shield. The small vertical, plastic piece directly in front of each rear wheel is a wheel well splash guard. The fuel tank shield would be a boxy-looking structure located inboard of the rear wheels.
There is a picture of the wheel well splash guard earlier in this thread. Check out figure 7 in Jim C.'s post dated 1/27/06 11:44 A.M. (EDST).
I love your dealer's explanation. :1pat: That is just typical.
-njjoe |
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| Eric L. |
Well technically the fuel tank shield *does* direct some air somewhere. :D :D :D
My car is at the dealership now getting the seatback TSB performed, and they still claim "your VIN" is not in the system, so no fuel tank shield for me yet. :( |
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| 762x51 |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
Actually, what you are referring to is not the fuel tank shield. The small vertical, plastic piece directly in front of each rear wheel is a wheel well splash guard. The fuel tank shield would be a boxy-looking structure located inboard of the rear wheels.
There is a picture of the wheel well splash guard earlier in this thread. Check out figure 7 in Jim C.'s post dated 1/27/06 11:44 A.M. (EDST).
I love your dealer's explanation. :1pat: That is just typical.
-njjoe
I was referring to the plastic plate type structure visible from the side of the vehicle that "pacmo" has pointed to in his picture here. Is that a splashguard, or the shield?
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by 762x51
I was referring to the plastic plate type structure visible from the side of the vehicle that "pacmo" has pointed to in his picture here. Is that a splashguard, or the shield?
Oops. Sorry. :rolleyes:
I believe you're correct, that is the fuel tank shield.
Either that, or it's the air intake your dealer spoke about. :21: I still cannot get over the fact that your dealer told you it was an air intake. :32:
Good luck with your MO. It's a great car.
-njjoe |
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| 762x51 |
Thank you...I love it already. :cool:
Maybe it IS an air intake though? Maybe it's a rear engine vehicle and the front "engine" is just for show? Or maybe it's a brake cooling duct for the massive stealth 8 piston rear calipers that can't be seen with the naked eye?
The world may never know. :19: |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by 762x51
...Maybe it IS an air intake though? Maybe it's a rear engine vehicle and the front "engine" is just for show? Or maybe it's a brake cooling duct for the massive stealth 8 piston rear calipers that can't be seen with the naked eye?...
No. It is another cooler for the CVT. Except they ran out of room for another one in the front so they put it in the back....:D |
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| pacmo |
Hehehe.... You guys are killing me. Yes the arrow is pointing at the shield. The splash guard is also visible in the pic. It is about six inches behind the shield and a little to the right. Ok Ok so six inches would be way off the edge of the pic so I guess I mean six scale inches or 200 pixels or so give or take a pixel...:D Ya know now that I think about it I do remeber seeing some sort of air director pointing in the direction of the rear engine, but I will have to crawl under there tonight to verify it.
:2:
Pacmo |
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| jaak |
| I thought it was a spoiler to create downforce!;) |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by jaak
I thought it was a spoiler to create downforce!;)
O.K. Picture this. You are living in Southern California. You just picked up your MO from the dealer where he has installed the new fuel tank shield. You then decide to take your significant other into Mexico for some shopping, dinner, whatever. On the the way back into the US the Border Patrol notices something hanging from the underside of the car, something that is obvious an add-on since it definitely does not look like it belongs on the underside of a car with such an elegantly sculptured design. Even the Border Patrol realizes such an chunky looking box does not belong on a car with smooth flowing lines. On closer inspection they see that the "box" has been recently installed. They instruct you to get out of the car...
-njjoe |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
O.K. Picture this. You are living in Southern California. You just picked up your MO from the dealer where he has installed the new fuel tank shield. You then decide to take your significant other into Mexico for some shopping, dinner, whatever. On the the way back into the US the Border Patrol notices something hanging from the underside of the car, something that is obvious an add-on since it definitely does not look like it belongs on the underside of a car with such an elegantly sculptured design. Even the Border Patrol realizes such an chunky looking box does not belong on a car with smooth flowing lines. On closer inspection they see that the "box" has been recently installed. They instruct you to get out of the car...
-njjoe
njjoe
you are not pessimist, are you?
But you are right, it looks awful. Then again some may argue safety first…….I do not like the center muffler as it distorts the beautiful lines of the Murano. Now “this”……..what ever you call it…..I have to think if I get it installed. I am not so sure. |
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| njjoe |
Kris-
Pessimist? Me? Nah, I just hate the way those damn optimists walk around all day with their damn positive attitudes and cheery outlooks.... ;)
Actually, I just enjoy playing Devil's advocate when discussing car dealers, poor workmanship, inferior customer support, etc.
Have a nice day. :D
-njjoe |
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| mgthe3 |
hmmmmmmmmmm
I think we could do much better with a simple aluminum alloy plate.
I will look under there and see what I can come up with....I do happen to have a LOT of aluminum alloy sheet.
:12: |
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| mgthe3 |
I went out there and looked.
There are several sheet channels under there for structural integrety that would allow fastening a sheet formed like this: |
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| mgthe3 |
Given the width of the sheet and two screws (front to pack) at each attachment point, I think this would look better.
I want to see a pic of their idea while the Mo is on a lift.
Anyone game? |
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| Kris |
mgthe3
I like your idea. How it would look from a side? |
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| mgthe3 |
It would look like the silly pic I did. That is the side view.
At the angle of the photos pacmo has, you wouldn't even see it. Give it a coat of undercoating and you would think it was stock.
That is what prompted me to make my own if I have to.
Kinda silly to have a huge piece of metal or plastic hanging down there like the OEM one appears.
In deflecting projectiles, you never use something perpendicular to the angle of incidence. The greater the angle of incidence, the less penetration=the less armor thickness you need.
What is sad is that there already is a remnant of a shield there. Had they just gone on across the length of the tank, we wouldn't be having this conversation. All they needed was about 12 inches more to cover the entire front of it. It confounded me looking at it.
What I propose would be 18 inches wide and I'm not sure yet how long; to protect the entire underside of the tank might be a little longer than the sheets I have, I'll have to look tomorrow--it's gettin cold in Atlanta huh?
I'll mock one up and do some pics when I get the time.
;) |
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| Ohio Murano |
| Took mine to the dealer for something else and asked about the recall and they said no problem they would do it also. We will see how it turns out. I have to pick it up tomorrow. I was surprised when I asked he said he had about 100 on hand. :cool: |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Ohio Murano
Took mine to the dealer for something else and asked about the recall and they said no problem they would do it also. We will see how it turns out. I have to pick it up tomorrow. I was surprised when I asked he said he had about 100 on hand. :cool:
O.M.-
Were you given the option of plastic or metal?
-njjoe |
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| Ohio Murano |
| Not given the option and actually had not read the whole thread until tonight I didn't even know there were 2 different kind. I will post tomorrow and let everyone know which one I get. |
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| Ohio Murano |
| Well went and picked it up today and Nissan service basically did nothing for me. They didn't fix my problem and said I wasn't covered under the recall for the fuel shields. So I guess I'll have to wait until I get official notice from Nissan. |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by Ohio Murano
...said I wasn't covered under the recall for the fuel shields. So I guess I'll have to wait until I get official notice from Nissan.
Try a different dealer because the letter from Nissan may never come. I still don't have my letter for the Alternator recall....:28: |
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| Jim C |
quote:
I still don't have my letter for the Alternator recall....
You and me both Zebelkhan! Luckily, my dealer service is a heck of a lot better than most and they just go by computer records without no stinkin' letter! |
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| Eric L. |
| The situation now is slightly different than the alternator recall since this one officially doesn't go into effect until March. So I can understand if dealers are not completely informed about this yet. I had the same experience at my dealership - they knew about the recall but said my VIN did not appear on the list yet. |
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