Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004 at 19:22
This is a copy of my response to an earlier thread on this subject.......
This is a long story but I will try and keep it short. I posted an extensive thread on this issue about 18 months ago but can't find it in the archives.
Anyway, When I bought my Patrol 3.0tdi new in june 2002 I had it fitted with cruise before delivery. Nissan don't (or didn't then) make a factory cruise for the 3.0tdi but used the 'Command' brand system which had a throttle cable from the accelerater through the fire wall to an actuator. How the whole thing works I'm not sure but anyway I had a heap of trouble with it which I brought to the attention of my dealer. They fiddled with it but it was never any good.
I did some home work and found out about the new 'Auscruise' by Autron for drive by wire specific vehicles. I sussed things out and found documentation purporting to be from the 'Command' company that specifically stated that the command systems for drive by wire vehciles are NOT recommended and should not be used for the same reason as set out in this recall notice, and others more serious.
Back then (late 2002) I brought this information and the documents (photocopies) to the attention of my dealer.
The result was...I was told the cruise would be changed ASAP at no cost, to the Autron Auscruise. I was told that the Auscruise could not be fitted without training first so the dealer sent his techie to do the course. I was fitted with the Auscruise about 6 weeks later from memory and it has been joy ever since.
The Auscruise has no wires or cables and talk directly to your ECU making smooth transitions and holds your speed accurately.
The Command system pulls on the accelerater and brings the car up to speed. I'm not shore why but because the cable is not exact as the ECU electronics, it constantly tries to get the speed right by increasing speed and going slightly too fast then adjusting by slowing down and vise vera creating a rollacoaster road.
I know some people have these fitted a swear by them. That's great. Please don't bombared me with "mines great" responses because I know some have been happy. I would suggest however that if Nissan are now offering a recall and changing them to the Auscruise. JUMP and get it done.
I am surprised that it has taken this long for the recall. Many 3.0tdi's would have been fitted with the old cable type since it was first brought to the attention of Nissan. I was told that the information was passed to HQ.
And if your wondering, I have nothing to do with and never have had anything to do with the Autron company or the Command company in any way. Just a concerned consumer.
Finally I would just add that the recall my not be for the Command systems alone but may be for all the non drive by wire units fitted. This information serves only as a information tread in relation to my own experiences and the current recall as stated by stillthinkinaboutit at the top of the page.
FollowUp 1 of 1 posted 08 Dec 2004 at 15:04 - (FollowupID: 346606)
Member - Andrew(WA) posted this followup
I see in another thread posted that Nissan are giving refunds and not replacing the cruise control.
This is probably because of the cost factor to upgrade.
Whether or not you
jump up and down and demand the Auscruise is up to you! but it worked for me
cheers
AnswerID:
87843
Follow Up By: gu bob - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004 at 21:56
Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004 at 21:56
they are not giving you any option just money back.
FollowupID:
346698
Follow Up By: Member - Andrew(WA) - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004 at 22:21
Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004 at 22:21
Bob
I understand.
But, from my point of view, I bought a car with cruise that was INCLUDED in the deal.
If now, for what ever reason, they have to remove it and there is a product that can safely do the same job (in this case a better job) then as a consumer I should be given the option to have that product installed.
I personally would not have purchased the patrol if it could not have been fitted with cruise. Lets say for the argument that there was no other option and the cruise had to be removed and a replacement was not available. I would be stuck with a car that has no cruise but a car I purchased on the proviso it would have one. Now I would be left with a 50 grand mistake, no fault of my own. I would never accept that. Even if I lost, the journey would cost the manufacturer more just a replacement cruise control.
As a consumer we should expect only what we pay for, anything else is a bonus. If we pay for something with an expectation and it is taken away, one shouldn't be left out of pocket.
That's what I recon anyway.
cheers
FollowupID:
346711
Follow Up By: Member - Andrew(WA) - Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004 at 22:25
Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004 at 22:25
Bob
Sorry, my point is FIGHT or just accept a loss through bad market research by multi national companies who only care for their profits.
After all, the basis of this recall is 'safety'. They knew about almost two years ago, and now we hear about it.
FollowupID:
346715