I'm hoping that some of the expereinced members/visitors can help me sort out some 'curious' behaviours exhibited by my 2000 model 4.2TD Patrol. There are several 'behaviours' - will describe each in case they are related. I'm no tech-head (but am learning quickly!)
B'ground: Patrol purchased 2nd hand early 2003, with cruise control and bullbar fitted - otherwise as factory- incl ABS and passenger air bag. Have since added electric trailer brake control (Tekonsha Voyager 9030) as patrol was purchased for towing horsefloat (2000kg loaded). Otherwise just drive to work - bitumen. Regularly serviced - 4WD specialist. Intermittent nature of probs has made them hard to 'pin down'. Probs listed below:
1. NATS malfunction? The security indicator light (on top of dash) yesterday started to flash intermittently and stay on for short periods when the car is driven. This is usually accompanied by a 'stuttering/intermittent loss of power. Much more pronounced at low speeds/lower gears. If the indicator light did not light up, I would have interpreted to loss of power as some interruption to fuel supply (water, air,'junk'). Thought the prob may relate to 'chip' in the key, so took a short
test drive with the reserve key - same prob. I have learned that NATS deals with security coded sound sys, remote central locking, engine immobiliser...so suspect other probs (outlined below) are connected to this
2. Remote Central locking - performance has been variable, sometimes not locking until I press button several times and aim at whatever?? magic spot. I was told that it just needed a new battery, but now I am wondering.
3. Sound system occasionally requesting a 'code" though it still plays the radio and CDs. This started after I had the car battery replaced about 10 months ago.
4. Mysterious brakelights that come on all on their own! If the horsefloat is hooked up , its brakelights come on as
well. This has happenned when the Patrol was empty, locked and the key inside the house. It has also happened with the car idling in driveway and no-one in the car. Lights go off of their own accord several seconds to several minutes later. Application/release of handbrake has no effect. When I am near the driver's
seat I hear a 'tick' sound come from the electric braking unit when the lights come on or go off. The braking unit and the brakes on the new horse float were installed by the same qualified auto electrician.
The Patrol is booked into the local Nissan dealer (as per manual instructions and because there could be some safety issues) in a couple of days, but I have learned that there are a number of experienced owners and enthusiasts who could save us all a lot of time. I have not been to this dealer before - so not sure of their 'tricky problem solving' ability. Being a female owner/driver of a lg 4WD can also lead to some assumed 'lack of credibility' issues!!!!
Just from browsing the
forum today I have learned why my Patrol is prone to overheating when I tow up a long or steep slope - apparently a prob with my model of turbo diesel. Other Patrol owners and my regular mechanic looked at me blankly when I have mentioned the problem in the past!
Thanks, in advance, for your suggestions.