Problems with Nissan Patrol ST 3.0L TD

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 15:46
ThreadID: 41533 Views:28788 Replies:23 FollowUps:45
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I've recently acquired a 3.0L Turbo Diesel Nissan Patrol 2005 Model Leather trim - Very pretty and took it off road to Steep Point last week.

After about 2.5 hours of driving off road - some corrugations some soft sand work The engine malfunction light came on and it refused to kick down. I checked for water in the fuel filter (three times) but none there. Called Nissan and eventually got it back to them with a polite please 'Fix it' request but wondered if anyone else had experienced similar probs and if so what they were traced to?
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Reply By: Wayne-o - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 15:51

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 15:51
heya bud, i dont wanna bag ur vehicle choice, but it seems the problem with ur patrol in the engine, i keep hearing so many issue with this engine.....but i do hope you can fix it....i know hoe frustrating it can be...good luck!
AnswerID: 217261

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:07

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:07
Thanks Wayne Luckily I kept my 16 year old RB30 Patrol which is still unstoppable! I am so disappointed that a $60K car should fail on its first off road outing (even the back lights fell out!) I hope Nissan can fix it as it is still under warranty. At the moment I am really regretting my purchase. Hopefully that will change as I plan a long trip into the desert in April. I have a terrible feeling that this car has been designed as an urban tractor too complicated and delicate to take more than 50KM away from a Nissan Dealer. Hopefully I am wrong. What I will say in its favour is that when it was behaving itself it was a delight to drive. It's my first automatic 4x4 and I couldn't fault it on soft sand.
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Follow Up By: Wayne-o - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:13

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:13
they are good cars, i just think the new engine has teething problems, i have the TD-6 which is the big brother. I went for this option due only to its proven reliability....they are unstoppable (most of the time) and the heavier drivetrain....but once again good luck....nissan should sought it out for ya i reckon!
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Follow Up By: GaryInOz (Vic) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:47

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:47
TD6 (Japanese old school) is no relation at all to the TD4 (Renaullt electronic controlled EFI)
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Follow Up By: Redback - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:43

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:43
As far as i'm aware the running gear/drivetrain is the same, only the 3.0l is available in auto
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Follow Up By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:52

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:52
yep Redback, you're right about the drive train being the same....both as strong as an ox. It's these types of issues (what I generalise as "computer problems") that really worry me about these new fangled engines. I agree that they are great for power, fuel economy etc .....it's just that there are too many (one is "too many" as far as I'm concerned) breakdowns associated with MAF's, EGR's, VVTurbos, Intercooler hoses blowing off, ridiculous belt pulley tensioners etc etc.

The venerable 4.2 donk may have taken pride of place on Noah's boat, but it's as reliable as as old Akubra, even if some of 'em do run a bit warm from time to time.

I love my new 6.5 V8 diesel....it's from the same era as the 4.2; it's not very fuel efficient (but no worse than the 4.2TD), but it has no little black box or sensors in air intake etc that are gunna shut-up shop on me in the back of beyond for no apparent logical reason....leaving me looking for a computer expert.

I know I have detractors on this forum for speaking in these tones, but I just call 'em as I see 'em. The perfect donk has yet to be invented........reliability is THE most important attribute as far as I concerned.

I hope they can get to the bottom of your problem mate.......my suggestion FWIW would be to get it fixed and get rid of it.

Good luck

Cheers
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Follow Up By: blown4by - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 19:05

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 19:05
Very informed hi-tech diagnosis!
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Reply By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:29

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:29
Yu say it refused to kic down. What other symptoms. Was it sluggish? Did it blow smoke? Sound abnormal?

Dave O
AnswerID: 217266

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:38

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:38
Thanks Dave - No didn't blow smoke - just went everywhere in 3rd. If you turned the engine off and on again it would be fine for a few minutes and perform really well but then the malfunction light would come on again (even if the vehicle was stationery) and it would have a problem. I didn't post the entire story here as its a bit long but given the interest here it is - Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

1. Drove up to Shark Bay on Saturday 13th Jan All OK to Overlander Road House (Approx. 700 KM) towing camper trailer. Topped up half a tank with diesel at Overlander All OK
2. Drove up tarmac to Useless loop turn off All OK
3. Drove on gravel road to Useless Loop Approx. 100 KM Some corrugations All OK
4. Drove up steep soft sand (4WD 2H D – All tyres at 16PSI including camper trailer) All OK
5. Hard corrugations for a while (about 2-3KM) All OK apart from drivers side passenger door which vibrated markedly at the top. Needs adjusting to get a proper seal.
6. Next set of sand dunes malfunction indicator Light came on steady – (not blinking) Stopped vehicle immediately.
7. Consulted owners manual. Checked for water in fuel filter – drained approx. a cup full of diesel out of the fuel filter – no sign of water. Light did not come on after engine was started.
8. Drove on for two minutes over soft sand – Light came on steady. Checked for water in fuel filter – drained approx. a cup full of diesel out of the fuel filter – Still no sign of water. Light did not come on after engine was re-started.
9. Drove on for a further two minutes, again over soft sand – Light came on steady. Checked again for water in fuel filter – drained approx. a cup full of diesel out of the fuel filter – still no sign of water. Light did not come on after engine was started.
10. Drove on for two minutes over soft sand – Light came on. Stopped car. Turned off engine. Consulted owners manual and determined that this may be an engine control malfunction.
11. Observed Car’s fuel economy was very poor 25 litres per 100km!!!. The vehicle did not shift down properly and top speed was 58KMH Drove on to camp site at steep point (Approx. 20KM)
12. Observed right rear light cluster hanging from vehicle – self-tapping screws lost. Took one screw from LH light cluster and gaffer taped both lights in place.
13. Left the vehicle switched off overnight and started the engine in the morning. Did not engage gears or move the vehicle but the malfunction indicator light came on after approximately 2 minutes. Turned off vehicle and disconnected battery overnight.
14. Reconnected battery and drove vehicle for approximately 10 minutes before the malfunction indicator light came on. Even though the light came on the vehicle still changed down OK and all gears seemed OK
15. Found a high Hill and called Nissan and spoke to mechanic.
16. Determined that the problem may be a sensor problem and was advised that the vehicle was OK to drive although may experience some issues. I was advised to check the sensors wiring hadn’t come loose especially in the air intake area. Checked – All OK but also checked the air filter which was very dirty. I turned the air filter around so that the side facing the air intake was the clean side.
17. Drove back to camp – Vehicle performed OK with appropriate gear changes but light came on after a couple of minutes.
18. On the 20th January we set off from the point hoping to get to Geraldton to a Nissan dealer before lunchtime. Unfortunately after just a couple of minutes the light came on and we lost most of the gears, struggling to get over 58KM an hour on the gravel road from Useless Loop. Stopped several times and turned the engine off each time.
19. Eventually when we turned on the engine again and revved the engine hard (about 50KM from the Overlander Road House – still on the gravel road) the light didn’t come on again and stayed off. There was no chance of making it to Geraldton by now but we had all our gears back and were able to cruise at highway speeds. Got back to Greenmount at 11pm. Fuel economy was still very poor.
Light did come on once or twice onthe way back down the Great Northern Highway but apart from really bad fuel economy the vehicle seemed OK
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Reply By: jdpatrol - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:41

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:41
When you checked for water did you retain diesel sample as it came through. Only similar thing I've had was when fuel filter was full of crap - that warning light came on, there was no water but there was rubbish in the diesel so you knew straight away what was going on.

This is just a routine thing but I don't know what the kick down issue is about. For me it happened after first 2 tanks of B100 biodiesel so it was expected, but dirty fuel could do same.

Best wishes
JD
AnswerID: 217268

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:46

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 16:46
Thanks JD I think that may be part of it. I just called the guys at Nissan and they have just said that a code on the 'puter indicates a fuel pump problem or maybe dirty fuel but given its appalling performance its hard to believe that that's all it is!
Its still under new car warranty - of course dirty fuel isn't covered.....
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Follow Up By: Gerhardp1 - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 21:07

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 21:07
A fuel pump choked with cr@p will definately give you very poor performance. Definately shouldn't be covered by warranty.

Easy to believe - if the engine can't get any fuel, how can it make any power?

I had the same problem on cape york trip in my petrol Jack - blocked gauze filter on the in-tank fuel pump, lots of crap in the tank. Result - clogged external fuel filter and heavily restricted delivery of fuel to the fuel rail, and hence no power and misfiring. When the fuel got hot in the tank from the return line, the filter clogged even worse to the extent that the engine would completely cut out. Only got the occasional check engine light, the code was for lean cylinder. Code reset turned the pesky light off.
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Reply By: Member - Cruiser (NSW) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:01

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:01
Sounds like the computer has gone into a limp home mode, but whats the cause, dont know.

Good luck with it.

Hope Nissan look after you.
AnswerID: 217271

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:15

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:15
Thanks Cruiser
I am begining to understand that the 'puter has this fail safe function where they allow you to limp home.
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Reply By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:01

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:01
If the code says fuel pump problem, it could be water in the fuel pump- there is a sensor at the bottom of the pump that gets fouled easily if water present. If there are multiple codes, and this does happen, then it could be anything from a bad earth to faulty sensor to overboost. Nissan's fault codes seem to be a bit confused at times.

Sounds as though it is the fuel pump. I ask Nissan to check first that the MAF is fine, that there is good clean fuel, that it doesn't or hasn't also recorded an overboost code.

Cheers
David
AnswerID: 217272

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:08

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:08
Thanks Dave - Apparently there is a 'very long' schedule of procedures that they have to follow now to resolve the code which they are doing. I have told them to keep the vehicle as long as they like to fix it. They haven't mentioned multiple codes but I will talk to them about overboost and MAF although I am not sure what MAF stands for!
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Follow Up By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:14

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:14
MAF= mass airflow = air mass meter = air flow meter etc. A small in the induction system that measures the mass of air entering.
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Follow Up By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:15

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:15
sorry can't edit properly. I meant a small sensor in the induction system etc
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Reply By: Andrew(WA) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:06

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:06
1. Could be as simple as crap in your fuel filter. I had a similar problem with mine. New filter...problem solved

What seems to happen is the crap settles in the bottom of your tank...when you go off road for the 1st time in a while it shakes lose, goes through the filter and clogs.

Because the engine doesn't get the fuel it needs the ECU takes over and slows you down.

I've heard of others doing the same but am speaking from personal experience on this one.

2. Could also be faulty earth from the engine. These motors need good earth points. Small variations can set of the ECU causing the vehicle's auto box to go into 'self preservation mode'...Solution...check all earth contacts.

I am confident it will be one of these two points.
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Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:11

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:11
Andrew that sounds great. Is yours a 3.0 litre ST turbo diesel as well?
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Follow Up By: Andrew(WA) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:26

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:26
yep.. Series III
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Reply By: Member - Michael- Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:12

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:12
Nige
Don't knock 'em there's more of a problem with backup support, if the problem dosen't show on the computer then there isn't a problem. I had a similar problem with mine and it was a loose sensor connection, from memory check the plug on base of fuel filter
Cheers
Mike
May the fleas of a thousand afghan camels infect the crutch of your enemy and may their arms be too short to scratch.

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AnswerID: 217275

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:17

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:17
Thanks Mike
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Follow Up By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:18

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:18
Mike Unfortunately this "if the problem dosen't show on the computer then there isn't a problem"- isn't true. Mine had a faulty MAF sensor that resulted no power and very high boost (because the VNC is disabled at low airflow) that did not show a code at all.

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Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:23

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:23
Sorry Dave, VNC?
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Follow Up By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:26

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:26
Variable Nozzle Control= boost adjustment for turbo. Controlled by the ECU with pulse width modulation via a vacuum operated device. Essentially no airflow tells the computer to abandon boost control which results in maximum possible boost.

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Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:28

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:28
Ah OK things are starting to make sense now ... I predict a new sensor and fuel filter coming on! Thanks for your advice Dave you are clearly very well informed!
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Follow Up By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:34

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:34
Don't forget the earth points too as mentioned above. Always a good starting point with these vehicles.
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Follow Up By: Member - Michael- Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:05

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:05
David
Bit of tongue in cheek. ("There's nothing showing up on the computer so we can't fix it") Unfortunately I've a bad opinion of Nissan dealers based on own experiences.
May the fleas of a thousand afghan camels infect the crutch of your enemy and may their arms be too short to scratch.

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Reply By: kiwicol - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:56

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 17:56
if the air filter was dirty sounds like there could be poor maintanance issues i would be doing a full engine service and chnge all the oils in the diffs transfer case and doing a gearbox service least you know its right from start col
AnswerID: 217285

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:06

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:06
Thanks Col
It had its 10,000Km serviced by Northside Nissan before we went but the schedule doesn't require them to change the air filter ...
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Reply By: Grandpa joe - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:08

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:08
G'day Nige...Dad,
Don't fuss, I had the same prob with my fuel water sense float and just told Nissan to replace the unit on the bottom of the fuel filter ..........................................
And Hey presto! No more problems for three years so far..

You have to be careful on this forum , as there are many know it alls that know nothing about The ZD 30 Patrol and jump at the chance to tell you it's crap.

I love my 3 litre, So what if if you can get milk in the same capacity,..... at least I can afford to put deisel in it!
AnswerID: 217289

Follow Up By: Member - Teabag (Queanbeyan) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:21

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:21
Nail hit on the head there, well done. I couldn't have said better myself.......
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Reply By: Member - Teabag (Queanbeyan) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:12

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:12
Sorry, can't help but if it proves to be dirty or bad fuel then I fail to see how it is Nissan's fault......I would contact the appropriate fuel supplier/Service Station with your grievance though......Good luck and hope it gets sorted......
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Follow Up By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:35

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:35
I am not sure anyone was saying it was Nissan's fault..were they? Or did I miss something.

The computer code system and subsequent fault finding procedure with these cars is more complex and less reliable than it need be, but that is no big deal. Plenty of modern cars like that. In the end it will be a faulty sensor or dirt/contaminated fuel or a bad earth as most have suggested.

In reply to the original poster, in summary

1. The car has gone into limp home mode which along with other things locks the transmission in one gear (second I think).

2. The code thrown up may be correct but there are plenty of instances where the fault causes incorrect codes due to the fault's influence on other systems.

3. Sometimes there are multiple codes- such as when there is a bad earth.

4. Very often the code recorded is the water in fuel code. This could be due to water in the fuel, a bad sensor in the filter or a fault with the fuel pump.

5. There is a sensor in a silly location in the fuel pump (in my opinion) that gets contaminated and causes problems occasionally with some cars.

6. Very often a MAF failure results in sluggish performance no boost control overboost. In my case no codes were thrown up and the engine light did not come on. Sometimes it results in overfueling and smokey exhaust.

In the end Nissan will find the fault and all will be well.

PS Love my Nissan

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Follow Up By: Member - Teabag (Queanbeyan) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 19:06

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 19:06
David,

Quote from a statement by the poster nigeldad, "I am so disappointed that a $60K car should fail on its first off road outing (even the back lights fell out!) I hope Nissan can fix it as it is still under warranty. At the moment I am really regretting my purchase."

This is what I was referring to. Has I said if the vehicle got bad fuel then it isn't the vehicle or Nissan's fault........
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Follow Up By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:55

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:55
Fairy Nuff :-)

Still I recon the rear lights in the plastic are useless too. A real dumb idea along with stiff mudflaps- and the Patrols aren't the worst. Do these designers ever go off-road???
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Reply By: 4Harves- Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:39

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:39
Nige,

When i had my 3 ltr serviced last month I was chatting to the service guys about my warranty because of the DeiselGas being fitted. They didn't seem to have a problem with that but they warned me never to run Biodeisel as that played havoc with the filter system. Dont know if you had been running with Bio but thats what Nissan informed me.
Hope you can get it sorted

Chris
AnswerID: 217301

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:50

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 18:50
Thanks Chris this is the first Diesel I have owned so am not sure about the difference between diesel and biodiesel although l guess that one is mineral and one vegie? I just filled up at the bowser at the garage with diesel and don't remember seeing anything about biodiesel. I've used BP and Shell and whatever teh Overlander sells. I hav heard however that once you use a certain oil for your engine box and diffs that you should stick with it rather than change brands so maybe the same goes for diesel as well.
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Reply By: Member - DOZER- Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 19:25

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 19:25
When sensor feedback is lost to the auto computer (or engine most probably) the auto shifts to third if you are in d, usually, manual shifting 1 and 2 will work aswell.
For every motor made, there are good and bad points, i would just like to say that the 3 litre patrol puts out as much power and torque as my 4.2 cruiser,(40% bigger) so it is either more stressed, or my cruiser motor is way over engineered....
and could be making 40% more power than the 3 litre if tuned thesame....which do u think sounds true??
Andrew hdftvx
AnswerID: 217314

Follow Up By: Stu050 - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:11

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:11
The cruiser engine is way over engineered and will last at least one revolution of a six figure odometer if maintained correctly.

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Reply By: Outbacktourer - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 19:50

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 19:50
Had this happen to me, it was a leak in the filter lift pump, sucking air. Dealer said, not common but not unknown, warrant job.
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Reply By: furph - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:38

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:38
I dont have one, nor do I want one. But I do have to wonder what happens when this "leather trim, very pretty" vehicle goes into "limp home" or even stationary mode in the middle of the CSR or some other remote location?
Does one put it down to "shyte happens" or get serious and cranky with Mr. Nissan?
My good friend "had" a 2003 td3.0, bought new, 70000kms which holed two pistons, towing a fairly heavy boat at about 90kph. A lot of $$'s cost on a truck back to the stealer he purchased from, then an argument about the warranty as it was 4 weeks past its use by date. Nearly 3months later the engine was rebuilt and he had a bill for $2700 for fitment, oils, coolant etc.
Later the same afternoon after he picked it up he was driving a new Rodeo twin cab. He requires a reliable vehicle for his outback travels, just ask him what he thinks of Nissan.
furph

AnswerID: 217333

Follow Up By: Outbacktourer - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:58

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:58
FWIW Since I do a bit of remote travel amongst other spares I carry two extra fuel filters and also a spare MAF and the tools to change it. I also have a boost gauge fitted to check all well and because I have been known tow a fairly heavy boat about at 90KPH also have an EGT gauge and have been known to back off on occasion.

OT
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Follow Up By: David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:59

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:59
Almost had to send a Rodeo home from one of our trips prior to enetering the Simpson. We eventually isolated it to a faulty EGR valve- another high tech add on. :-) We disabled the EGR and it was then able to continue...they're pretty much all the same these days.
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Reply By: Member - Glenn D (NSW) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:49

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:49
Actually had the same problem start in the same spot, too weird.

Messed around with it for ages , had the manual , it kept faulting various fuel pump problems. There are fault codes for filter blocked but never came up . Problem degenerated to surges in the power while driving.

Finally cracked and booked it in at a deisal specialist , when I rang the guy said to change the fuel filter first , sorted all my problems.

Found out later manual says to change every 40k apparentley Nissan do them at 20k now , I change them every 10k now and havent had aproblem I also take a spare if going away .

Glenn.

Dont worry about the 3.0 knockers , Ive only ever broken 2 gearboxes an engine mount and cracked a head . ( stop laughing now Im not kidding )

AnswerID: 217340

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 21:34

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 21:34
Same spot? On the way to Steep? That is wierd but reassuring in a wierd sort of way too!

Well Nissan have now had it for two days - and claim to be working on it so we will see. I am certainly getting a lot of valuable feedback from this site which is great. I will give the mechanics at my local Nissan dealers a print out.
Thanks Everyone
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Reply By: On Patrol - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:56

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 20:56
Had a similar issue with mine, it ended up being that some twit that installed my snorkel switched vac hoses at air filter, switched back no problem any more. Two weeks later when discovered.
AnswerID: 217342

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 21:42

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 21:42
Thanks Ren I plan to have a snorkel fitted before my desert trip in April so I'll make sure I look at the hoses first.
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Reply By: bob&loz - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:22

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 22:22
Had exactly the same thing happen after I filled up at the back of the pub in Hungerford
Limped all the way to Dubbo then changed fuel filter (full of black flakes ) and has been fine ever since.
Bob
AnswerID: 217373

Reply By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 23:06

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 23:06
I didn't bother to read the whole post (sorry I'm too lazy). Our 3.0L TD patrol (work car) did this over and over and over and over and over again. New turbo, new EGR, new filters and 3 weeks with Nissan.... Then it just did it sometimes instead of all the time...

Nothing wrong with electronics (look at the many other EFI diesels out there that are going strong even after 10 years +++ of punishment, it's just this one in particular still has gremlins that after nearly 8 years Nissan still hasn't been able to solve.

Honestly they can't get rid of this motor and put somthing decent in the patrols soon enough...
AnswerID: 217384

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:00

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:00
Thanks Jeff. As I said, when it behaved it was great but I can't take it bush until I have confidence in it and that will only be restored by flogging it off road when I get it back. If I get more problems it'll have to go but Boy! I can't afford to make that kind of mistake more than once in a lifetime!
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:18

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:18
the only way a bloke in our club got confidence in his was after turbo and engine and gearbox replacement, he drove next door to pick up his new car.. the nissan dudes were watching him drive out, and then drive in next door!!!!!
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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 10:06

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 10:06
In all fairness, even though there are a lot of reports of the earlier motors blowing motors at 100k and the occasional turbo failure at similar milage the one we had was a PITA losing power all the time, but it never actually stopped. It was just slow until you turned it off and started it again. Then if you floored it at the lights the engine light would come back on and you'd go slow again as the ECU went into saftey mode.

So probably reliability is not a massive issue out bush at less than 100,000kms, but it'll just be a PITA unless Nissan actually sort it out (don't hold your breath).
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Reply By: hamradio_1 - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 23:57

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007 at 23:57
Same I had Nissan install a factory snorkel They left off the inlet hose clamps and the vnc vacuum hoses!!!!!!!!!!!! I fixed it up myself then had a calm phone call to tell them of there questionable work:-(. NOT HAPPY
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Follow Up By: nigeldad - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:03

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:03
Thanks Hammy - Which Nissan garage did the snorkel? Its just that I want to have one fitted.
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FollowupID: 477843

Follow Up By: hamradio_1 - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 21:46

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 21:46
Parrama**a Nissan in NSW. My honest opinion is that unless you can fully trust the business doing the work go over it your self with a fine tooth comb after any work is done
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FollowupID: 478028

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 21:59

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 21:59
Thanks Hammy - No chance of me going to NSW to get a snorkel fitted! But I agree check all work even if it is just a cursory glance under the bonnet it can save an awful lot of grief!

For the last 3 days I have been driing my old Patrol around - She is just great ... No pretence, no frills and lace (or leather) I am really wondering if I should sell her now.
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FollowupID: 478030

Reply By: Martyn (WA) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:28

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:28
nigeldad,
All vehicles have their problems, I took my 2000 3.0 TD Patrol to Steep Point last year, I shook the crap out of it on all those exact same places you mentioned, I didn't tow my trailer in just took the vehicle in, performed faultlessly, I let a bit of pressure out to soften the ride, this helped a lot. I've had the engine warning light come on once and I suspect that was the main battery on it's way out, I replaced that and I haven't seen the light on since and that was three years ago.
This year I took the vehicle down the old telegraph track and then down the Balladonia road, that was rough (corrugation's), had shock absorber temps up around the 120 degree mark, the doors do jump a bit this seems to be a common thing. Despite all these little traits I think my Patrol is a great vehicle don't regret buying it at all, the oil leak on the front of the engine tested my commitment, to fix that was a big job and took me quite a while, Toyota do make the best silicon sealant I'll give them that.
Don't give up on the Patrol yet, she'll be right mate.
The crack on my windscreen is now about 500 mm long, the corrugations certainly extended that, changed direction mid road, was heading South from the top of the screen now it's heading West, I'll have to get that replaced soon I suppose. Maybe after Cervantes this weekend.
Keep the shiny side up

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AnswerID: 217397

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 12:57

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 12:57
Thanks Martyn - Its nearly lunchtime on day 3 and still no news from Nissan. I don't know whether this is good or bad!
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FollowupID: 477924

Reply By: Muzzgit [WA] - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:31

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 00:31
Nigeldad, I had similar problems with mine just weeks after we got it but it was dust in the MAFS. I now have a spare in the glovebox. If it does happen to be the MAFS, don't bother with trying to clean it....throw it out, get a new one.

And watch out, Some Nissan dealerships will try to sell you the whole housing, not just the MAFS itself.

If you're south of the river, I had ORE in Myaree fit the snorkel to my 3.0 GU patrol. If you're north of the river try Northern 4WD Centre [ARB] in Malaga.
AnswerID: 217399

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 21:15

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 21:15
End of day three and Nissan have informed me that it all pointed to dirty fuel - If that's so then all I can say is Overlander please change your supplier!

They have replaced the fuel filter (and air filter at my request) taken it for an extensive off road test and brought it back to the shop and put it on the hoist to check it all over again. It looks as though Midland Nissan are doing a thorough job and I'll be picking it up tomorrow after another off road test in the morning. I might keep this post going a little longer just to let you all know how it goes. It has attracted over 700 hits so far which seems to be on the high side of average!
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FollowupID: 478018

Follow Up By: Leroy - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 22:17

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 22:17
700 hits is normal for an emotive 3.0l Patrol post. Brings out the best in all the 3.0l detrators. You will have noticed that it's only the guys who don't own one offering all these greats words of wisdom like fix it and sell it and rubbish like the 4.2 has a stronger drive train....need I go on?

Leroy
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FollowupID: 478035

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 22:53

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 22:53
Thanks Leroy I didn't think my post was emotive - just factual in terms of the sequence of events and my request for help! I think my expressed disappointment was justified. Of course in an open forum you have a wide spectrum of opinions, experience and various levels of competency from highly proficient to comments based on heresay and prejudice. Overall I am delighted with everyone's response and have found it really useful.

I spoke to the mechanic looking after my car this afternoon and passed on some of the comments from this forum, especially the advice on the MAF sensor. He told me that the previous series of Patrol had a lot of problems with the MAF sensor and as a consequence this series had a new sensor which didn't seem to have the same problems. He said he'd check it out none the less. Sounds impressive.
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FollowupID: 478047

Reply By: hamradio_1 - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 22:11

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 22:11
My MAF bleep itself 3 days ago I have owned my 2000 patrol since new I only new it was playing up as I was pulling 25psi constantly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FAAAAAAAAAAAR Out. I have done 105000km Got a new one for $213 in brisbane (the local dealer gives a good pensioner discount to my father inlaw who has brought 2 GU ZD30s from them).
My advice is fit a turbo gauge and or EGT Gauge cheap insurance to prevent melt down. But since rolled out nissan has made atleast 28 changes to the zd30 motor as guess what?????????? this inculdes the MAF sensor. As an electronics engineer I stripped the old sensor down and I checked the external sensor which was in serviceable condition but the surface mounted electronics had large amounts of corrosion thoughout???

My patrol has had problems
Busted flywheel (nissan paid for out of warranty $5000)
Leaking Sump (as above)
Subtank fail light (fixed under warranty (put an earth from chassis to body))

But I did trade my 5 yo Land Bruiser for this patrol because it had major mechanical problems.

As an electronics engineer I deliberatlely make my Patrol bring up fault codes so I know if they fail I will know (note this is not always necessary as with the above maf sensor) You can pull the fault codes of yourself but for the average person I wouldnt advise poking wires around as you can easily make things worse!!! TRUST ME I DO THIS KIND OF THING FOR A LIVING ITS IS EASY TO MAKE THING WORSE
UNLESS YOU EXACTLY KNOW THE CONSQUENCES!!!!

Make sure you ask nissan what fault codes it downloads when they check.

AnswerID: 217599

Follow Up By: nigeldad - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 22:18

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 22:18
Thanks Hammie
I'll do that!
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FollowupID: 478037

Reply By: nigeldad - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 20:29

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 20:29
Firstly thank you to everyone that posted comments on this forum. I intend for this to be my last visit here but wanted to update everyone.

Firstly Nissan in Midland (WA) tracked the problem down to dirty fuel. I think that the corrugations may have stirred up some muck in the bottom of the tank as one person on here suggested. The fault code (there was only one of them was P7)

They had the car for three and a half days and went through it with a fine toothed comb, checked all the sensors and connections (earthing points) and put a new fuel filter on. All they charged me for was a new air filter $32.55.

Hopefully everything is sweet now but I'll be carrying a spare fuel filter and air filter when we traverse the Victorian Desert later this year! In the meantime I'll be finding some harsh corrugations to test it all out.

With regard to the MAF sensor, the design of this was apparently changed in the latest series Patrols as the one in the previous series was very unreliable and if you haven't had problems with yours you are probably one of the lucky ones!

Overall I am impressed with Midland Nissan's response which was professional and courteous at all times even though my frustration was fairly obvious!

AnswerID: 217818

Follow Up By: blown4by - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 19:22

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 19:22
Dunno if this is any help mate but my 2005 ZD30 performed great at Steep Point in October pulling a camper trailer but one problem that has emerged since returning to Perth is that the oil light was coming on. Stop, check oil level, all OK & light stays off until some days later it comes on again. Seems when you turn the ignition off all fault code indications are re-set until the fault or indication of afault occurs again. Dealer informed me this is a known problem and a modified oil pressure sender switch is available from Nissan which has since been fitted and no more problems. It might be worth checking which sender yours has before you disappear in to the bush again because there is not much that could put the fear of death in to you than the oil light coming on beyond the black (sorry) stump.
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FollowupID: 478363

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