Hi from NH. I just registered so I could do a search of the forum, since I've had nothing but trouble with my truck since I bought it new (sorry to those that love their vehicle, but I got a lemon).

The things done to it: Back door stripped and repainted 1.5 years old, back wiper 3 times (plus motor), new gas tank because the sensor went bad, air bag is defective - but happened at 102,000 miles so they won't fix (even though it is the same problem other years have been recalled for), driver window hasn't worked in winter since year 1, power steering hoses leaking since year 3 (they want way more than I spend in fluid to fix it), Air conditioner went out at year 4 (I've never had AC go out even on vehicles 13 years old) - has gone out again this summer and, . . . well, you get the idea (this is just a partial list).

So, here I am researching the frigging check engine light that is probably another flipping gas tank to replace a defective sensor.

The best thing I can say about the vehicle is that it has started every time (so has the hubbies 2000 Toyota - but that isn't viewd as an accomplishment, just standard procedure).

Sorry that this is a bummer of an intro - you can go away and just ignore me now.

Wow, that is quite the laundry list of problems. I was under the impression that air bag and seat belt issues had to be resolved no matter the age or mileage of a vehicle. But I've been wrong before.
Welcome to CX. Hopefully we can help you solve some of your Xterra's problems. One thing I can definitely recommend if you want it to keep starting every time: Have your timing belt and tensioner replaced if it hasn't been done already. Recommended service interval is 105000 miles, and failure to replace it can result in a destroyed engine.
Again, welcome to the club. Cheers!


Edit: Also, your driver window probably has a switch that shorts in cold weather. A quick, easy, and cheap fix.

welcome, and im sorry to hear about your truck being a lemon

When life hands you lemons, come here and make Xterra-aide.

:D

I have no idea why they are replacing gas tanks to fix a fuel sensor, that seems like a rip off. The fuel SENDING UNIT had a TSB (Free fix) due to corrosion on the wiring for it.

If the tank's gauge still works, and the engine is getting fuel, etc...you can potentially just ignore the engine light, if the light IS for that, and not something important, etc.

The AC line along the firewall, the top one, seems to develop leaks sometimes for some people. There are UV test kits you can get to check that yourself...as well as recharge kits.

Power steering hoses are an easy fix. you could do it yourself.

If you go to most of the big box autoparts places, they'll read your engine codes for free, or, you could buy a code reader, and see for yourself.

I think there was a TSB to fix rear hatch rust....should have been done for free.

There was a a TSB for window regulators, so that should have been done for free too.

welcome from maine

TJ, I thought only recalled items were fixed for free, and TSB's were just bulletins to let mechanics know about likely high failure items. Does Nissan do it differently? This is my first new car that wasn't a Ford. Everything else I had I bought used and never went to the dealer for service.

TJ, I thought only recalled items were fixed for free, and TSB's were just bulletins to let mechanics know about likely high failure items. Does Nissan do it differently? This is my first new car that wasn't a Ford. Everything else I had I bought used and never went to the dealer for service.

For Nissan at least, TSB's were sort of unofficial recalls...whereby the company can acknowledge internally that the products have issues that were their fault, and fix them on the down low, w/o publicly admitting a screw-up...

..That way, the stealerships can "be the good guys" and "Just take care of it for you", on Nissan's dime...

..rather than issuing a nationwide recall that gets published in Consumer Reports, etc.

:D

I've never had to pay for a TSB at least.

Ah, OK, good to know. Thanks.

wow sorry to hear about your truck but it seems like all the issues other than the gas tank have been minor items... like the hoses and whatnot... let us know what the CEL light says and we can help you out with a fix...

BTW welcome to the club...

welcome i hope you change the t-belt or you will buying a motor next

When life hands you lemons, come here and make Xterra-aide.

:D

I have no idea why they are replacing gas tanks to fix a fuel sensor, that seems like a rip off. The fuel SENDING UNIT had a TSB (Free fix) due to corrosion on the wiring for it.

If the tank's gauge still works, and the engine is getting fuel, etc...you can potentially just ignore the engine light, if the light IS for that, and not something important, etc.

The AC line along the firewall, the top one, seems to develop leaks sometimes for some people. There are UV test kits you can get to check that yourself...as well as recharge kits.

Power steering hoses are an easy fix. you could do it yourself.

If you go to most of the big box autoparts places, they'll read your engine codes for free, or, you could buy a code reader, and see for yourself.

I think there was a TSB to fix rear hatch rust....should have been done for free.

There was a a TSB for window regulators, so that should have been done for free too.


Ahh, it was the sending unit, not a sensor - and I couldn't ignore it as it wouldn't pass inspection with that light on. That is why I can't ignore this latest light either.

All the TSB's - I went to the area rep (because the dealer wouldn't do anything) and the area rep just kept telling me that I was over the mileage, so they wouldn't do anything for me.

Doing any work myself - yeah right, I know nothing about vehicles and don't have the time. Even if I did, I can make a $15 oil change into a $300 job without even trying.

Power steering - I just fix by dumping more fluid in every month - much cheaper than the $700 they want.

If you want to save some power steering fluid, add some power steering system stop leak instead one time....if its leaking in the system,

....if its merely leaking at a hose connection, etc...you'd need to take the hose ends off where it might be leaking from, clean it up, and install REAL clamps (Work screw, etc...) with a nice broad bite area, to clamp it on better/more securely.

If you get everything nice and clean and dry, and then look as a leak starts, you can get a better idea of where leaks are coming from to help focus your attention.

Also - Just in case, as you apparently have no luck other than bad, etc...

...look under the insulation for your BRAKE LINES beneath the PS reservoir areas (P-Side well/fender areas)...to see if the insulation got soaked by PS fluid...

...if it did, it can result in corrosion there, and the BRAKE LINE can then spring a leak.

With YOUR luck, it would not shock me...so, to avoid THAT nasty failure, please, take a look.

:D

Welcome