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Nissan Dualis Problems

Are you having problems with your Nissan Dualis? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Nissan Dualis issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Nissan Dualis in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

The engine light in my 2011 Nissan Dualis won't turn off

That's a pretty impressive innings for a Dualis. You obviously maintain it well and drive it sensibly. The engine light on your dashboard is telling you that the car's on-board computer has noticed something isn't right and needs to be fixed or reset. This could be anything from a stretched timing chain to an oxygen sensor in the exhaust system or dozens of things in between.

The best approach is to have the car scanned to see what fault codes the computer throws up. From there, you'll have a much better idea of what the problem is.

The orange or yellow engine light means the car is still safe to drive, but you still need to have it looked at as soon as you can to avoid doing further damage to whatever system is not working properly. If the warning light (of any sort) is red, then you should stop driving as soon as it's safe to pull over and have the vehicle towed to a workshop.

Is it normal for the clutch in my 2013 Nissan Dualis to start slipping?

Clutch life in most cars is determined by the type of driving you do and the type of driver you are. Cars that do a lot of urban running or towing will almost always have a shorter clutch life. Those used for highway journeys where the gears aren’t being changed as frequently tend to have longer clutch life.

But it’s also true that a driver who is gentle with the clutch and gearshift (as opposed to one who makes fast, hard changes) will also stretch the clutch’s lifespan.

I don’t think 100,000km out of a clutch is any reason to complain and suggests that you’re one of the gentle drivers out there. But before you commit to replacing the clutch, make sure that the slipping is not from poor clutch adjustment or oil on the clutch from a leaking engine seal, rather than a truly worn-out clutch. Of course, even if it is a worn oil seal (the rear-main seal is the most likely culprit) the gearbox and clutch must be removed to fix it, so a new clutch at 100,000km would be a good idea anyway to avoid having to remove all those components later for a clutch change.

Nissan Daulis 2014: How to fix the front seat?

Nothing is unfixable. Presumably it was done while the Dualis was at the dealer being serviced, if so it is the dealer’s responsibility to fix it. If they can’t simply straighten it, they might have to replace the headrest, whatever it takes, it can be fixed.

Nissan Dualis 2011: Won't lock

Providing you have used the correct battery and have installed it correctly in the fob there shouldn’t be any problem. Go to a Nissan dealer or an auto locksmith and have them sort it for you

 

Nissan Dualis 2013: Are there common problems over 175,000km?

It’s more than the average kilometres for a 2013 Dualis, but that’s not necessarily a problem. If it’s been serviced regularly it should be fine.

Nissan Dualis 2010: Should I change to a single-mass flywheel?

The dual-mass flywheel was introduced to reduce the vibrations in the driveline, so in that sense the mechanic was right, but unless you’re very sensitive you’re unlikely to be bothered by any vibrations that might result from changing to a single-mass flywheel. The advantage of switching to a single-mass flywheel is that the clutch is likely to last longer and be cheaper to replace when it does wear out.

Would a 2009 Nissan Dualis with 210,000km on the clock be reliable?

The Dualis is a solid and generally reliable car, and if it is in good mechanical condition and has been regularly serviced it shouldn’t give you too many headaches for the next few years, but it’s impossible to say with any certainty that it won’t either.

Nissan Dualis 2013: Is 175,000km going to cause a problem?

It’s more than the average kilometres for a 2013 Dualis, but that’s not necessarily a problem. If it’s been serviced regularly it should be fine.

Used Nissan Dualis review: 2008-2014

The 'dual' in Nissan Dualis signifies its dual-purpose nature, a vehicle that's a crossover between a family hatchback and a compact 4WD. Though these types of vehicle have become pretty well mainstream in the eight years since Dualis was launched here in January 2008, the Nissan was one of the first of its kind.

Though not aimed at the purist 4WD buyer, Dualis has Nissan's respected All-mode transmission so has decent traction on bush tracks, as well as on slippery sealed surfaces. It has higher than average ground clearance for a hatchback, but it isn't as high as a 'real' 4WD.

A 1.6-litre turbo-diesel was introduced in April 2013, but only has a six-speed manual gearbox. It wasn't exactly a success in a market where crossover SUVs are mainly used as family cars.



Despite its SUV look about 75 per cent of Dualis models sold here are 2WDs, through the front wheels. A sign of things to come as more and more so-called SUVs are really only 2WDs with a tougher look.

Nissan gave the Dualis a major makeover in April 2010. Every visible body component forward of the windscreen is new, with the revised bonnet giving it a bolder look and improved aerodynamics. Inside, the visual changes are minor, but the instruments and trip computer are easier to see.

Comfort of the Dualis is good and even poor quality Aussie backroads don't knock it about overmuch.

Six months later an extended wheelbase seven-seat version arrived, called Dualis +2. Children will be more comfortable than adults in the rearmost seats, though seven full-size folks can be carted in emergencies. The second-row seats can be moved forward to make access to the back reasonably easy. This sliding function also lets you juggle legroom in all three rows.

Comfort of the Dualis is good and even poor quality Aussie backroads don't knock it about overmuch. Handling is nothing out of the ordinary. It will look after you unless you do something really silly. Just don't expect a sporty Euro SUV at a Japanese price.

Nissan Dualis was originally powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine by way of a six-speed manual gearbox, or a CVT auto with pre-selected ratios that can be operated manually if you're not happy with the computer's decisions. Try for yourself during your private test drive as some will find performance is marginal.

Nissan (nee Datsun) has been operating in Australia since the mid 1960s. It built cars here for many years and is well and truly an established part of the downunder scene.

There are plenty of Nissan dealers Australian wide, with stronger than average representation in the country areas due to the longtime importation of tough 4WDs in the Patrols and Navaras.

Getting unusual parts for the Dualis may take a few days if you have trouble in the outback, but shouldn't normally take more than two or three business days. Price for Dualis parts are about average for this class.

Dualis has a reasonably simple makeup and amateur gals and guys with a mechanical bent can do a fair bit of their own work. Don't touch the safety bits, though.

Having originally shunned the name Qashqai that was used on other markets, Nissan Australia surprised us by choosing to use the Qashqai tag when the new generation 'Dualis' was introduced here in July 2014. Or perhaps the company's head office was still smarting over the failed Pulsar / Tiida / Pulsar experiment...

Dualis is built in the huge Nissan factory in Sunderland in the UK. We've extensively toured that factory and the quality it produces is pretty much equal with Japanese Nissans.

When test driving a Dualis with a CVT feel for any roughness, if it's not smooth as silk have an experienced automatic transmission person check it out.

Signs of off-road use are generally considered a no-no in a light-duty SUV.

Manuals should be smooth and easy in their gearchanges. Any hanging up or noise during changes may mean problems, either in the gearbox or the clutch.

Signs of off-road use are generally considered a no-no in a light-duty SUV. Scratches on the guards or doors; scuffs on the bumper corners; dings under the bumpers; and in particular damage to the sump may mean you should back off the purchase. Then again, if the price is right...

Check the interior and the boot for signs of hard usage. Kids can wreak havoc on the backs of the seats in front of them if they get crabby.

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Can you recommend an SUV for my family?

Both are well suited to everyday use around town. They're comfortable, fuel-efficient and safe. The Dualis is a little cheaper than the Sportage, but I would definitely go for the Sportage. I would expect them to have a similar resale value when it comes time to sell, but the reputation of the Sportage for quality and reliability would make it easier to move on.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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