Nissan Problems

The most likely culprit is the idle speed motor. Nissan service specialist Jerry Newman says he’s had to replace a number of them on customers’ cars he looks after.

Check the fuel supply side of things; it sounds like it’s not getting enough fuel on either side. Check the fuel pump, they are known to wear out on cars running dual-fuel systems.

Independent Nissan service specialist Jerry Newman suggests you check the idle control valve and the air mass sensor, the latter doesn’t always show up as a fault on a diagnostic check.

We’ve had reports of clutch trouble with the D40, but we’ve also had reports of clutch failures on most one-tonne utes on the market. We haven’t heard of problems with timing chains or drive shafts. I wouldn’t get out of it on the basis of what you have experienced so far.

There's not much you can do, it's a used car and an issue with a missing second key would not be covered by the statutory warranty on used cars. It's one of those things that need to be sorted out before you accept the car. Once you've done that you've lost your bargaining power, but I would approach the dealer and try to come to an arrangement with them. I would think it would be well worth him spending $600 to have a satisfied customer.

Heavy black smoke is normally a sign of over-fuelling. You could try another Nissan dealer, as not all dealers are up to speed on diesels, or go to an independent Nissan service agent, such as Jerry Newman at Cheltenham Service Centre (03 9583 0500).

The warranty has run out so you’re really pushing uphill if you want to get Nissan to pay for the repairs. If the rust hasn’t penetrated the sheet metal I would apply some rust preventative and try and limit the damage over the long term.

The engine has a timing chain and doesn't require servicing, and there doesn't appear to be a problem with it breaking.

Although you appear to be well within the towing capacity of the X-Trail it's wise to fit an external cooler. Overheating an auto-transmission is like a death sentence to it.

It's most likely that the fuel pump is worn out and needs replacing. It often happens when you run the petrol level down too low.