Nissan Problems

No, an automatic transmission — not to be confused with an automated manual shift gearbox that does use a regular clutch like a manual — doesn’t use a clutch plate. It uses a torque converter, which actually helps when towing because it multiplies the torque down low and that makes it easier to get away from the mark. The thing with the auto, particularly if used for towing, is to have an adequate cooler to make sure it doesn’t overheat and cook the fluid and clutch packs it uses.

The 3.0-litre turbo diesel Patrol is renowned for blowing pistons, but you’re talking about a car that is up to 10 years old. The best you could expect is for Nissan to cover part of the cost of rebuilding the engine, something they have done with some other owners.

YOU NEED to be very careful when having your diesel converted to dual-fuel, converting diesels is quite a new science compared to the conversion of petrol engines and there isn't the same level of experience there to call on. It does work, and can cut fuel consumption, but It's also quite easy to increase the engine's power to the point where the engine can be damaged. Speak to the converters involved and ask them if you can talk to other owners who have made the conversion so you can get their opinion.

Given the history of your car I would hope that Nissan would come to the party with assistance in rebuilding your engine. If there is no offer forthcoming the only course left open to you is legal action and I would consult the fair trading people in your area.

As the repairs were not carried out by a Nissan dealer you need to submit a detailed report on the failure written by the people who did the work. It should be accompanied by a letter requesting that Nissan reimburse you for the cost of repairs. Unfortunately you are in a situation where it's your word against theirs, so you need to have good backup documentation in support of your case. If you don't get any satisfaction there you could resort to legal action.

They can be converted successfully using a vapour-injection system, or better still, a more up-to-date liquid injection system. Both will deliver top performance, but the liquid-injection system will deliver the best performance. Finding a kit is a little difficult, the demand for them isn't high, so no one to my knowledge has taken the trouble to develop one, but the guys at the Australian LPG Warehouse (03 9770 2287) can develop a kit for you and it won't cost you any extra.

Good information for anyone thinking of converting their diesel to dual-fuel, but it's important to do lots of homework before having your vehicle done. Consult a number of converters to get a feel for their competence, talk to as many of their customers as possible to get feedback on the success or otherwise of the conversion. Converting diesels to dual-fuel is still in its infancy; it's not like converting a petrol engine where there is plenty of experience over a long time, so tread carefully when thinking of doing it.

Catalytic converters do fail, they operate in a harsh environment in the exhaust system, and so it's not surprising that they do on occasions fail. I had one recently myself, and it was nothing to do with E10 fuel, the car has never had E10 fuel in it, but it was 10 years old and that was acceptable life. One thing I did discover at the time was that dealers and exhaust system shops I checked charged like the proverbial wounded buffalo, and simply replaced the old converter with a new one off the shelf, whereas a mechanic who specializes in the brand of car I drive was able to fix it for a tenth of the cost of the factory part. Shop around and you could save heaps.

No, Nissan's warranty only covers the car as it was when it left the Nissan factory; the aftermarket windows will carry their own warranty from their manufacturer. When it comes to the windows you need to deal with the dealer.