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.

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.

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.

It really depends on how much power you think you need and what you need it for, but the Maxima is a very good car and its 3.5-litre V6 puts out 170 kW and 333 Nm, more than enough for most people. While the Falcon puts out more, 195 kW and 391 Nm, I question the need for that much power for the everyday driver. It's perhaps worth remembering that not so long ago the best performing V8 you could buy didn't put out as much as the Maxima. The only thing to remember is that the Maxima is front-wheel drive and the Falcon is rear-wheel drive, which can be better in some circumstances, although it's hard to pick a front-wheel drive car today, they are so good.

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.

A four-cylinder car is the way to go when you're learning; toomany young drivers buy turbos, V6s and V8s and often get into troublewhen they outdrive their skill and experience. The Astra is one ofthe cars I would certainly consider, but you need to be aware of thecam timing belt problems they had with that model. To avoid breaking the belt, and causing massive internal damage to the engine, the beltneeds to be replaced every 60,000 km. With that in mind it'simportant to makesure that any car you consider has had the beltchanged according to that schedule, and be aware that he will have toreplace it every 60,000 km in the future. A 10-year-old Astra willset you back $8000-$9000. Others to consider are the Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Pulsar, Mazda 323 and Toyota Corolla.

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.