Nissan Problems

A NUMBER of companies offer gas-on-diesel systems for vehicles like your Navara. They're not dual-fuel systems as used on petrol engines, rather a substitution system that adds some LPG to the mix of air and diesel going into the engine. The LPG boosts performance and the theory is the driver then backs off the throttle and gets better fuel economy as a result of lower throttle openings. Do your homework as I have had reports of engines blowing up.

If it's an accredited repair shop, it will have the experience and skill to do the work. Body repair shops remove and replace panels all the time. It's not a concern as such, and done as a matter of course these days rather than panelbeat the roof to rid it of the dents as might have been done in the past. If the work is done correctly the structure of the vehicle won't be affected, and I would certainly have it done. I assume it's covered by insurance, so you have comeback on the insurance company if the work isn't done well. And resale value will be much better without dents in the roof.

BUYING used is not going to cost you as much as buying new, but you need to know about cars or have the help of someone who does. Otherwise, buy new and get the security of a warranty. The new car will also be safer. Generally they have more safety features built into them and will probably use less fuel than an older car. Look at the Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Tiida, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Getz and VW Polo.

I UNDERSTAND Shell is having problems with LPG at the moment and my advice is to use BP at least until Shell gets on top of its problems.

IT MAY well be the computer, but I would be checking for an air leak. The way the idle speed is varying suggests there's an air leak into the intake manifold.

LPG specialists tell me the 4.0-litre Pathfinder is one you don't want to convert. I am told the catalytic converters are close to the cylinder heads, the insert gets brittle and disintegrates, then tends to damage the engine.

NO CARMAKER I know covers the clutch under warranty. It's regarded as a consumable item, so I'm not surprised Nissan has refused. But at only 40,000km I would have thought it would have come to the party with at least part of the cost of replacement. It would be a tough battle, but if you feel aggrieved, pursue it further with Nissan. You could go to VCAT and get a ruling, but again, it's unlikely to be worth your while.

GLAD we could help. I hope you continue to enjoy the savings at the pump.

IT'S NOT a common problem. Have an auto electrician check it for a leak that might cause the battery to drain.

THANKS, Ross. It seems Nissan was quite forthright with you and I'm pleased you feel comfortable with its work. This should help reassure others with suspect Patrols that the problem has been resolved.