How To
John Paul, AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor, hears from a truck owner who just found an older service bulletin for an engine issue he may be experiencing now.
The Car Doctor hears from a truck owner who just found an older service bulletin for an engine issue he may be experiencing now. Nissan
Q. My 2017 Nissan Titan recently developed a loud knocking noise in the engine. I took it to the dealer for an oil change. They confirmed the noise but didn’t perform any testing to determine the cause. The vehicle has 60,450 miles. In my research, I discovered a service bulletin dated July 22, 2019, that describes this exact problem. My truck had about 7,000 miles when the bulletin was issued. What recourse do I have now that Nissan knew there was a problem with my specific engine back in 2019?
A. This engine has been known to have issues, and the repair is a major service that may involve replacement of the engine block and related components. The problem is typically, but not always linked to wear in the number seven cylinder. Reviewing the technical service bulletin, there is no mention of a warranty extension or customer goodwill program. At this point, unless the dealer investigates further and advocates on your behalf with Nissan, there may be limited options. Technical service bulletins identify known issues and provide repair procedures for technicians, but they are not the same as recalls and do not obligate the manufacturer to cover repairs. One option is to write a formal letter (not an email) to Nissan North America’s executive offices. This approach has occasionally resulted in partial assistance. Recently, a reader with an older vehicle received 50 percent coverage for repairs after taking this step.
Q. I have a 2011 Buick Lucerne with a broken transmission at only 13,000 miles. Why did this happen if the car has always been properly maintained?
A. The exact cause of the failure won’t be known until the transmission is disassembled. Even with proper maintenance, the vehicle is now about 15 years old. Possible causes include coolant contaminating the transmission fluid due to a leaking transmission cooler. Other possibilities are internal wear debris clogging valves, or failure of a gear, clutch, or servo component. Unfortunately seals and internal components degrade with age even at low mileage.
Q. I installed an Optima YellowTop battery in my classic 1977 Plymouth in April 2018. I keep a battery tender connected when the car is parked in my garage and added a digital volt gauge that reads 14.5 volts when running. The battery shows no signs of weakness. How can I tell when it’s nearing the end of its useful life so I can replace it before getting stranded?
A. Voltage alone only tells part of the story – 14.5 volts is normal charging voltage, but it’s not an indicator of battery health. A better assessment comes from measuring both voltage and cold cranking amps. An affordable battery tester can provide a good indication of overall health. Testing the battery twice a year is a practical approach. The long lifespan you’re seeing is likely due in part to the Battery Tender — maintaining proper voltage significantly extends battery life. I have seen well-maintained AGM batteries like the Optima lasting up to 10 years.
Q. The ignition key won’t come out of the cylinder on my 2002 Honda Accord. The key turns and the car starts, but I can’t remove it. I have been putting up with this for two weeks. Any ideas?
A. Start by shifting between park and drive; if the key releases, the shifter cable may be worn. If not, try wiggling the steering wheel and moving the shifter repeatedly. If the key still won’t come out, check the fuses for the shift interlock. If the fuse is faulty it can prevent the key lock from being released. If everything checks out, the ignition lock switch may be worn. Also check for simple causes: in one case I saw recently, a phone charging cable was tangled in the shifter, preventing it from fully engaging park and releasing the key.
Q. I read a recent question about when to change oil in vehicles that aren’t driven much. I got my driver’s license at 18 and am now 81. I have two low-mileage cars and change the oil and filter every six months regardless of miles driven. It’s cheaper than paying for major repairs or a new car. I enjoy your column every week.
A. Many vehicles require oil changes at least annually, and some recommend every six months even with low mileage. It is always best to consult the owner’s manual. Even cars with oil life monitors typically call for yearly service regardless of indicated oil life. Short trips can lead to moisture buildup in the engine because the oil may not reach a temperature high enough to burn it off. Another benefit of changing oil every six months is that it gives a technician an opportunity to inspect the vehicle and catch potential issues early.
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor Podcast on Apple Podcasts or other popular podcast sites.
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