I REALLY need your help!

[TN_TITAN]

Hi everyone.

Well, as of today, it has been officially 1 month since my 04 Titan LE CC, with ONLY 4,200 miles on it, has been sitting at Action Nissan in Nashville TN, waiting for a catalytic converter. The problem started when the truck was stalling for no apparant reason. They had the truck for a week and couldn't find the problem. I drove away, and about two hours later, it stalled again. So, I turned right around and brought it in for visit #2 about this issue. After having it for another whole week, it was determined that it was the Mass Air Flow sensor was bad, which in turn, cause both cats to go bad too. One cat was readily available, but the other, is NO WHERE in the U.S.! Yes, they make the Titan a little south from me, but that doesn't mean they will stop producing a vehicle becuase my truck is down.

So, after calling every day, I finally got fed up with the situation and called Nissan customer service. I feel like I have totally wasted my time calling them. They can't even tell me where the part is, or when it will be available. Yes, they gave me a rental, but doesn't change the fact I am paying for a truck I can't even drive! The service mgr at Action Nissan told me today that a rep from the Canton plant came up and was informed of the situation. His hands are tied too. What should I do? Do I have to suck it up? I can't file a lemon law (yet). Anyone have a similar experience when their truck was down due to a part not being available? Any advice would really be appreciated!

Thanks!

[baseballfanz]

I would start throwing the lemon laws at them to see if that will get any result. I belived if your truck can't be use by you for so many days it qualify. I myself is waiting on a door handle they can't seem to get (4 and half weeks and counting).

[TN_TITAN]

I found an interesting site discussing the lemon laws. Basically, it seems that if your car is out of service for 30 days or more, you do have the right to file a lemon law. I am coming very close to 30 days. It shouldn't be my fault that Nissan can't get their act together and find me a catalytic converter. I need my truck back!

http://www.autolemonlaws.com/

[4x4creature]

Why can't they just grab one off the assembly line at the plant? they are still making the trucks right?

[TN_TITAN]

They won't do it. The plant doesn't keep spare parts in inventory. Purely a fill to order situation down there.

[HudsonValleyTitan]

No check engine light came on before all this stalling?

[TN_TITAN]

No check engine light came on, no shaking, bucking, or ANYTHING! Just died in the middle of the interstate......5 times! No light came on after restarting it too. The end of next week will be over 30 days that Nissan has had my truck in the shop....not driveable. Me thinks I am going to investigate filing the Lemon Law. Thoughts?

[wmtom]

most companies, dealer or not will get there butts in gear as soon as they hear anything about legal action, GO FOR IT lol

[SUBTITAN]

Definitely throw the lemon law out. After that ask why they can't pull one off one of their trucks off the lot. Customer service should be #1, at least you will find out.

[TN_TITAN]

I went to Action Nissan today to see what they can do before I have to deal with the Lemon Law. I told them the situation and told them I am about to file the Lemon Law. They offered me $24,000 for my 2004 Titan CC LE 4x2 w/only 4,200 miles on it. Not bad for a trade, but bad if I am filing Lemon Law. I test drove a new Pathfinder today. I liked it alot, but not as much as my Titan. At this point, I am really not sure what to do! Help!

[jerry426]

based on the stalling symptom you describe, I seriously doubt that replacing the MAF and both catalytic converters is going to solve that problem. Sounds to me like they have mis-diagnosed the problem.

Good luck, Jerry

[4x4creature]

Has the service dept properly tested the cats?
its a simple test to perform.

To test for a plugged converter, drill a small hole in the exhaust pipe right before the catalytic converter. Install a temporary hose fitting and attach a long rubber hose and a 0 to 10 pound pressure gauge. With the gauge inside the car, drive up a hill or accelerate and read the pressure. Normal is 2 to 3 pounds, restricted 4 pounds or higher.

Ive had midas perform this test for me before, when I suspected the cats were plugged.

heres some info more on other tests that can be performed on it.

Testing A Catalytic Converter
Unlike the old-fashioned muffler, the catalytic converter cannot be considered in working order simply because there are no rust holes.

Catalytic converters are fitted on cars using unleaded petrol to clean exhaust gas. Apart from shaking it to see if it rattles, the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Authority says there are some tests which must be done by a licensed repairer with instruments.

Connect a vacuum gauge to a manifold vacuum source on the motor and rev the engine to 2500 rpm. The vacuum gauge should drop momentarily and then return to normal. If it drops and does not return, then the converter may be damaged and pieces of catalyst can block the exhaust system.

Or, use a pyrometer which is a high temperature thermometer by placing the probe on the inlet of the converter, about 50 mm in front of the unit and read the temperature. Then place the probe on the outlet side of the converter, about 50 mm to the rear of the converter, and again read the temperature. The outlet should be at least 40 degrees Celsius hotter than the inlet. If there is no difference, the converter is faulty and should be replaced

.

Next use an emissions analyser. Check that the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon readings are close to normal. Enrich the mixture with the addition of propane to the inlet air. The converter should hold the CO and the HC readings down to normal. If not, then the catalytic converter may be faulty.

[TN_TITAN]

They tested it. The cats were bad. At this point, I am ready to dump the truck. I don't know if I would win the fight with the Lemon Law, or if I want to go through the hassle. I think $24k is a good trade in amount.