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Mr. Luddite Mr. Luddite is offline
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,972
Default 2017 Pathfinder update


Still at the dealership. They've had it since May 30th, two days after
I took delivery. Would have been there on May 29th but the service
dept. was closed for Memorial Day.

Initial problem: No heat. I also advised them of the electrical
burning odor I noticed the evening I took delivery and the following
day. Offered the info in case it helped them diagnose problem. (I had
theorized that the control valve that opens via motor or solenoid
actuator to allow coolant to flow to heater core may have faulty and
burned up).

Follow up on Thursday, June 1st. They determined the heater core was
air-bound and were having difficulty in purging it. They had tried 3
times without success. Reminded them again about the electrical burning
odor. The guy who wrote up the warranty service order had only written
"burning" odor, and had not included the word "electrical". Talked to
the mechanic who was actually working on the car, pointed that out and
he agreed the control valve was a distinct possibility and tied in the
odor I noticed and the no heat.

Monday, June 5th. Received call advising me that the heat problem was
fixed but they had discovered another issue that they had to contact
Nissan about. Air conditioning compressor was not cycling. It was
running all the time. I asked what the resolution of the heat problem
was. He said it was air-bound but they were finally able to purge it.
I didn't buy it but kept my mouth shut.

I visited them on Wednesday, June 7th to see how they were making out.
Was told they now suspect a bad water pump that was not pumping
adequately. WTF? I said I was told the lack of heat problem had been
fixed. He said, they thought so also but it went back to blowing cold
air again. (BTW ... this is the counter guy who interfaces with
customers ... not one of the techs who actually work on the cars).
I asked about the electrical burning odor. He said they didn't notice
it. I lost it. I said, "Of course not. Whatever was bad burned up by
the second day I had the car and no longer smells."

He said they have a call into Nissan to help diagnose the problems
because they might be related. I asked "What does the AC compressor
running continuously have to do with a water pump that may not be
pumping enough coolant?

Get this:

He said the AC may be running constantly to prevent the engine from
overheating.

I let out an involuntary "WHAT !!!!!!?????" Told him that was
ridiculous. The AC doesn't cool the engine. It cools the air in the car.

Anyway, I left. An hour ago I got a call from the dealership manager.
He asked me to call Nissan Customer Service and open a case number.
He told me that will help light the fire to get Nissan to respond.

The problem is this: The dealership's hands are somewhat tied when it
comes to warranty repairs. They can only do what Nissan authorizes them
to do in order to be reimbursed for parts and labor. Nissan calls the
shots. The manager said opening a case number will allow them
to take whatever action is necessary without necessarily getting
Nissan's approval.

So, meanwhile I am racking up miles on the loaner which, BTW, is really
a nice car with many more options than the one I bought has. Best
thing is that everything works on it also.