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Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager problems - READ ONLY

2519 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2006 at 2:23 AM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Quest, Mercury Villager, Van

Messages Page 74 of 252

#731 of 2519 '94 Villager by saabturboid

Jun 01, 2001 (1:52 pm)

I think the '94 Villager I just bought does indeed have a leaking head gasket. The previous owner gave me all of the records and I read through them last night. There are mentions of a coolant smell in the engine compartment going all the way back to 1996 when the van was still under warranty. Each time the dealer said they couldn't find a leak, until August of 2000 when there is a note by the dealter stating that they found a "right front engine weep." This leads me to believe it is a leaking head gasket even though I can't see a visable leak myself.
 
Everything else on this van is in great shape so I would like to get the timing belt, head gasket, and all of the belts replaced. I have a good independent mechanic I could take the van to, but I'm concerned about the issue of overtightening of the belts causing the crank to break.
 
This may be a case where I had better get the job done at the dealer even though it may cost me more. I'm also concerned that if the crank did break after the job that the dealer would still try and weasel out of it because the van has 100k miles on it. I suspect I'll just have to trust that they do the job right.
 
As far as the manifold bolt problem goes, the previous owner said he never had any exhaust work done at all. The manifold seems to work fine. The van was manufacturered in March of 1994. Was the bolt problem resolved by then?
 
I'm also curious, will Nissan dealerships work on Villagers and Mercury dealerships work on Quests?

#732 of 2519 Aye, Corsica... by gasguzz

Jun 01, 2001 (2:33 pm)

After the 3rd test drive (from our 3 choices) the wife had the one comment on the VillSport - "it drives like a car", and that got the vote.

#733 of 2519 saabturbo by dhoff

Jun 01, 2001 (5:13 pm)

You might want ot have your dealer also check the "blind plugs". This is an area that sometimes leaks coolant.
 
If I were you, I don't think I'd be too worried about a head gasket leak just yet. A head gasket leak would cause more damage if it was leaking coolant or oil into the combustion chamber. You can get the oil analyzed to check for traces of antifreeze.
 
As far as Mercury/Nissan dealers working on other brands, that's probably a dealer-by-dealer decision. What I've generally found is most dealers will work on other brands.
 
Dave

#734 of 2519 service problems by aleach

Jun 01, 2001 (5:19 pm)

Has anyone else had problems with Mercury Service depts? We have had some severe problems with extreme incompetence and general rudeness! We have a 93 Villager which just turned 90,000 miles. We're wondering if it is time for it to go. Any input would be appreciated!

#735 of 2519 96 Villager by gwr1

Jun 08, 2001 (1:48 pm)

I am on the verge of purchasing a '96 Villager with 126K on it. It's only problems are:
-noisy , rattly ride
-left power mirror inoperative
-a front end shudder that comes in small waves at 100k/hr (60 miles/hr)
-check engine light stays on.
 
Any thoughts on these problems?
 
Also, what do you make of Phil Edmunston's Lemon Aid Used Car Guide 2002 downgrading of the Villager's ratings? He lists problems that sound like GM and Chrysler vehicles; air bags malfunctions, brake failures etc. He is very grumpy this year about mini vans.
 
Thanks

#736 of 2519 95 Quest GXE by janeg

Jun 11, 2001 (6:08 am)

I recently purchased a 95 Quest with 66,000 miles. After driving around on a day with temperatures in the mid 80's,
I noticed a very strong gas odor after parking in the garage. I loosened the gas cap and a stream of pressurized air came out for a very long 8-10 seconds. This seemed like excessive build up of pressurized air in the gas tank. Has anyone had similar problems?

#737 of 2519 gas odor by aleach

Jun 11, 2001 (6:57 pm)

Janeg - I have the same problem with a 93 Villager. It recently was recalled with the fuel filler hose to be replaced. I had it done but I still smell the gas smell when the windows are down. The dealership told me it would go away after the recall, but it has not. good luck.

#738 of 2519 bad entertainment system in Quest by _bothan_

Jun 18, 2001 (8:55 am)

I own a 2000 Quest SE and I've had to replace the tv/vcr entertainment system twice. The system sits on the floor between the driver and passenger seat. The first one would eat tapes, the second one had no sound and would also eat tapes. Does anyone else have the same issues?

#740 of 2519 95' Quest GXE issues: coolant by bwampler

Jun 19, 2001 (6:27 pm)

in referece to "saabturboid," My wifes van just lost its coolant last week. It was the upper coolant hose. The leak was not a large one, but enough that it lost the coolant over the course of a couple of days. Luckily, we did not damage the engine, however, my wife was 50 miles from home when it gave out. Thank goodness for AAA! The bad side is that it ruined all of the belts and racked me a $350 bill. Change out your hoses would be one of the first things I would do.

Messages Page 74 of 252

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