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Nissan Quest 2004+: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

2128 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2006 at 2:24 AM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Quest, Electrical, Engine, Van

Messages Page 138 of 214

#1364 of 2128 Brakes/Steering Wheel Vibrations - Final Update (hopefully) by chuck0731

Jul 07, 2005 (9:58 pm)

I've posted a couple of times before regarding this problem (posts # 1193 & 1221 if anyone is interested), and I think I've finally gotten it fixed (knock on wood). Here's a summary of my adventures. It's long but bear with me; hopefully it will help other having this problem.
 
My 2004 Quest (purchased in May, 2004) now has about 16,000 miles on it. I had intermittant problems with the steering wheel vibrations at highway speeds which got worse when braking. Last August, they agreed to balance the tires and turn the rotors. This didn't really help, but the problem wasn't too bad during the winter months (I live in Central Ohio). However, beginning in April, 2005 it started getting worse, and more frequent. I brought it in again and, although my test drive with them showed no problems, they believed me and once again balanced the tires and turned the rotors. No help, so I was back in again on May 9th. Once again the test drive went smoothly, but to their credit they still believed me so they kept it for a few days for an extended test drive. Thankfully, that let them "confirm" the problem, so they started getting serious. They "removed/replaced the calipers, rotors and pads" (all this is from the service reports; I know nothing about cars), and told me they needed to replace the tires. May 17th the tires came in (same old Goodyears) and they were replaced. STILL no help and at this point the local Nissan people threw in the towel and decided to call Nissan Tech Support.
 
Now is when it starts getting interesting. According to the dealer it took Tech Support until June 3rd to get back with them, and that was only to tell them they couldn't send someone to look at the Quest until JUNE 30!!!! I objected to driving this potentially unsafe vehicle since at this point the vibrations were really bad, and again to Nissan's credit they provided me with a loaner for the month of June. Finally, June 30th arrived and amazingly, by noon that day they called and told me the van was fixed. According to the service report the problem was traced to a b>"misadjusted brake lamp switch causing the brakes to be slightly applied all the time." They adjusted the switch, I picked up the car that night, we left the next day for a 500+ mile road trip over the holiday weekend, and.......NOT A SINGLE VIBRATION!!!!!!!
 
It's hard to believe the solution was so simple, and even the people at my local Nissan dealer were surprised and embarassed they didn't find it. Anyway, that's my story. I hope it helps someone. I'll update again in a while whether I have problems or not.

#1365 of 2128 Re: 2point54 [eyeblind] by 2point54

Jul 08, 2005 (3:09 am)

Replying to: eyeblind (Jul 07, 2005 9:18 am)
You will get the best cooling in recirc mode, but you won't be getting any fresh air.
 
If you're using recirc, you won't be venting the air inside the van overboard so almost all of the cold air is retained. As a result, it really doesn't matter what fan speed you use unless you like really cold air coming out of the vents. In recirc, the rate of overall heat extraction from the overall volume of air inside the vehicle would be the same regardless of fan speed. It then becomes a case of personal preference... low fan speed for colder air or high fan speed if you like lots of air movement, but slightly warmer air.
 
When you select fresh mode, you are forcing the cooler, drier air inside the van outside. So using a high fan speed means that you are trying to cool LOTS of hot air from outside so the vent temp is higher, plus you're getting rid of cool air inside the van. Using a lower fan speed in fresh mode means that you'll have a cooler incoming air temp and you won't be spilling as much of the air that you've already cooled.
 
I'm no expert in 105 degree temps, so at that level it may be necessary to use recirc to adequately cool the van. In really hot temperatures where the system can't keep up in fresh mode, keeping it in recirc, then selecting fresh air mode periodically would ensure that you get some fresh air into the van occasionally to help keep you alert.
 
Ironically, many of the same principles apply to heating a van up here in the Great White North in the dead of winter.

#1366 of 2128 Re: 2005 S - Hot air from foot vent [njdude101] by njdude101

Jul 08, 2005 (9:08 am)

Replying to: njdude101 (Jul 05, 2005 6:43 pm)
Yesterday I went to dealer and Tech told me that this is normal with Quest. When you have fan set up at only at Face and for out side air mode then it will blow hot air from Floor Went. I told him if thats case then Nissan probably needs to change design, it should not blow hot air inside the Van. Later he took me to another brand new 2005 Quest and it had same thing blowing hot air from dirverside floor vent.

#1367 of 2128 Re: Joining the herd - 2004SL [cgriswold] by famof3kids

Jul 08, 2005 (7:45 pm)

Replying to: cgriswold (Jun 30, 2005 3:02 pm)
I think if you search this forum, you'll find answers to your questions, but....
1) Yes, I use it for this and it works fine.
2) According to an e-mail I have from Nissan, they are going to start a mailing campaign to inform owners of this warranty change.
3) Have SE....
4) Have a cousin that did this to his Sienna
5) With the SE, not many accessories we need....
 
Mark
2004 Quest SE

#1368 of 2128 Max A/C by garandman

Jul 08, 2005 (7:54 pm)

We have an 05 SL and the A/C works extremely well. But may I suggest RTFM? There is a Max A/C mode on the dial that automatically closes the exterior vent and turns up the fan speed. It cools down the van quickly.
 
We had a hot weekend with 99 degree temps and it worked great.

#1369 of 2128 Re: Just took a long road trip [plashenick] by famof3kids

Jul 08, 2005 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: plashenick (Jul 05, 2005 5:53 pm)
We just got back from FL as well, our first trip in the van. 12 hour drive from VA to FL. Agree with your A/C statement, same here. DVD worked great. We got 23.8 MPG with cruise. No rattles or squeeks. We got the luggage, toys, and two strollers for 3 adults and 3 children into the van without blocking the rear window. Amazed at how easy the van held 1 week worth of stuff. 1 large, 1 medium suitcase, 2 back packs, 1 small suitcase/back pack, 1 soft sided cooler with drinks, 1 umbrella stroller, 1 small stroller, 6 pillows.
Interesting how the AC, when on auto, would automatically choose recirculate mode until interior cooled off. Did noticed that the 5 speed auto didn't like traffic jams moving around 20mph, sometimes had a rough shift while trying to decide the gear. Seems it wants to go faster, ha. Front seats very comfortable. Back seats very comfortable with fore and aft adjustments allowed lots of stretching room.
No complaints from anyone, we still love our Quest!
 
Mark

#1370 of 2128 Re: Nissan Quest 2004+ Problems [spivey1869]My 04 Quest is Junk. Help!!! by mborger

Jul 08, 2005 (10:15 pm)

Replying to: spivey1869 (May 25, 2005 1:43 pm)

#1371 of 2128 My 04 Quest is Junk...Help. by mborger

Jul 08, 2005 (10:19 pm)

I bought my 04 Quest 18 months ago, and it had given me nonstop problems-squeaks, doors don't open, replaced radio, airbag, seat warmer, engine brackets, broken cupholder, sun visor, plus all the recalls. Now I am have emission problems. Any suggestions?

#1372 of 2128 Re: Brakes/Steering Wheel Vibrations - Final Update (hopefully) [chuck0731] by eyeblind

Jul 08, 2005 (11:08 pm)

Replying to: chuck0731 (Jul 07, 2005 9:58 pm)
Glad to hear things have worked out for you. I sounds like you have a good service department to work with. Hope your next update is a good one.

#1373 of 2128 Re: New tires, steering wheel vibration [dtownfb] by eyeblind

Jul 08, 2005 (11:13 pm)

Replying to: dtownfb (Jul 06, 2005 11:31 am)
On our way back from San Diego today the vibrations seemed to be getting worse. I will take it in this week to have it checked. I feel the vibrations in the seat as well as the steering wheel. I even think the vibrations can be felt in the 3rd row. I don't feel vibrations when braking like others have commented.

Messages Page 138 of 214

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