2122 messages,
Last post on Feb 19, 2013 at 10:34 AM
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Nissan Frontier Forum.
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Nissan Frontier, Truck
#2113 of 2122 Re: Huge smog problems [shuffles]
by shuffles
Nov 08, 2011 (11:42 am)
Here is a better link for similar info:
http://www.villa-automotive.com/ReasonsForaConverterFailure.htm
Your Catalytic Converter
Should Never Have Failed.
If It Did, Then You Have A Problem
Just replacing the converter Will Not Fix The Problem
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If your catalytic converter needs replacing,
one of the problems below most likely contibuted to its failure.
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Engine Tune-Up Required.
A number of problems could occur to the catalytic converter as the result of an engine that is out of tune. Any time an engine is operating outside proper specifications, unnecessary wear and damage may be caused to the the catalytic converter as well as the engine itself. The damage is often the result of an incorrect air/fuel mixture, incorrect timing, or misfiring spark plugs. Any of these conditions could lead to a catalytic converter failure or worse.
Excess Fuel Entering Exhaust.
The fuel that powers your vehicle is meant to burn in the combustion chamber only. Any fuel that leaves the combustion chamber unburned will enter the exhaust system and light-off when it reaches the catalytic converter. This can super-heat the converter far above normal operating conditions and cause a Melt Down. Possible causes are an incorrect fuel mixture, incorrect timing, corroded spark plugs, a faulty oxygen sensor, sticking float, faulty fuel injector or a malfunctioning check valve.
Oil or Antifreeze Entering Exhaust.
Oil or Antifreeze entering the exhaust system can block the air passages by creating a heavy carbon soot that coats the ceramic catalyst. These heavy Carbon Deposits create two problems. First, the carbon deposits prevent the catalytic converter from reducing harmful emission in the exhaust flow. And second, the carbon deposits clog the pores in the ceramic catalyst and block exhaust flow, increasing backpressure and causing heat and exhaust to back up into the engine compartment. Your engine may actually draw burnt exhaust gasses back into the combustion chamber and dilute the efficiency of the next burn cycle. The result is a loss of power and overheated engine components. Possible causes are worn piston rings, faulty valve seals, failed gaskets or warped engine components.
Deteriorated Spark Plug
or Spark Plug Wires.
Spark plugs that don't fire or misfire cause unburned fuel to enter the exhaust system. The unburned fuel ignites inside the converter and could result in a partial or complete melt down of the ceramic catalyst. Spark plugs and spark plug wires should be checked regularly and replaced if damaged or if wires are worn or cracked.
Oxygen Sensor
Not Functioning Properly.
An oxygen sensor failure can lead to incorrect readings of exhaust gasses. The faulty sensor can cause a too rich or too lean condition. Too rich and the catalyst can melt down. Too lean and the converter is unable to convert the hydrocarbons into safe elements and may not pass a state inspection.
Road Damage or Broken Hangers.
The ceramic catalyst inside a catalytic converter is made from a lightweight, thin-walled, fragile material. It is protected by a dense, insulating mat. This mat holds the catalyst in place and provides moderate protection against damage. However, rock or road debris s triking the converter or improper or broken exhaust system support can cause a Catalyst Fracture. Once the ceramic catalyst is fractured, the broken pieces become loose and rattle around and break up into smaller pieces. Flow is interrupted and backpressure in the exhaust system increases. This leads to heat build up and loss of power. Possible causes of a catalyst fracture are road debris striking the converter, loose or broken hangers, potholes or off-road driving.
After You Install
A New Catalytic Converter,
If your car caused the OEM catalytic converter to fail,
it could cause The New Converter To Fail as well. And the warranty that comes with a new replacement catalytic converter does not cover the type of damage listed above.
#2114 of 2122 Re: Huge smog problems [getting_burned]
by 604doc
Nov 09, 2011 (6:33 pm)
Just for the fun of it, I checked Rockauto.com for catalytic converters for Frontiers. They show 3. (Not knowing your year, I punched in 2007)
They do say they are not legal for use in the Republik of Kalifornia, so if you live there, it looks like you're out of luck.
Sorry to hear about your problems.
#2115 of 2122 Home diagnostics
by shuffles
Jan 18, 2012 (11:54 am)
When I bought my 2006 Frontier the salesman showed me a routine to go through to diagnose the vehicle. I have looked and looked in the owner's manual and can't find it. Anyone out there know how to do it?
#2116 of 2122 Towing with Frontier 4.0
by 5ta7_ta3_i
Jun 01, 2012 (8:17 pm)
We recently bought a '12 LWB SL crew with the 4.0 V6 and are thinking of selling our class C motorhome and buying a trailer in the 3500-4100 dry weight range. Loaded we would come pretty close to the 6000 LB rating. My questions are:
-What kind of MPG have you experienced? in what region, road and terrain?
-What are you pulling?
-What hitch equipment?
-Any transmission or brake issues?
In our class C we're happy when we get over 8mpg towing our Matrix, if the Fronty would be in the single digits, we'll probably stick with our current setup. Thanks for your help!
Jun 02, 2012 (5:51 am)
I have a 2011 4L V6 CC, I have not attempted to pull anything near 6,000 lb, but I have read a lot of posts on other Frontier forums about towing. Also, your owner's manual has a whole chapter on towing. With 6,000 lbs, you would need a Cl IV hitch, and I would get some advice from your RV dealer as to weight distribution, what kind of trailer brakes used, etc, before buying the hitch. I would stick with the Nissan wiring harness, aftermarket types can void your warranty if something goes wrong. I bought a Cl III hitch (5,000 lbs) from a Master Hitch dealer , the Hidden Hitch fits neatly under the rear bumper and looks professsional.
I will only comment on one other thing: MPG is not going to be great. I know I recently read on another Frontier forum that a new RV trailer owner (22ft) averaged 10 mpg on his first trip home with his trailer. Even if you drove like an old man, I can't imagine your mpg would ever crawl above 12-13 mpg over a whole trip, given 6,000 lbs. I wish the Frontier had a diesel !
Nothing really wrong with Edmunds, but there are better(busier) Nissan Frontier owner forums out there. Do a Google search and you will find them !
Just my .02 !
Take care,
#2118 of 2122 Re: Towing MPG [steelydan]
by 5ta7_ta3_i
Jun 02, 2012 (7:01 pm)
Thanks Steelydan, I'll check it out
#2120 of 2122 Re: Radiator Transmission and Timing Belt Tensioners [losman719]
by bricker66
Oct 28, 2012 (11:43 am)
I'm currently having problems with my transmission working correctly in overdrive. I have to shut the overdrive off in order to stop vibrating at 35 to 40 miles per hour. How did you get Nissan to replace your transmission. I have 87000 miles on my 2005 crew cab 4x4.
#2121 of 2122 Re: Transmission Trouble [draines5]
by cooper60
Feb 18, 2013 (10:18 am)
My 2007 Frontier has the same problem. I just had the radiator replaced and transmission fluid looked like chocolate milk. They flushed it and put in new transmission fluid. It still has problem of rumbling but not as bad. Does anyone know how to lodge a complaint so that Nissan must do a recall?
#2122 of 2122 Frontier radiator
by shuffles
Feb 19, 2013 (10:34 am)
First, Nissan extended my warrantee to cover this situation. Not long ago I got an offer in the mail for reimbursement if I had had to pay for replacement.
Here is the name of the Class Action Co-Counsel
Gary Graifman
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman
747 Chestnut Ridge Rd.
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
The letter indicated I have till 6/7/13 to file. I hope this helps. I haven't had this problem with my Frontier.