Ask an expert


thilal

HI, I bought an imported Teana JM 2.3L last year with 110k clocked (certified). It’s a dream machine and has got all I wanted. However, since late I experience a disturbing and inconsistent purrrr sound from the engine, when it runs around 2000 rpm, especially when running at moderate speed (around 40kmph). At high speed or motorway/highway driving it runs perfect, with the usual V6 purrr sound. Is it a major problem? I just talked to a mechanic and he said it could be a ‘torque demand’ issue and needs timing chain adjustment etc but I am a bit apprehensive. Also, is a little jerk when shifting gears in this model (CVT) common? Any remedies? Please advice me. Many thanks.

ABayliss

Without experiencing the problems, it's hard for us to diagnose, but both the noise and the jerking ring alarm bells in a vehicle with a CVT transmission.
Obviously, it could be something less serious, but I would get it looked at immediately as if the problem is in the transmission as I suspect, the sooner it is looked at the better.
A transmission specialist would be able to take it for a quick drive and give you an opinion.

thilal

Thanks for that advice. I bought it 7 months ago and done 20,000k since then. Do you think I should take it to the dealer (for full or partial cost cover) or take it to a Nissan dealer at my own risk? How am I covered by Consumer Protection Act? Thanks.

ABayliss

You could talk to the dealer about it, but at 7 months and 20,000km since purchase, it may be stretching it as far as cost recovery from the dealer is concerned. The Consumer Guarantees Act is based on what is "reasonable" and this amount of time and mileage may be beyond the terms of the CGA. However, if you have it repaired without notifying the dealer, you definitely have no redress against the dealer, so it may pay to approach him first.
If it is a problem with the CVT, a transmission specialist would be the best person to repair it.