(Posted on Mar 9, 2019 at 07:59AM by Robert Bacon)
Dear Robert,
My 2018 Nissan Maxima has been sputtering when I accelerate and I’m not sure how serious the problem is. I’ve heard it could be down to dirty fuel injectors: what do you think?
Thanks,
Emma
Hi, Emma!
If your 2018 Nissan Maxima is sputtering when you accelerate, it’s certainly something you should investigate. The only exception is if it’s caused by nearly running out of fuel, as this would be normal.
Fuel injectors spray gasoline into your vehicle’s cylinders which is then mixed with air and ignited. Over time, the nozzles can become dirty and clogged.
Dirty fuel injectors can’t provide the correct amount of gasoline which causes your Maxima to sputter when you put your foot down. Ultimately this results in slow acceleration and a loss of power.
The problem is, this type of issue can be caused by anything from a leak in the exhaust manifold to a failing catalytic converter. You should take your vehicle to our Service Department and let the Technicians have a look.
Thanks for the question, Emma. Don’t hesitate to contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington again if you ever need anything else.
(Posted on Mar 8, 2019 at 08:00PM by Robert Bacon)
Dear Robert,
I recently bought a new 2019 Nissan Rogue and noticed that it makes a ticking noise after I switch the engine off. I’ve heard this from other vehicles before and want to make sure it’s nothing to worry about.
Thanks,
James
Hi, James!
Your 2019 Nissan Rogue is almost certainly fine, but there is a chance the ticking sound could be due to a problem.
The most common cause of this sound coming from a vehicle is due to a heating/cooling cycle, and this isn’t anything to worry about.
Combustion and friction cause some of your Rogue's components to get very hot. Once you turn the engine off, these parts cool down to the ambient temperature: as this happens, a ticking noise is produced. For example, your car’s exhaust could go from over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit down to 30 degrees, causing the material to expand and then contract.
This sound can also come from loose components in the engine bay or be the result of low oil pressure. If you're worried that this is the case, you should inspect your drivetrain or bring the car to our Service Department.
Thanks for the question, James! Please contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington again if you need anything else.
(Posted on Mar 8, 2019 at 07:00AM by Robert Bacon)
Hi Robert,
My 2018 Nissan Titan’s engine has been shaking recently and it's getting worse. This happened to a friend's car before and was due to damaged hoses: could I be having the same problem?
Thanks,
Dean
Hi, Dean!
There are many things that could cause your 2018 Nissan Titan’s engine to shake. But the issue might be the result of loose, disconnected, or broken hoses.
The hoses connected to your truck’s drivetrain expel by-product gases from the engine. If any of them become loose, worn out, or disconnected the whole unit will start to shake.
A problem like this could lead to things such as misfires, stalling, and a loss of power. If the problem gets worse, it may cause the engine to shut down entirely.
A wide variety of issues could lead to your vehicle’s engine shaking, such as a worn-out timing belt or broken engine mounts. So, I can't say with certainty what the problem is with your truck.
The Technicians at our Service Department will easily be able to diagnose the problem with your Titan: my advice is to call over to them.
Thanks for the question, Dean! Contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington if you need anything else.
(Posted on Mar 8, 2019 at 02:00AM by Robert Bacon)
Hi Robert,
I recently drove my new 2018 Nissan Kicks after a snowstorm and noticed it shaking on the highway. This really unnerved me but my friend said it just happens sometimes due to a buildup of ice: is this true?
Thanks,
Carly
Hi, Carly!
It’s certainly true that a snowstorm could cause your 2018 Nissan Kicks to shake but, luckily, it doesn’t produce any long-term damage.
Ice and snow can build up in a car’s spokes during a storm which leads to the wheels becoming unbalanced. This causes the vehicle to shake while driving.
The sensation can be anything from a minor shake to making you think your wheels are going to come off. The problem gets worse at higher speeds, so it makes sense that you would notice it on the highway.
Once the ice melts off your wheels the problem will go away. If the feeling is really unnerving you, use a snow brush to clean between your car’s spokes and this should solve the issue.
Thanks for your question, Carly! Take it easy on the roads and don’t hesitate to contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington if you need anything else.
(Posted on Mar 6, 2019 at 11:00PM by Robert Bacon)
Dear Robert,
I noticed some black smoke coming from my 2019 Nissan Sentra’s exhaust yesterday and heard what sounded like a popping noise. My friend said this could be down to a dirty air filter: is he right?
Thanks,
Mathew
Hi, Mathew!
There are a number of things that could cause black smoke to come from your 2019 Nissan Sentra’s exhaust. But your friend is correct that a dirty air filter may be the culprit.
Your air filter ensures that the right amount of oxygen reaches the engine. When it gets too dirty not enough air is let in.
If your Sentra’s engine isn’t getting enough oxygen, it might not burn off fuel at an adequate rate. This could result in some gasoline running through the car’s system which would cause black smoke.
As the unburnt fuel runs through your vehicle’s system it becomes super-heated, this results in the popping sounds you have been hearing.
When you waste fuel like this your car’s mpg will drop and it’s also bad for the environment. I think you should call down to our Service Department and let the Technicians have a look.
Thanks for your question, Mathew! Contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington if you need anything else.