Paint - Removal of Environmental Particles

Classification:
BT01-048a

Reference:
NTB01-087a

Date:
December 17, 2001

ALL NISSAN; REMOVAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL IRON PARTICLES FROM
PAINT

This bulletin has been revised. The Claims Information was updated. Please discard paper copies NTB01-087.

APPLIED VEHICLE:
All Nissan Vehicles

SERVICE INFORMATION

Environmental iron particles can be identified as follows:

^ Small rust/orange dots with black centers on light colored surfaces,

^ Small white or silver dots with a "rainbow hue" around the edge on dark colored surfaces.

In both cases, the surface will feel rough or gritty to the touch.

The steps in the Service Procedure have been found effective in most cases for removing environmental iron particles (sometimes called "rail dust") from a vehicle's painted surfaces.

Refer to the Service Procedure of this bulletin for instructions on repairing this type of environmental damage if it should occur. However, refer to the Claims Information section at the end of this bulletin for important claims information concerning environmental claims.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

CAUTION:
In most cases these environmental iron particles can be easily removed. However, the longer they are left untreated, the more damage they can create, and the harder they are to remove. In rare, more severe cases, spots of paint blistering can occur.

1. Use a magnifying glass to check if iron particles are present.

2. Wash the vehicle with soap and warm water. Completely dry the vehicle.

Note:
There are 3 Steps of damage repair possible that should be completed in the order given.

^ Start with Step A first. Complete Step B if necessary.

^ Proceed to Step C only if iron particles are not removed in the preceding steps.

3. Repair the paint damage.

A. Light/Medium Damage (surface level only)

Remove the iron particles using a clay bar such as Clay Magic(TM) by Auto Wax Company, Inc., SPC40 Overspray Clay by PPG, a "clay like" surface cleaning material such as Erazer(TM) by K.E.L. Mfg., or equivalent.

WARNING:
Read and follow the manufacturer's procedure before using.

B. Medium Damage (surface level only)

Remove the iron particles using a chemical cleaning product such as:

^ An industrial fallout remover (i.e. oxalic acid) such as Zep Industrial Fallout Remover(TM) X-20472 by Zep Manufacturing Company or equivalent; or

^ A chemical neutralization system such as ValuGard(TM) 3-Step Neutralization/Decontamination System by Automotive International, Inc., or equivalent.

WARNING:
Read and follow the manufacturer's procedure before using.

C. Heavy Damage (deep into the clear and/or color coat)

This step will require wet sanding and/or repainting. Contact your local paint refinish supplier for recommended procedures such as BASF Corporation Rail Dust repair procedure, Sherwin-Williams Ultra 7000 Basecoat System or equivalent.

CAUTION:
Only an experienced paint technician, who is familiar with proper refinishing techniques should perform the above repair.

For more information on identifying and diagnosing iron particles and other paint issues, refer to the Nissan/Infiniti Paint Incident Identification Manual, P/N 5PII00. Call DYMENT: 1-800-247-5321 for a copy of the Nissan/Infiniti Paint Incident Identification Manual, P/N 5PII00.

CLAIMS INFORMATION

Section 1 of the Assurance Products Resource Manual (under "Environmental Damage") states, Since Environmental Damage is generally excluded from the Nissan's New Vehicle Limited Warranty, repairs for such damage do not generally qualify for reimbursement as warranty expense. However, if damage is noted at the time of delivery, the dealer may submit a transportation claim. Upon vehicle delivery, note environmental damage on the carrier's delivery receipt. The carrier's delivery receipt must be signed by both the carrier driver and dealership personnel.

Environmental damage must be noted at the time of vehicle delivery. The Claims Call Center, Transportation Department, must also be contacted for pre-approval of repairs on all environmental damage claims. Failure to comply with either of the above will result in transportation claim denial

If environmental damage occurs while the vehicle is in the customer's possession, like any non-warranty repair, it may be considered as a goodwill matter on strictly a case-by-case basis. If you have such a repair which you believe may merit such a consideration, but it exceeds the dealer's self-authorization authority, you may contact the Claims Call Center (1-800-258-7008).