Recall - Potential Engine Compartment Fire: Overview
Reference:NTB03-070c
Date:
November 17, 2006
VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN
ALTIMA AND SENTRA QR25DE ENGINE EXHAUST PIPE
HANGER P/N AND PRE-CATALYST
This bulletin has been amended. This version instructs NTB06-051a be used to reprogram the ECM on 2003 and 2004 Applied Vehicles. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
CAMPAIGN I.D.#
R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, & R3017
NHTSA # : 03V-084
APPLIED VEHICLES:
2002-03 Altima (L31), with QR25DE Engine
2002-04 Sentra (B15), with QR25DE Engine
APPLIED VINS:
Altima:
1N4AL11**2C100000 - 294952
1N4AL11**2C700001 - 719020
1N4AL11**3C100003 - 311983
Sentra:
3N1AB51**2L700019 - 730181
3N1AB51**3L716572 - 736783
3N1AB51**4L727627 - 730593
3N1AB51**4L736618 - 738436
NOTE:
For 2003 and 2004 Applied Vehicles: When you perform Procedure C (ECM Reprogramming), go to NTB06-051a for reprogramming information. You will still need to perform all other parts of this bulletin on 2003 and 2004 Applied Vehicles.
INTRODUCTION
Nissan has determined that some 2002-2003 model year Altima and 2002-2004 model year Sentra vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine have defects that relate to motor vehicle safety. For 2002-2003 model year Altimas, there is a possibility that the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road that could be ignited by contact with the catalytic converter and cause a fire. In addition, for 2002-2003 model year Altimas and 2002-2004 model year Sentras, there is a possibility that certain engine operating conditions may cause damage to the pre-catalyst. Material from inside a damaged pre-catalyst could enter the engine and result in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis and drops below the low level, and the driver continues to operate the vehicle ignoring noticeable engine noise, engine damage may occur which could result in a fire.
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Nissan has assigned identification number R3007/R3014/R3015/R3016/R3017 to this campaign. These numbers must appear on all communications and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign.
NOTE:
The multiple PNC codes (shown above) are used to define the model and repair group (e.g., those that do NOT require certain repairs or parts kits).
NUMBER OF VEHICLES POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The number of vehicles potentially affected is approximately 360,000.
DEALER RESPONSIBILITY
It is the retailer's responsibility to check Service Comm for the campaign status on each vehicle falling within the range of this voluntary safety recall which for any reason enters the service department. This includes vehicles purchased from private parties or presented by transient (tourist) owners and vehicles in a dealer's inventory. Federal law requires that new vehicles in dealer inventory which are the subject of a safety recall must be corrected prior to sale. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While federal law applies only to new vehicles, Nissan strongly encourages dealers to correct any used vehicles in their inventory before they are retailed.
OVERVIEW OF REPAIR
Exhaust Pipe Hanger Pin:
^ The exhaust pipe hanger pin is shortened on 2002-03 Altima, except those that were already repaired. This repair is NOT necessary on Sentra vehicles.
(This repair may be needed only if the PNC code is R3007.)
ECM Reprogramming / Pre-Catalyst / Exhaust Heat Shields:
^ ECM reprogramming is required to prevent future damage to the pre-catalyst. A special reprogramming card is available that contains ECM reprogramming data for all models/engine/transmission configurations affected by this campaign.
^ The exhaust pre-catalyst will be tested to determine if the pre-catalyst needs to be replaced.
^ The exhaust pre-catalyst will be inspected to determine if more extensive repairs are needed, that, for a limited number of vehicles, may include engine replacement.
^ Installation of new Heat Shields on the exhaust system for vehicles with PNC code R3007, R3014 and R3016.
NOTE: For vehicles with PNC code R3015 and R3017 new heat shields are not required. Do not use a visual inspection to determine the need for new heat shields, use the PNC code.
Use the "Repair Flow Chart" in the Service Procedure to determine the complete repair procedures for a specific vehicle.
SPECIAL CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE FEATURES
Customers should be informed that:
A. The basic repair for this campaign should take approximately 3 hours to complete.
B. A limited number of vehicles affected by this campaign may require more extensive campaign repairs.
C. If more extensive repairs are required:
^ The repair may take up to 5 days to complete.
^ Car Rental Assistance is available upon owner request and is to be provided free of charge to the customer.
Refer to the Claims Information section of this bulletin for additional information related to Car Rental Assistance.
INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE & EXHAUST SYSTEM MODIFICATION(S)
Some vehicles may be presented for repair that have been modified using non-Nissan components or in a way not authorized by Nissan. Vehicles that have minor or cosmetic modifications (such as a modified air filter/intake system) will be eligible for this campaign, as long as the modifications do not affect the dealer's ability to diagnose and install the campaign parts in accordance with this bulletin within the allotted time(s).
Owners of vehicles with more extensive, non-Nissan approved engine and/or exhaust system modifications may be responsible for bringing the vehicle into a condition that allows the campaign procedures to be followed and the repairs completed. Extensive modifications to these systems may make diagnosis (an essential part of this campaign) and the installation of campaign parts not possible. In such cases, the engine/vehicle must be returned to an appropriate condition in order for the campaign repair to be performed.
For example, the following Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts must be installed and functional:
^ all oxygen sensors
^ the pre-catalytic converter
^ catalytic converter
^ engine (ECM) control module
Once the campaign repair is completed, the re-installation of any non-Nissan parts is the financial responsibility of the owner and the cost to install these parts must be negotiated between the dealer and the vehicle owner. The Nissan dealer may elect not to perform any repairs that may violate emissions or other regulations.
For questions regarding modified equipment, contact the Warranty Claims Call Center.
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION
Dealer Instructions:
1. Use the "Labor Operation Flow Chart" to determine the "Labor Operation # " that was performed on this vehicle, then go to step 2.
2. Match the "Labor Operation # " (that you got from the flow chart on the previous page) with the Labor Operation # in the chart below.
3. From the appropriate column, select one (and only one):
^ Labor Operation Code (Op-Code) , and
^ FRI (Flat Rate lime)
2002-03 Altima Codes
2002-04 Sentra Warranty Codes
Additional Expense:
Engine/Exhaust Manifold Replacement:
^ Engines and Exhaust Manifolds replaced as part of this campaign repair are subject to Nissan/Third Party inspection.
^ Old (replaced) engines must be held at your dealership for 60 days from the date the engine was replaced.
^ All Exhaust Manifolds replaced as part of this campaign repair are subject to Part Return. A Parts Return Tag will be issued if Parts Return is required.
^ Please note that claims are subject to charge-back based on inspection of engines and/or exhaust manifolds.
Disclaimer