Recall PB023 - Possible Engine Compartment Fire: Overview
Reference: NTB06-082ADate: January 25, 2007
VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN
ALTIMA AND SENTRA QR25DE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
This bulletin has been amended. This version adds a flow chart for dealer inventory vehicles, amends the expense codes in the claims information, and amends the flow charts. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
CAMPAIGN I.D. # PB023
NHTSA #: 06V-223
APPLIED VEHICLES:
2006 Altima (L31), with QR25DE Engine
2006 Sentra (B15), with QR25DE Engine
APPLIED VINs:
Altima 1N4AL11**6C 159667 234874, or 1N4AL11**6N 344352 415475
Sentra 3N1AB51**6L 526889 - 597232
NOTE: Use Service Comm to determine campaign eligibility.
INTRODUCTION
Nissan has determined on some 2006 model year Nissan Altima (Sentra) vehicles equipped with four cylinder 2.5L engines, there is a possibility of an engine compartment fire. This is caused by extremely low engine oil level resulting from higher than normal engine oil consumption due to a manufacturing problem in some engines.
Nissan will take the following actions at no cost to the customer for parts or labor:
^ In order to prevent a fire from occurring, Nissan will reprogram the Electronic Control Module (ECM or engine computer) (Item 1 below).
Nissan will also take additional steps to help assure continued satisfaction, by evaluating the vehicle to determine if it exhibits abnormal oil consumption. In a small percentage of vehicles, engine replacement will be needed (Item 2 below).
1. In order to prevent a fire from occurring, a Nissan dealer will reprogram the Electronic Control Module (ECM or engine computer). This reprogramming will ensure that the engine will go into a "limp home" mode in the event that the engine oil drops to an unacceptable level. If this occurs, the "Service Engine Soon" light will illuminate and the vehicle engine RPM will not exceed 1800. Reduced drivability will result, but the vehicle will be able to be driven to a Nissan dealer for service. The ECM reprogramming should take about one hour to complete, but a Nissan dealer may require the vehicle for a longer time based upon their work schedule.
2. In addition to the ECM reprogramming, Nissan will also inspect the vehicle to determine if it has been consuming engine oil at a higher than normal rate. In many cases, a Nissan dealer will be able to make this diagnosis during the same visit as the ECM reprogramming.
^ If oil consumption is determined to be normal, the oil and filter will be changed and the vehicle returned to the customer.
^ If oil consumption is determined to be abnormal, the engine in the vehicle will be replaced.
^ In some cases, analysis of the engine oil will be necessary to determine if the engine needs to be replaced.
If engine oil analysis is necessary, a Nissan dealer will take an oil sample at the time of ECM reprogramming and send it to a separate laboratory. The oil, filter, and oil pan will be replaced and the vehicle will then be returned to the customer. After the oil sample analysis is completed, Nissan will inform the customer of the results in approximately 2-3 weeks by mail. In the meantime, it is safe to continue to drive the vehicle, but as always regularly checking the engine oil level as specified in the Owner's Manual is recommended.
In a few cases, the results of the oil sample will indicate engine replacement is necessary. In those cases, Nissan will ask the customer to return the vehicle to the dealership to have the engine replaced. If it is necessary to replace the engine, a rental vehicle will be provided while the vehicle is left at the dealer for the repair.
Nissan has extended the engine portion of the Powertrain Coverage on some of the 2006 Nissan New Vehicles Limited Warranty to 84 months or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. All other warranty terms, limitations, and conditions remain unchanged. This warranty extension applies to the vehicle whether the engine is replaced or not.
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Nissan has assigned identification number PB023 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communications and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign.
NUMBER OF VEHICLES POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The number of vehicles potentially affected is approximately 115,000.
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.
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